b'HEALTH & SAFETYpleasant environment where he/she hasUnfortunately, the last two years ofhealth issues and create a safe and secure attachments to the company andCOVID have suspended progress on MHsecure environment for workers to seek coworkers, then the job is satisfying toprograms at the exact time when theyhelp, says Howatt. We are all aware the worker and stress levels are reduced.were most needed. With the virus slowlyof the need for PPE in the workplace. On the other hand, workers simply seeinglessening its grip on society and theWe must now be aware of the need for the job as a pay cheque typicallyeconomy, companies need to ramp upPPP in the workplace as wellpersonal experience high stress and anxietysupport for their workers MH and helppsychological protection.caused by feeling trapped in the job bybuild resilience to the increasing stress the need to support their families. of their jobs.As Marsh, an international leader in Companies also need to determine theinsurance and risk assessment, recently COVID HAS CAUSEDstate of their workers MH, learn whatstated, While the COVID-19 pandemic the workers perceive as the companysis temporary, mental healthgood and MENTAL HEALTHculture and attitudes concerning MHbadis always with us. There is not a and then act on the recommendationsmore appropriate time for construction that come out of this process. Companycompanies to work with theirCONCERNS TO ESCALATEleaders need to learn how to identify andemployees to improve their long term empathize with their workers mentalwell-being.IN AN INDUSTRY THAT IS ALREADY STRUGGLINGGETTING ON TRACKWITH A STRESSFULTIPS FROM EXPERTS TO HELP TO GET YOUR COMPANYS MENTAL HEALTH (MH) PROGRAM ON TRACK:WORKPLACE AND NOW 1. Perform an MH health risk assessment and staff survey HAS TO DEAL WITH SUPPLYto determine the risks that the company has in this area.CHAIN DISRUPTIONS 2.Develop and undertake a visible action plan on the results from the risk assessment and staff survey that builds a safe and effective environment for dealing with MH issues.The US National Centre for Construction Education and Research recently stated,3.Review the companys MH programs on a regular basis to keep Construction workers are at high riskthem up-to-date, flexible and focused on the specific challengesbecause of what their jobs entail and theof the construction workplace.culture that surrounds it. The pandemic has shined a light on the lack of needed resources in companies to deal with and support worker MH wellness.COVID has caused MH concerns to escalate in an industry that is already struggling with a stressful workplace and now has to deal with supply chain disruptions and increased workloads. It appears the pandemics focus on new COVID physical H&S measures has putCanadas Leading Supplier of Custom-Made MH concerns on the back burner. Window Coverings Since 1947. The result is the suspension of progress on introducing MH programs overDedicated Project ManagersKnowledgeable Support Staffthe last two years. The post-pandemic near-term will be an important timeTrained, Experienced InstallersManufacturing Plant Located in GTAfor companies to properly understand and support workers who are dealing with increased MH issues in theToll Free: 1-800-663-9587construction environment. Email: info@west-port.comWHAT NEXT? Website: www.west-port.comSo what needs to be done? BUILDERSDIGEST Quarter 1 202233'