b'THE SILENT EPIDEMIC As a result of this concern, SAFEPartyka. Both physical and mental So why is mental illness so prevalentWork Manitoba and its partners havehealth interplay in the workplace. in the construction industry? Somedeveloped the Psychological HealthMental problems can put a worker as experts say its rooted in the fact thatand Safety in the Workplace Strategymuch at risk as physical ones. A hazard, the industry is dominated by malesto assist companies in making thiswhether physical or mental, is stillwho are expected to project a machochange to their H&S policies. a hazard.image at work. This image causesHall identifies three types of training individuals to be reluctant to talkthat workplaces are accessing withTAKING STEPSabout mental health for fear of beingregard to psychological safety andResources to assist with moving criticized by fellow workers.health: equipping workers withforward with a company program According to the Centers for Diseaseawareness of psychological challengesare not well known and uptake on Control and Prevention, this is one ofand where they can go for help,such action is only beginning in the many specific industry-related issuesequipping leaders with understandingconstruction sector.that affect the mental wellness ofof the issue and how to identifyOur experience is that companies construction workers. Others includeworkers who are having problems andwho have dealt with a mental health a competitive and stressful workplace,training leaders on how to integrate high rate of alcohol and substancepsychological health measures as a partchallenge personally or with their abuse and the anxiety over continuingof the larger company H&S program. staff are more likely to take definitive income to support their families due toSAFE Work Manitoba, CMHA Manitobaaction on mental health within their seasonal layoffs and other factors.and Winnipeg and the Occupationalcompany, says Partyka.BREAK THE SILENCE Health Centre partnered on a one-daySo what resources are available to Stemming the tide of mental illnessworkshop called Hazard is a Hazardassist companies with psychological requires the industry to break theon integrating psychological healthhealth programs? There are a number silence on the crisis and get it out inand safety into a companys H&Sof organizations that have resources the open where workers will feel safe toprogram. The workshop covered thefor both employers and workers. These speak out about mental health. Sadly,issues around psychological healthinclude SAFE Work Manitoba, the despite the growing statistics on mentalin the workplace and opportunitiesMental Health Commission of Canada, illness in the workplace universally,for incorporating measures into H&S corrective action to manage it hasprograms within companies. In addition,the federal governments Mental significantly fallen behind other healththe workshop highlighted CSA standardHealth in the Workplace program, the and safety (H&S) risks. Z1003-2013 Psychological Health Canadian Mental Health Association, So what can be done? Ela Partykaand Safety in the Workplace. ThisCanada Lifes Workplace Strategies for of the Canadian Mental Healthstandard contains well-thought-outMental Health and the Construction Association Manitoba and Winnipegbenchmarks for programs concerningSafety Association of Manitoba,(CMHA) says, The key to addressingpsychological health. which can also assist construction this dilemma is raising awareness inDetermining the health of workers iscompanies with connecting to the the construction industry that mentalno longer just physical health, saysappropriate resources.illness and mental challenges are serious health issues. Unfortunately, most construction companies donot perceive the issue because itis misunderstood. Youre buildingBetter understanding of the issue requires training management staffthe future.on what mental illness entails, how to recognize signs of mental illness in workers and implementing a Were here to help.psychological health initiative as part of a companys overall H&S program.You need the right equipment, at the right place, right now. With an unmatched According to Jamie Hall, Chiefrental fleet and branch network, we are ready to help you maximize productivityOperating Officer of SAFE Workand protability. And our round the clock service and support meansManitoba, Claims at the WCB forthe equipment will work just as hard as you do. psychological illness are increasing.160 Mountainview RdWinnipeg, MB R3C 2E6Our mandate includes working204-775-7171 UnitedRentals.com800.UR.RENTSwith industries to reduce the risk 2015 United Rentals, Inc.of workplace injuries and illnesses by implementing H&S measures. Psychological health is a priority for our organization.Issue 4WinterEdition 2019/2020 BUILD MANITOBA 35'