Across the province, we’ve seen attitudes towards safety shifting. More fishermen use PFDs, more health care workers use proper lifts, and more conversations are being had around injury prevention. However, Nova Scotia is facing challenges when it comes to psychological health and safety in the workplace.
An important issue for Nova Scotia
A workplace that is psychologically healthy and safe will respect and listen to workers, act on their concerns, and provide opportunities for workers to have some control over their work. This often results in fewer work-related injuries and illnesses, less time loss and shorter time off work when injuries and illnesses occur, less absenteeism, and more productive and engaged workers.
When thinking about the elements that contribute to strong safety culture, it is clear that many of these elements are directly linked to supporting employee psychological health and safety as well.
- Organizational culture
- Clear leadership and expectations
- Civility and respect
- Psychological job demands
- Growth and development
- Recognition and reward
- Involvement and influence
- Workload management
- Engagement
- Work/life balance
- Psychological protection from violence, bullying and harassment
- Protection of physical safety
- Protection of psychological safety
Creating psychologically healthy and safe workplaces in Nova Scotia
WCB has created a plan to provide awareness, assessment, and coaching resources that will help Nova Scotia employers improve the psychological health and safety of their workplaces.