The proposed changes to Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Act in Bill 30: An Act to Protect the Health and Well-being of Working Albertans (the New Act), include a more expansive definition of "health and safety." The proposed changes will include psychological and social well-being, in addition to the physical well-being of workers. These changes means we as employers need to step up and better support the overall well-being of our workers.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) defines mental health as the capacity of each and all of us to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges we face. Mental health influences how we think and feel about ourselves and others. It affects our ability to learn, communicate, and be in relationships with others. We all have mental health and we must work together to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is one way to train our workforce to feel confident having conversations about mental health. MHFA Basic Training is suitable for people of experiences and backgrounds, and there is a huge opportunity for the trades to start leading by example.