In the trades, where workers often face physically demanding tasks, long hours, and unpredictable conditions, prioritizing overall well-being has become increasingly important. To foster healthier, inclusive, and supportive workplaces, organizations should focus on three essential pillars: mental health, workplace safety, and inclusivity.
Acknowledge the importance of mental health
Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of workplace safety in trades, yet the psychological demands placed on workers are significant. Irregular hours, physical exhaustion, and job insecurity can all contribute to these challenges. Higher rates of injury and pain can make workers more vulnerable to harm from substance use. Many may face additional stress if they are in remote or isolated job sites, which can limit their access to mental health resources and support networks.
To address these concerns, employers can adopt training and awareness programs aimed at reducing stigma and promoting open conversations about mental health. Programs that educate everyone in the workplace on recognizing signs of mental health issues can foster a more supportive environment. Early intervention and offering strategies to manage stress and avoid burnout, such as access to counseling services or flexible work arrangements where possible, can also make a positive impact on mental well-being.
Why stigma matters
Stigmas are negative attitudes, beliefs, or behaviours about an individual or group because of a characteristic they share. Stigma can include stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.
For the individual, stigma can lead to negative experiences at work, low self-esteem, discrimination, and fear of disclosing mental health issues and seeking treatment.
In the workplace, stigma can lead to staff presenteeism and absenteeism, reduced productivity and engagement, difficulty attracting and retaining talent, difficulty implementing psychological health and safety initiatives, and increased costs related to mental health injuries and illnesses.
Build a supportive work environment
A supportive work environment where everyone feels valued, secure, and safe to speak up about potential physical and mental health hazards or concerns can be built by starting with a safety-focused culture.
Regularly assess job sites, and ensuring staff have the training and tools to carry out their work safely. Support can also mean having supervisors check in on workers’ mental and emotional states, as well as providing access to mental health resources. Encourage workers to bring forward safety concerns without fear of reprisal, aiming to create a work environment where health and safety take priority.
Good ergonomics and reducing physical strain are important aspects of well-being for workers in the trades, especially in fields like construction and manufacturing. Introduce good work practices, provide ergonomic tools, and encourage rest breaks to help reduce the physical strain on workers. This, in turn, helps relieve stress and anxiety from physical exhaustion. Investing in supportive practices can significantly reduce injury rates and increase workplace morale.
Break down barriers to inclusion
While traditionally male-dominated, the trades are seeing a demographic shift as more women and people from diverse backgrounds join its workforce. However, these workers often face unique challenges, from gender-based discrimination to barriers related to cultural differences. These barriers can be addressed by implementing clear anti-discrimination policies, promoting equal opportunity, and supporting diversity in hiring and promotion practices.
Creating inclusive workplaces also involves actively listening to the needs of all workers and ensuring a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and discrimination. By fostering a culture where everyone’s contributions are valued, employers can improve job satisfaction and morale. Investing in diversity, equity and inclusion training helps encourage empathy and respect and can help to break down stereotypes and biases, making the work environment more welcoming for everyone.
Inclusive policies benefit not just underrepresented groups but the entire workforce. When workers feel accepted and respected, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. In addition to providing training programs, employers can encourage inclusivity by establishing mentorship opportunities and fostering networks that connect diverse employees. These actions can also help create pathways for career growth and support.
By creating a culture that values safety, inclusivity, and mental health, employers cannot only attract a broader range of talent but also support and prioritize the well-being of workers.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) promotes the total well-being — physical, psychosocial, and mental health — of workers in Canada by providing information, advice, education, and management systems and solutions that support the prevention of injury and illness.
To learn more safety tips, visit ccohs.ca.
