Report from the OH&S Canada magazine (Spring 2022)
Report by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) Corner
This is the first article of a three-article ongoing report from the CCOHS. I felt it necessary to pass this complete article on because of the growing stress in the world today and the need to address workplace stress in general.
Daniel Beal – CHSEP Advanced
CEO of HRS Group Inc.
The Need to Disconnect
Disconnecting from work means having the ability to stop working and not fell obligated to respond to work issues outside of defined working hours. Having uninterrupted personal time and space away from work stressors allows your body and mind the opportunity to relax and recover.
Depending on the nature of the work, it can be easy or difficult to disconnect. Workers who are unable to work when outside the workplace (e.g. manufacturing or construction) may have an easier time. Workers that can easily continue working (e.g. sales, finance, consultants, technical specialists) may find it harder.
What the Law Says
Last year (2021), Ontario became the first province to pass laws to help employees disconnect. Effective on June 2022, the new act requires workplaces with 25 or more people to have a written policy.
Moreover, provincial, territorial, and federal governments have laws that require employers to provide time off from work, unless the occupation is exempt (e.g. police officer) or there are extenuating circumstances. Some employment standard laws include protections for workers to have time off work on a per day and per week basis unless other arrangements have been made. Some jurisdictions specifically state that “on-call” or “stand-by” workers are not considered to be working. However, if the worker is called in, they are considered to be working and must be compensated.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Stress in the Workplace’, and ‘Violence and Harassment in the Workplace’.
Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
We can also be reached at info@hrsgroup.com
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.