Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine (June 2015)
Depression, sleepiness, anxiety and problems concentrating are present in a large proportion of injured workers with permanent impairment, according to a study by Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario and the ‘Research Action Alliance on the Consequences of Work Injury’.
The study, ‘Mental Health Status of Ontario Injured Workers with Permanent Impairments’, was published in the July/August 2012 issue of the ‘Canadian Journal of Public Health’; More than one third of the sample reported five out of nine mental-health conditions; nearly half indicated symptoms of depressed mood and problems concentrating; and 12% reported ill effects from medication abuse.
The findings are based on surveys of 494 respondents aged between 25 and 55, who filed first-time claims with the ‘Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’ and were certified permanently impaired between January 2005 and November 2007.
“Given The risk of experiencing workplace injury facing all Canadian workers, and the risk, for some, a permanent impairment, attention to the mental-health consequences of work injury ought to figure prominently in worker compensation claims adjudication,” the study says.
My opinion
The last few years, 2019-2021, were discussing the need to identify and deal with mental health issues. All people need to have a productive forum that allows a comfortable dialogue of any current mental issues.
The workplace injuries, especially those that end up as permanent impairment, force the worker to deal with the same problems on a permanent basis. The need for closure does not occur and mental health counselling is necessary to the worker’s well-being.
I am please to see that mental health concerns are not a taboo subject any further and a worker can feel comfortable asking for help.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.