Mental Health is Our Priority
Mental health issues in the workplace are among the top concerns for organizations of all sizes.
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), one in five Canadians experiences a mental health problem or illness each year. In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC reports that mental disorder claims are becoming the fastest-growing type of claim at the agency. In fact, in 2018, the number of these claims from the general construction industry was up 20 percent compared to 2016.
Prioritizing the mental health of employees benefits the individual and the organization. Mentally healthy workplaces can improve recruitment and retention efforts, enhance productivity, and increase the bottom line.
Addiction and Harm Reduction Resources
- Naloxone: Naloxone is a medication that quickly reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids such as heroin, methadone, fentanyl and morphine. It is available in BC without a prescription and is often given as an injection into a muscle. (link to bccaebt naloxone blog post)
- Overdose prevention and response
- Reduce the stigma of substance abuse: use humanizing non-judgemental language
- Supervised Consumption: Overdose Prevention Sites are locations where people can use illegal drugs under supervision by trained staff who can provide emergency response services if necessary.
- ALAViDA: On-demand substance use support from your smartphone
- Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan: alcohol and drug treatment program, providing mental health and addiction services to the BC and Yukon organized construction industry.
- Drug-checking services: Drug-checking services are now offered by a variety of harm reduction service providers across BC.
- Lifeguard App: This life-saving app can automatically connect you to emergency responders if you become unresponsive.
Tailgate Toolkit Project
The 2018 BC Coroner’s Report uncovered a significant substance use problem in the construction, trades, and transport industry. In fact, 55% of workers who died due to overdose, worked in the industry.
VICA’s Tailgate Toolkit Project was born out of the findings of that report. And today the project aims to increase access to harm reduction services for workers in the construction industry.
The Tailgate Toolkit Project consists of:
- Toolbox Talks, a training course for industry members
- An industry-specific support group in partnership with the Umbrella Society
- Region-specific resource packages
If you have questions or concerns about the project, email Emily (she/they) or Colby (he/him) at VICA’s Harm Reduction Team or give them a call at (250) 800-0918.
Addiction & Substance Abuse Toolkit
It can be challenging to figure out where to start when coping with or seeing a loved one struggle with addiction or substance use disorder. That’s why the BCCA Employee Benefit Trust compiled some tools for you to provide to someone in need or if you need counselling yourself.
These resources can help you whether you’re the one struggling with illness or if you’re witnessing a loved one who is struggling.
Feel free to share this toolkit with your colleagues and loved ones. You never know who may be in need of support.
Free Resource
Substance Use Disorder & Addiction Toolkit
Mental Health
Learn about stress, anxiety, depression + more and find resources to help yourself and loved ones.
Tools to Get Help
- Anxiety Canada is a leader in developing free online, self-help, and evidence-based resources on anxiety.
- Bounceback is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
- Crisis Centre BC provides immediate access to barrier-free, non-judgemental, confidential support and follow-up to youth, adults, and seniors through 24/7 phone lines and online services.
- Wellness Together offers free mental health & substance use support. Chat with professional counsellors, learn coping skills, and/or connect with peers who understand your experience.
If you’re covered under the BCCA Employee Benefit Trust benefit plan, you can submit claims for various resources under the psychology benefit.
Helpful Phone Numbers
- BC Provincial Health & Advice: 811
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
- Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (do not add 604, 778 or 250 before the number)
- Seniors Distress Line: 604 872 1234
- Kid’s Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- Alcohol & Drug Information & Referral Service: 1-800-663-1441 or 604-660-9382
- Emergency: 911
Health & Safety Resources for Employers
- How to Start and Run a Mental Health Committee
- Managing the mental health effects of COVID-19 in the workplace
- Psychological Support Toolkit for Workers and Employers – COVID-19: a comprehensive resource that provides information packs, checklists, access to free recordings of the 5 part virtual summit and access to an online discussion forum where participants can network, exchange ideas and ask questions with both peers and industry experts.
- Guarding Minds @ Work: Downloadable documents to help assess and address psychological healthy safety in your workplace.
- Workplace Mental Health Resources for Employers
-
Psychological Health & safety – An action guide for employers
- Return-to-Work Guidelines for Employers
- Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: Practical approaches for protecting the psychological health and safety of employees. This includes effective policy and prevention strategies to eliminate or mitigate risks
Courses & Workshops
Mental Health First Aid Basic: a 12-hour training course delivered in four modules of three hours each. Participants will learn how to provide initial help to people who are showing signs of a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. This course is particularly useful for those in charge of providing first aid to workers on site.
Mental Health Works: Mental Health Works helps to strengthen psychologically healthy and safe workplaces through workshops that promote awareness building, stigma reduction, and collaboration.
Builders Code
The Builders Code sets a standard code of conduct for workers on construction sites in BC. It defines an “Acceptable Worksite” as the starting point for reducing risk and ensuring a safe and productive environment for all workers.
The Builders Code aims to help construction employers communicate a reasonable, consistent behaviour expectation to improve the safety, productivity and retention of skilled tradespeople while reducing project risk.
Builders Code provides access to:
- Policies for construction employers who want to set a solid foundation for the equal and safe treatment of all employees.
- Advisors who act as coaches, ready to help BC, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut construction employers navigate developing HR situations on the worksite related to hazing, harassment, and bullying.
- Team training courses to help improve company and worksite culture in BC’s construction sector.
If you have questions email Diane Jolicoeur or give her a call at (250) 300 – 8105.
Sign the “Pledge for an Acceptable Worksite” to show your support.
VRCA Benefit Plans
Empower your employees to take care of their health by offering a comprehensive benefit plan.
Companies of all sizes are covered under VRCA Benefit Plans (powered by the BCCA Employee Benefit Trust (BCCA EBT)). Whether you’re solo or working with a large team, our benefit plans can be customized for your needs.
Complete the form to chat with the BCCA EBT team.
The BCCA Employee Benefit Trust Program provides the flexibility for our company to provide a monthly premium plan to our salaried staff and to offer the Hour Bank to our hourly-paid workers. And the new Medical Travel benefit is a great addition for a company like ours located outside the Lower Mainland. Plus, the plan is simple to use – I can access forms online, and the BCCA benefit consultants are always quick to respond to my questions.
– Bryant Electric
