New mental health support launched for Saskatchewan’s first responders New resources include confidential support lines and self-assessments Regina, SK – Workplace mental health claims continue to rise in Saskatchewan and due to the nature of their work, first responders are at a higher risk of mental health injuries. One step in addressing mental health in the workplace is WorkSafe’s partnership with the Saskatchewan First Responders’ Mental Health Committee to provide mental health resources for first responders, their families, friends and coworkers. Today, in Regina, WorkSafe Saskatchewan and the Committee unveiled the new resources. A 2017 Canadian Journal of Psychiatry survey indicated that of 5,813 first responders surveyed, almost 45 per cent screened positive for symptoms consistent with an operational stress injury. This is four times higher than the rate of mental injury in the general population, which is 10 per cent according to Statistics Canada. “Given the nature of their [...]

Safe Saskatchewan continued its momentum towards changing Saskatchewan’s safety culture today as the organization announced the addition of 51 business, government and community leaders to the Saskatchewan Health and Safety Leadership Charter. “For decades, Saskatchewan has suffered the toll of an epidemic of preventable injury but, year after year, we are seeing that change for the better. Last year, we celebrated one of the largest ever Charter events. This year, we have seen that progress continue through yet another successful event” said Gord Moker, CEO of Safe Saskatchewan. Safe Saskatchewan is a registered not-for-profit organization whose vision is an injury-free Saskatchewan. In 2010, Safe Saskatchewan and WorkSafe Saskatchewan launched the Saskatchewan Health & Safety Leadership Charter, aimed at creating a cultural shift among community leaders, and positioning injury prevention as a core value. Signatories participate in a health and safety leadership learning community that shares information and best practices. As [...]