The Ontario-based Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) has partnered with Opening Minds, a division of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), to introduce a new training program aimed at reducing the stigma associated with mental illness in trade-sector workplaces.
The program, called “The Working Mind for the Trades,” is an adaptation of Opening Minds’ existing evidence-based program, “The Working Mind.” The new initiative is designed to help Ontario’s trade-sector workers understand mental illness and foster a psychologically healthy and safe working environment.
Michelle Roberts, vice-president of stakeholder and public relations at IHSA, emphasized the importance of the program.
“The Working Mind for the Trades was customized specifically for trades workers based on consultation with the construction, transportation, and electrical utilities industries,” Roberts said. “We know that mental health is a growing concern in high-risk workplaces—we want this program to ensure all workplace parties can recognize mental health hazards, support workers who are experiencing mental health concerns, foster mental wellness for themselves and their peers, and understand the mental health continuum.”
The courses are tailored for all workers in the sectors served by IHSA, including workplace leadership roles such as supervisors, crew leaders, union stewards, and managers. Facilitators will lead the sessions live via Zoom, incorporating discussions, breakout activities, videos, and polls. The program will expand to in-person classroom sessions starting in 2025.
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Understand mental health and mental illness
- Identify and reduce stigma, discrimination, or negative attitudes toward people with mental health problems
- Support their colleagues and other workplace parties
- Recognize mental stressors and build resilience
Opening Minds has facilitated nearly 180,000 mental health courses with over one million participants, demonstrating success in various industries across Canada. IHSA is enthusiastic about partnering with MHCC to deliver this program to tradespeople, who face unique mental stressors due to the demanding nature of their work.
The IHSA, recognized by Ontario’s labour ministry, aims to improve the lives of Ontario workers by providing resources and training to control and eliminate safety hazards in high-risk work environments. Opening Minds focuses on training programs that change attitudes and behaviors towards people living with mental health and substance use problems. The MHCC is a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of those experiencing mental health issues.
Learn more
For more information about The Working Mind for the Trades visit:
The Working Mind For The Trades – Supervisor (Virtual Training) (ihsa.ca)
The Working Mind For The Trades – Worker (Virtual Training) (ihsa.ca)