WorkplaceNL to modernize approach to work-related mental health issues

Newfoundland and Labrador's WorkplaceNL has initiated a review of its mental stress policy. The goal of the review is to modernize the approach to work-related mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder. WorkplaceNL is also partnering with workplace parties to develop occupational health and safety programs that support mental health in the workplace, including workshops and webinars.

WorkplaceNL and the Sherry Gambin-Walsh, the minister responsible for WorkplaceNL, met with interested parties on Nov. 15 to seek input on the prevention of, and compensation for, work-related mental stress.

Potential changes will come from a two-stage process.

The first is the immediate policy review, where changes will be informed by a review of mental-health related policies of other Canadian workers’ compensation boards and consultation with WorkplaceNL’s primary stakeholders, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour and the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers’ Council. This is WorkplaceNL’s standard policy consultation process.

In the longer-term, a review of mental stress coverage in the workers’ compensation legislation will be informed by formal research and input from interested parties. WorkplaceNL will accept written submissions pertaining to this review until Feb. 1.

WorkplaceNL will engage a research partner to conduct research and review literature relating to work-related mental health issues, particularly as it relates to workplaces in Newfoundland and Labrador.