The Cost of Mental Illness in Canada

According to the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) the economic burden of mental illness in Canada is estimated at $51 billion per year. This includes health care costs, lost productivity, and reductions in health-related quality of life.

• Individuals with a mental illness are much less likely to be employed. Unemployment rates are as high as 70% to 90% for people with the most severe mental illnesses.
• In any given week, at least 500,000 employed Canadians are unable to work due to mental health problems. This includes:
  • approximately 355,000 disability cases due to mental and/or behavioural disorders plus
  • approximately 175,000 full-time workers absent from work due to mental illness.
• The cost of a disability leave for a mental illness is about double the cost of a leave due to a physical illness.
• A small proportion of all health care patients account for a disproportionately large share of health care costs. Patients with high mental health costs incur over 30% more costs than other high-cost patients.
• A growing body of international evidence demonstrates that promotion, prevention, and early intervention initiatives show positive returns on investment.

Why smart employers provide Mental Health First Aid Training in the workplace

Key findings from a Pan-Canadian Survey conducted by the Canadian Mental Health Association show that ‘Mental Health First Aid’ is by far the resource most known by respondents.

The most effective tools according to respondents are CMHA workplace mental health workshops, Workplace Strategies for Mental Health (free online resources), and The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. Respondents indicate that the best methods for learning about workplace mental health tools and resources are through in-person seminars, workshops and presentations.

Respondents indicate the need for more education about the tools and resources that exist to support workplace mental health. Also needed are organizational cultural shifts that exemplify acceptance of mental health concerns as a legitimate health issue.

Contact us today for information about onsite Mental Health First Aid training in your workplace.

First Aid Requirements in the Workplace

Employers are responsible for first aid in the workplace. To determine the first aid requirements of your workplace, first you’ll need to do an assessment. Then, you can review the findings and take necessary steps to put proper first aid procedures in place. If you’re an employer, you are responsible for first aid in the workplace.

First aid in the workplace is about providing workers with prompt, easily accessible, and appropriate first aid treatment. Depending on your workplace, you might need some or all of the following:

• Occupational first aid attendants with the training appropriate for the type of workplace, number of workers, and time to a hospital.
• Proper facilities, such as first aid rooms or dressing stations.
• First aid kits with appropriate types and quantities of supplies.
• A record-keeping system so incidents can be logged.
• Appropriate means of transporting injured workers to medical aid.
• Effective means of communication between first aid attendants and workers served, and for the first aid attendant to call for assistance.
• Conduct a first aid assessment

To determine an adequate and appropriate level of first aid coverage, the first step is a first aid assessment. This doesn’t need to be complicated. But it does call for a full review of your workplace. The assessment will help you determine the minimum level of first aid needed in your workplace. First aid levels are outlined in the OHS Regulation Schedule 3-A: Minimum Levels of First Aid.

Steps to first aid assessment can be found on the WorkSafeBC website

I’m interested in Onsite Level 1 Training at my workplace

I’d like to register my workers on a Level 1 course in Coquitlam

Many people fear being sued for coming to the aid of someone with an injury. This same fear often prevents people from getting trained in first aid. The clear message in the parable of the Good Samaritan is that assisting those in trouble is the right thing to do.

There is no general legal duty to help someone in an emergency except for a person who is involved in a motor vehicle accident. That person must stop and give all possible assistance to the persons involved. A failure to do so could mean being charged under the criminal code.

The law in every province in Canada encourages bystanders to give first aid. In BC, we have the Good Samaritan act. It specifically protects, against liability, citizens and medical professionals who act in good faith to give emergency assistance to ill or injured persons at the scene of an emergency. Under these laws, a person providing first aid who acts reasonably and prudently under the conditions of an emergency cannot be held responsible for the injuries suffered by the victim.

You never know when you are going to be called upon to assist in an emergency situation. It could be today. Register for a course and learn how to save a life. If you’re not sure which first aid/CPR course to take, please give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. Tel: 604-945-7277.