Mental Health Commission of Canada Wins Corporate Commitment Award for Championing Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace

OTTAWA, Oct. 5, 2016 /CNW/ - Today the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) was honoured with the Corporate Commitment Award from the Standards Council of Canada for its development and advancement of the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (the Standard).  This award recognizes the contribution made by an organization in support of standardization activities nationally and internationally. 

A world first, the Standard is a voluntary initiative that provides guidelines, tools and resources to help organizations of all sizes, in all sectors, prevent psychological harm and promote good mental health.  It offers a systematic and sustainable approach to psychological health and safety, similar in spirit to how physical health and safety is managed.

"Creating the Standard is one of the MHCC's most transformative pieces of work," says Louise Bradley, President and CEO of the MHCC.  "The uptake has been amazing. I hope this award will drive its adoption further and faster."

The MHCC has presented more than 120 national and international lectures and workshops on the Standard, produced a series of free tools, publications and webinars, and developed formal and informal communities of practice in targeted sectors to share knowledge and resources across Canada. The Commission has also worked with CSA Group and le Bureau de normalisation du Québec, their original collaborators on the Standard, to submit an international standards development proposal.

The Standard has been downloaded over 30,000 times since it was first launched in January 2013.  In the spring of next year, a three-year case study research project of 40 organizations which are implementing the Standard will report on their progress.  

"Workplace mental health poses significant challenges, both human and economic, and we have effective tools and resources with which to tackle the challenge," affirms Bradley.

View an interview with Louise Bradley on workplace mental health.

QUICK FACTS:

• An interim report of the case study, released in 2015, showed that participating organizations had achieved 65 per cent of the specified elements in the Standard, many with impressive results.
• Toronto East General Hospital, now the Michael Garron Hospital, experienced a seven per cent decrease in overall healthcare costs over the last four years and a decrease in days absent from more than 10 in 2008 to less than seven in 2014.
• 21.4 per cent of the working-age population (20-64 years of age) was living with a mental health problem or illness in 2011 with prevalence peaking at 20-29 years of age among both males and females.
• Mental health problems and illnesses cost the Canadian economy at least $50 billion a year.
• Mental health problems and illnesses account for approximately 30% of short – and long-term disability claims and are rated one of the top three drivers of such claims by more than 80% of Canadian employers.

THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for change. We are collaborating with hundreds of partners to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to help people who live with mental health problems and illnesses lead meaningful and productive lives. Together we create change. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca | strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca

THE STANDARDS COUNCIL OF CANADA (SCC)
SCC is a federal Crown corporation with the mandate to promote efficient and effective standardization that supports of a strong and innovative economy for Canada and that enhances the social well-being of Canadians. SCC accredits standards development and conformity assessment organizations, and coordinates Canada's participation in the development of international standards through organizations such as ISO and IEC.  Every two years, SCC presents Canada's national awards in standardization. These awards recognize the commitment of individuals, organizations and committees who dedicate their time and expertise in support of Canada's national standardization network.

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The views represented herein solely represent the views of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

SOURCE Mental Health Commission of Canada

Media Contact: Hélène Côté, Senior Communications Advisor, Marketing and Communications, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Office: 613.683.3952, Mobile: [phone], [email protected]