Protection of physical safety in the workplace, a key factor outlined by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) in the national standard, focuses on safeguarding employees from physical harm. This includes measures to prevent accidents, injuries, and potential threats to physical well-being. The impact on psychological health and safety is profound. Feeling secure in their physical environment contributes to a sense of trust, reduces stress, and fosters overall well-being. Knowing and addressing potential physical safety concerns is integral to creating a psychologically healthy and safe workplace.

Importance

It is crucial to understand the significance of protecting physical safety as it forms the foundation for a safe and conducive work environment. By proactively addressing physical safety concerns, organizations not only comply with regulatory standards but also demonstrate a commitment to the holistic well-being of their employees. This knowledge empowers individuals to contribute to a culture of safety and actively participate in maintaining a secure workplace.

Leadership and Management Support

1. Regular safety training: Provide ongoing health and safety training to ensure employees know about potential hazards and safety protocols. The importance is on consistency and can serve as a great reminder. It is also always for new staff members to be trained more regularly.
2. Transparent communication: Foster open communication channels where employees feel comfortable reporting safety concerns without fear of reprisal. This can include multiple channels, anonymous and not anonymous. This is inclusive of being trauma-informed and creating safe spaces.
3. Invest in safety infrastructure: Allocate resources to maintain and upgrade safety infrastructure, including well-maintained equipment and facilities. Safety audits should occur regularly and/or have a safety committee to support and advocate for this. Protection of physical safety can also include the physical environment having accessibility to tools to support an employee's physical well-being. This includes ergonomic furniture (desks, mats, keyboards, mice, chairs), PPE (non-slip footwear, goggles, ear protection), First Aid Kits and Medical Supplies (AED, first aid kits, Hydration stations), Safety and signage labels (WHMIS), wellness tools (exercise or stretch stations, relaxation rooms, adjustable lighting, fidgets for stress relief), accessible tools for employees with disabilities (assistive technology, screen readers, training with sign language, etc).
4. Empower safety champions: Appoint safety champions within the organization to lead initiatives, conduct regular safety audits, and promote a culture of vigilance. This enables an employee to feel a sense of ownership, empowerment, advocacy and fair representation.
5. Emergency response planning: Develop and regularly review plans, ensuring employees know various scenarios' procedures. This can be done by a health and safety committee as well.

Frontline Workers' Self-Protection:

1. Personal protective equipment (PPE): Utilize and maintain appropriate PPE for specific tasks to mitigate physical risks. Some extended health benefits may provide coverage for equipment (glasses, shoes)
2. Active ergonomics: Practice proper ergonomics to prevent physical strain and injuries, especially in roles that involve repetitive motions (stretching, use of proper posture, reviewing posture, reviewing lifting strategies, encourage the 20-20-20 rule for employees who work on computers for extended periods (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain), microbreaks)
3. Awareness and vigilance: Stay alert, identify potential hazards, and report them promptly to the appropriate channels.
4. Regular health checks: Prioritize regular health check-ups to promptly identify and address physical health concerns. Use extended health benefits.
5. Self-care practices: To enhance overall well-being, engage in self-care practices, including stress management and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.