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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, September 13, 2013 | 4 Flynn pushes for new national standard in the workplace Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn received unanimous support from all three parties yesterday at Queen's Park as he called on the Ontario government to promote new workplace mental health and safety standards. Developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), the standards focus on promoting employees' psychological health and preventing psychological harm due to workplace factors. "The cost of mental illness in terms of lost profitability, lower productivity and human resource issues is staggering," said Flynn, who chaired the Ontario Legislature's Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions. "One source reported that the cost could be as high as $30 billion in Canada." Flynn said the select committee found employers with an understanding of mental health issues could help create an environment where employees with those issues are more likely to excel. He said the new National Standard, titled Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace -- Prevention, Promotion and Guidance to Staged Implementation, helps demonstrate to companies how to develop a psychologically healthy and safe workplace. "The requirements of physical health and safety in the workplace are longstanding concerns for Canadian employers. It's now time to consider the mental wellbeing of our workforce in the same way," said Louise Bradley, president and CEO of MHCC. "This motion to endorse the standard in Ontario is an important step and a clear indication there is increasing prominence being placed on mental health in the workplace." The standard provides a systematic approach for companies through: · Identification of psychological hazards in the workplace · Assessment and control of the risks in the workplace associated with hazards that cannot be eliminated (e.g. stressors due to organizational change or reasonable job demands) · The implementation of practices that support and promote psychological health and safety in the workplace · The growth of a culture that promotes psychological health and safety in the workplace · The implementation of measurement and review systems to ensure sustainability Flynn said some companies have announced they will adopt the guidelines including Bell Canada, national consulting firm Morneau Shepell and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. A special Thanks to our Sponsors! "First Impressions Count" 905-464-5789 · Full Lawn Maintenance Service · Sodding, Lawn Renovation · Tree/Shrub Pruning · Spring & Fall Clean Ups · Garden Design - Planting · Topsoil/Mulch · Snow Removal · Prompt Personal Service · Quality Workmanship · Free Estimates GREENWAYS LANDSCAPING dream ddream ream k kitchen i t c h e n kitchen KITCHEN DESIGNERS OAKVILLE inspired by Visit our showroom: 609 Ford Drive, Oakville 905.337.2229 www.oakvillekitchendesigners.ca dream kitch