The non-profit Ontario health and safety organization for the mining and forest products sectors, Workplace Safety North (WSN), is winning an Excellence Canada award for its mental health initiatives.
Based on the mental health framework developed by the national authority on organizational excellence, WSN has been recognized with the Canada Awards for Excellence program’s Mental Health at Work – Platinum award.
In a news statement, WSN head Mike Parent stated, “We are honored to receive this recognition.”
We at Ontario Mine Rescue and Workplace Safety North believe that mental wellness is equally as vital as physical safety. This honor demonstrates our dedication to enhancing workplace mental health and fostering a welcoming environment where everyone is treated with respect.
The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace contains the requirements that form the basis of the framework. It focuses on programs, policies, and practices to produce quantifiable outcomes and make the workplace healthier and more productive.
Established by Industry Canada, the Canada Awards for Excellence program honors leaders, governance, strategy, planning, customer experience, employee engagement, innovation, and wellness in the public, commercial, and nonprofit sectors. Annual award categories include Excellence, Innovation and Wellness, Healthy Workplace, Mental Health at Work, and Financial Wellness. The organization is regarded as the national authority on organizational excellence.
“This award is a testament to the commitment and diligence of our staff,” Parent added. They have a strong commitment to ensuring the health and safety of their employees. Together, we are still setting the standard for workplace safety by putting mental health first.
WSN offers consultation, training, and health and safety guidance to businesses in Ontario’s mining and forest products industries.
For almost a century, WSN has been striving to enhance workplace safety in Ontario, employing about 80 people in locations throughout the province, including North Bay and Sudbury.
After winning platinum in 2022, gold in 2019, and silver in 2016 for encouraging a healthy workplace, this is WSN’s fourth Canada Award for Excellence.
Superiority Canada is a national body that provides independent accreditation and establishes criteria for excellence. Additionally, it oversees the Canada Awards for Excellence, which are sponsored by the Governor General of Canada.