Re: “Take closer look at PTSD help,” editorial, Jan. 4.
Mental health and suicide are serious societal issues. WorkSafe B.C. also understands the effects of a physical or mental injury on a worker’s well-being and we are committed to proactively and compassionately manage claims from first responders, as well as from other workers. In addition, WorkSafe B.C. has many programs and initiatives in place to support workers who are psychologically fragile or are experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
These include:
• Critical incident response program and supportive counselling.
• WorkSafe B.C.’s crisis line, available 24/7 to injured workers and their families, to ensure clients have access to professional help, day or night.
• WorkSafe B.C.’s team of contracted social workers who provide province-wide, 24/7 support to injured workers and their families experiencing mental-health crises.
• A multi-disciplinary mental-health clinic consisting of psychologists, mental-health specialists and social workers.
Mental disorder claims are managed in a specialized unit within WorkSafeBC’s Special Care Services department. Given the psychological fragility of these clients, all staff in this unit have received specialized training and work closely with specialist physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists and community mental-health workers.
Deaths by suicide of injured workers are, thankfully, rare. WorkSafe B.C. was not notified of any work-related suicides by first responders that occurred in 2016.
The health, safety and security of workers is WorkSafe B.C.’s top priority. In December 2015, WorkSafe B.C. initiated the B.C. First Responders Mental Health Committee to promote positive mental health for the primary first-responder community.
Scott McCloy
Director, Community Relations
WorkSafeBC
