Neuroscience: The Missing Link in Health, Safety & Performance Management

CLICK HERE to view the full publication: https://lesterfiles.com/pubs/CARM/issues/2019/issue2/page_32.html

?The most recent statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) show that in 2017, 951 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada, an increase of 46 from the previous year. Among these deaths were 23 young workers aged 15 to 24.

Add to these fatalities the 251,508 accepted claims (an increase from 241,508 the previous year) for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, and the fact that these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards, there is no doubt that the total number of workers impacted is even greater.

Construction was the deadliest industry with 217 fatalities, followed by manufacturing with 160. Trades, transport and equipment operators made up the most dangerous occupations, accounting for 486 fatalities.

Mental health and workplace wellness

The Mental Health Commission of Canada reported that 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental health problem or illness each year, which equals 500,000 employees unable to work every week. Stress and trauma are sited as the primary causes. It was further reported that:

·  Psychological health problems cost the Canadian economy approximately $51 billion per year, $20 billion of which results from work-related causes.

·  Forty-seven per cent of working Canadians consider their work to be the most stressful part of daily life.

Scientific studies show that productivity, creativity and profits directly corelate to the level of wellbeing experienced by employees in an organization. Despite the combined efforts and expense of industry stakeholders to reduce serious workplace injuries, why can’t industry seem to make significant headway?

·      A study by Eastern Kentucky University found that between 60 and 80 per cent of workplace incidents are the result of stress-induced issues like distraction.

·      A Health Canada study showed that unhealthy work culture (stress) creates three times the risk of heart attacks, two to three times the mental health problems and two times the amount of conflicts.

·      On the other hand, happy workplaces are shown to be ten times more productive.

Is neuroscience the missing link? Read the full article here in CARM Magazine: https://lesterfiles.com/pubs/CARM/issues/2019/issue2/page_32.html

Theo Heineman is certified NeuroChangeSolutions consultant, personally trained by Dr. Dispenza. For more information on bringing this training to your organization, contact her at www.TheoHeineman.ca.