YWCHSB partners with university to offer psychological health and safety courses

The Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board (YWCHSB) has partnered with the University of Fredericton (UFred) to offer psychological health and safety in the workplace programs to Yukoners at a 70 per cent reduction from regular tuition.

The goal of the partnership is to provide Yukon workers and employers access to the tools they need to prevent psychological injuries. The partnership also aims to encourage workers struggling with mental health to seek supports when required, and for employers to gain the knowledge necessary to provide support.
More Yukoners learning about psychological health and safety in the workplace means lower costs related to sick time, improved productivity, reduced stigma around mental health, and overall, a healthier, happier Yukon workforce.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our mental health in ways we could not have imagined. Now, more than ever, is the time to concentrate our resources on developing psychologically healthy, safe and resilient workplaces,” said Kurt Dieckmann, President/CEO of YWCHSB. “Our partnership with the University of Fredericton connects employers and workers to the tools they need to do just that.”

The initiative supports YWCHSB’s strategic vision that all Yukoners participate in a culture of safety and prevention of psychological injury. It also aligns with the new Violence and Harassment Prevention Regulation which comes into effect September 2021.

Dr. Sheri McKillop, Vice President of Academics at UFred, said the University has been involved in psychological health and safety training for six years. All programming is aligned with the Canadian National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. Canada is currently the only nation that has a standard.

“We’re very excited about this partnership. It will allow people to understand the impact psychological health and safety has on both individuals and organizations, and how the programming we offer can help encourage employees to seek support, while reducing costs and absences associated with psychological issues,” Dr. McKillop said.

The programs on offer include:

• Enhancing Workplace Resiliency (1 course, 2 hours)
• Basic Certificate in Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (1 course, 2.5 hours)
• Certificate in Managing Psychological Health Issues at Work (3 courses, basic course included, 6.5 hours)
• Advanced Certificate in Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (5 courses, basic course included, 50.5 hours)

For more information and to register for the courses visit wcb.yk.ca/phscourses.
 

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Heather Avery
Phone: 867-332-4794
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