67th Annual Convention

Construction is demanding work and can often lead to aches and pains—both physically and mentally. Drugs are often turned to as a way of coping with the stressors that workers face. It might start with self-medicating. It might start with doctor-prescribed treatments. It might start with recreational use. The construction sector has one of the highest substance use and related disorder rates. In Canada and the United States, construction ranks among the top three industries for illegal drug use, prescription drug use, heavy alcohol consumption and other substance use disorders. That is why many are looking for approaches that can help the construction sector address growing substance use problems among those employed in the sector. The first part of the workshop will provide an overview of the programs and services provided by the De Novo Treatment Centre, in addition to reviewing specific projects the Centre has embarked on through skills development funding. The second part of the workshop will review what can be done to support workers by taking a holistic view of work and worker health. Topics will include but not be limited to moving towards a total worker health (TWH) model, improving workplace safety and mental health, employee engagement, accommodating practices and achieving recovery-friendly workplaces. The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) will review what an integrated medical health model can look like to achieve Total Worker Health.