World Day for Safety and Health at Work
On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, The Social Workers Association of Alberta (“SWAA”) acknowledges the direct link between physical and mental well-being in the workplace. As social workers, we advocate for work environments that prioritize not only the physical safety of employees but also their mental health. By fostering cultures of support, providing resources for stress management and strength-based practices, and promoting open dialogue about mental health challenges, we create workplaces where workers can thrive within their chosen careers and communities.
Ensuring workplace safety for social workers in Alberta requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both physical and psychological risks inherent in their profession. Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and Code specify the main occupational health and safety legislation, setting out requirements to maintain healthy and safe work environments (Government of Alberta, 2024). SWAA calls for workplaces to have proactive measures to foster a supportive work environment, which may include comprehensive training programs, clear safety protocols, and access to peer support.
We at SWAA also recognize the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on our planet's health, human well-being, and employment dynamics on World Day for Safety and Health at Work. As climate change escalates, workers globally face increased vulnerabilities to various hazards that are linked with a range of health challenges (United Nations, 2024).
Social workers hold important roles in the response and rebuilding process when communities are directly suffering the effects of climate change. The CASW Code of Ethics (2024) upholds the Value of Promoting Social Justice with Guiding Principle 2.4: "Social workers advocate for the stewardship of natural resources and the protection of the environment for the common good of all people."
Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to championing policies and practices that ensure the safety and well-being of every worker, both physically and mentally, fostering healthier work environments for all. May we create safer workplaces for social workers in Alberta, enabling them to fulfill their vital roles in serving vulnerable populations with confidence and resilience.
Written by practicum student, Cathy Jarmain.
References
Canadian Association of Social Workers. (2024). CASW Code of Ethics. https://casw-acts.ca/en/Code-of-Ethics
Government of Alberta. (2024). Occupational health and safety (OHS). https://www.alberta.ca/occupational-health-safety
United Nations. (2024). World Day for safety and health at work. https://www.un.org/en/observances/work-safety-day