Workplace wellness is about increasing awareness about valuing the overall health and well-being of a workplace’s greatest resource - its people! It is an opportunity to support employee's overall well-being so they are empowered to feel and do their best.
If you're looking for support to build a healthy workplace program, TBDHU can help! Our team of workplace wellness experts supports organizations with developing a Comprehensive Workplace Health Program (CWHP) based on each workplace's unique needs. All services are free! For more information, visit TBDHU Workplace Health. Alternately, you can call 807-625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1-888-294-6630 or email workplacewellness@tbdhu.com to book a consultation.
Forum North - From strong foundations to bold frontiers, the journey of health and safety is both a responsibility and a catalyst for transformation. This is the theme of this year's Forum North, Thunder Bay's premier workplace health and safety conference and tradeshow. At this one day event, workplace health and safety experts and business delegates will come together with a common purpose of protecting people and promoting healthy workplace cultures. The tradeshow will offer the chance to meet a range of vendors, network with peers and gain valuable knowledge on new products and best practices at your workplace. It's all happening on November 5 at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay. Take advantage of early bird registration savings that end October 8! Learn more and register at: Partners in Prevention Forum North.
TBDHU Supports for Employee Wellness
The TBDHU Workplace Wellness Program Toolkit (PDF) provides information on the steps for building a workplace wellness program that meets everyone's needs and is sustainable over time. Visit the Workplace Health page for resources that accompany each step outlined in the toolkit.
The TBDHU workplace wellness team provides guidance to leaders on creating a comprehensive wellness program in businesses and organizations. To learn more, visit our Workplace Health page. Alternately, you can call 807-625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1-888-294-6630 or email workplacewellness@tbdhu.com to speak with a member of our wellness@work team.
TBDHU also offers select training and networking events. They will be posted on the Workplace Health page as they become available.
Many adults spend a large portion of their day at work and typically eat at least one meal and snack during their workday. Eating well at work can have a significant impact on overall health and wellbeing. The foods we eat not only impact our physical health, but they also influence our mood and concentration.
A healthy workplace nutrition environment is one of the main influences for eating well at work. This includes foods served at meetings or events, vending machines or cafeterias, fundraising, or foods left in common areas (e.g. the lunchroom, front desks, waiting areas). Having an environment that supports individuals to eat well at work benefits everyone.
Comprehensive information on promoting body inclusivity and reducing weight stigma is found on the Body Inclusivity page.
Employers wanting to encourage workers to quit smoking or vaping can find cessation services at TBDHU.com/quitsmoking.
TBDHU reminds all employees and employers that workplaces and workplace vehicles are to remain smoke and vape free. For more information about the Smoke-free Ontario Act, visit:
Email enforcement@tbdhu.com regarding any concerns about smoking or vaping in the workplace or to request free "No smoking" and "No Vaping" signage from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
As of June 1, 2023, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires that naloxone be available in some workplaces in case a worker has an opioid overdose. The temporary funding provided by the Ontario Government’s Workplace Naloxone Program for workplaces to access free training and naloxone kits is no longer available. However, employers are still required to comply with naloxone requirements under the OHSA. This includes acquiring naloxone kits, replacing contents when needed and providing training. All costs associated with compliance are now the employer’s responsibility. Employers can purchase a new naloxone kit through any vendor that is offering them for sale. Employers cannot use community naloxone programs (Ontario Naloxone Program or Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies) to access kits.
NorWest CHC’s Mobile Team is offering free overdose prevention training for organizations and businesses, including how to respond to opioid and stimulant overdoses. Sites get a window sticker showing naloxone is available. They’re also distributing NaloxBoxes—wall-mounted rescue kits that make naloxone freely accessible indoors or outdoors. To learn more or book a session, contact Brittany D’Angelo at bdangelo@norwestchc.org.
TBDHU offers a Naloxone Training Guide. Employers can also visit the following links for more information on how to access naloxone training:
Employers and employees who have questions related to control of infectious diseases in the workplace or are looking for resources, can contact the Healthy Workplace Team by calling (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1-888-294-6630 or send an email to workplacewellness@tbdhu.com.
Did you know investing in breastfeeding/chestfeeding in the workplace can benefit everyone? As per the Ontario Public Health Association these benefits include:
Less absenteeism – breastfeeding parents are less likely to be absent from work to tend to a sick child.
Improved worker productivity, morale and loyalty – parents whose employers have recognized and assisted them in their goal of continued breastfeeding have improved work satisfaction.
Less staff turnover – breastfeeding parents are more likely to return to work, resulting in less staff turnover. This enables employers to keep trained, experienced and motivated staff.
The Creating a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Guide (by the Ontario Public Health Association) outlines the benefits of investing in breastfeeding/chestfeeding support in the workplace, creating a policy, and tips for creating a good lactation environment.
Employers can refer employees with questions about lactation to:
TBDHU Lactation Services where a Public Health Nurse can answer questions about lactation during pregnancy, while on leave, or after delivery. Appointments are offered onsite, in the home, virtually or by phone. For more information, call 807-625-8827 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630 or contact us by email at: lactation@tbdhu.com. More information on lactation in general is available at TBDHU.com/lactation.
Ontario's Health 811 service offers 24/7 support from a nurse or lactation consultant around breastfeeding/chestfeeding (call 811 or 1-866-797-0000).
Outdoor workers, workers doing heavy load work tasks or workers in a hot environment are at a high risk of experiencing heat stress. Outdoor workers, including those working inside vehicles and/or heavy equipment can be at higher risk for skin cancer and eye damage due to UV radiation exposure from the sun. It is important for employers with outdoor workers and workers at greatest risk for heat stress to take the necessary steps to protect workers from the heat stress and UV radiation from sun exposure.
Here are some helpful resources:
Sun Safety at Work - Enhancing Sun Safety in Canadian Workplaces provides a wide variety of helpful information and resources, including fact sheets, policy templates, sample procedures, and more.
TBDHU.com/UV outlines general tips and offers printable wallet cards and workplace posters. Hard copies of these items, as well as bookmarks can be ordered by email request to workplacewellness@tbdhu.com.
In the event that the Thunder Bay District sees a spell of extreme heat, the Extreme Heat page lists symptoms of heat-related illness and general tips to "beat the heat."
Heat Stress Toolkit by Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) offers awareness guides, posters/infographics, videos, heat stress calculator
Working in Hot Environments provides a practical workplace training and reference guide by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
The Menopause Foundation of Canada offers the Menopause Inclusive Workplace Playbook. This practical guide aims to inspire organizations towards taking action on becoming a menopause inclusive workplace.
