A proposed amendment to the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act received its second reading in the House of Assembly last week.
If passed, the amendment will authorize WorkplaceNL to fund bereavement counselling services for surviving dependents of workers who die in workplace accidents. The change would apply to fatalities occurring on or after January 1, 2022.
The move comes after multiple requests to WorkplaceNL in 2022 for the addition of bereavement counselling to the existing supports provided for dependents of deceased workers. The proposed amendment would bring Newfoundland and Labrador’s policies in line with those of other Canadian provinces; eight other workers’ compensation boards in the country already offer bereavement counselling services to dependents of deceased workers.
Bernard Davis, the Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL, emphasized the significant emotional and financial toll that workplace fatalities take on families. “One life lost in the workplace is one too many, and the impact on these families is enormous. By adding bereavement counselling to the benefits available for dependents, we are acknowledging the significant impact of a workplace fatality and helping them navigate through a tragic loss. This change would also reduce financial barriers to accessing mental health supports, and demonstrates the Provincial Government’s commitment to prioritizing mental health and safety,” Davis said.
If the amendment is approved, it would not only address a long-standing gap in services but also signal the Provincial Government’s ongoing commitment to mental health and safety in the workplace.
