Abstract

In late 2019 Kirkland Lake Gold – Detour Lake Mine determined that Mental Health and Addiction issues were becoming a clear indicator we needed to do more to be proactive in looking after our employees.  (STD/LTD #’s and interactions)

In response to this information we began an enhanced promotion of our Employee Assistance Program. In doing this and talking to our workforce it was quickly identified that we needed to do more. 

• We partnered with Workplace Safety North and introduced their Mental Health and Wellness program facilitated by an onsite Health and Safety team member.  This included 15-minute toolbox talks, longer interactive safety meeting conversations and two-hour Supervisor sessions to help provide them with the necessary tools and information on mental wellbeing.

• An employee driven support group and program (Dig Deep) operating in conjunction with our mental health initiatives was also introduced to support workers and create a safe space for conversations. 

• During this process we realized we could do more to support our workers. That was when we researched opportunities and  introduced ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training) through a third party for workers and team leaders.

• The next step was to ensure we were properly supporting our employees during any crisis/situation they may have while at Site. That is when we quickly made the decision to hire an experienced Mental Health and Addictions support worker with the intent to focus on education, dialogue, and formalized training. 

• This provided our employees with a qualified person on site who can assist and support them when they are struggling, assist with offsite support, formulate a plan for success and ensure the person is being heard, looked after, and supported.  Examples of this include one-on-one meetings in a private setting at both of our camps as well as educational sessions that are shared during meetings and interactions and more.

• Currently we are preparing to introduce Mental Health First Aid Training courses being delivered on Site and facilitated by our Mental health professional. This will be made available to all employees and will be a key component of our Supervisory and Management training program.
   
• We have also started the process to have  her qualified as an ASIST training program facilitator so that can be implemented as an inhouse component of our training program as well.

Mental health issues are not going away and during the pandemic they have likely become worse.  They cannot be overlooked and the sooner you accept this fact and provide the necessary support the healthier your employees and company will be.