Communications toolkit for employers of men in trades
How to use the toolkit
Employers of men in trades can use this toolkit to talk to their employees about substance use and addiction. You can:
- download and use these tools as they are
- use this information in your own communications
- use it to get ideas about how to talk about substance use in the workplace
Learn about men in trades and the opioid overdose crisis
Who can use this toolkit
This toolkit is for employers of men in trades, including:
- managers
- health and safety people
- unions
- supervisors
Why men in trades
In Canada, 3 out of 4 opioid related deaths are men, and 30 to 50% of those employed worked in trades at the time of their death.
Health Canada designed this toolkit to help employers of men in trades talk to their employees about substance use. The goal is to:
- ensure men in trades feel safe and supported to reach out for help if they are struggling with substance use and addiction
- reduce stigma around getting help
Using this toolkit will help you communicate to your employees that:
- they won't be judged for their substance use
- they will not get in trouble
- asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness
Benefits to employers can include:
- increasing health, safety and productivity at the workplace
- fewer absences
- less turnover
- more engaged workers