With 40% of the population having used cannabis (according to the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health), Canada has one of the highest rates of use in the world. About 2/3 of Canadians believe cannabis should be legalized.

In 2018, the Canadian Government is legalizing recreational-use marijuana. This presents a number of challenges for the workplace – even those with zero-tolerance policies. It’s not an apples to apples comparison with alcohol use, nor can it continue to be handled in the same manner as illegal substances. It’s important for companies to get ahead of this, before incidents happen.

Employers must take the necessary measures to protect the physical safety and mental health of their workers. Employees must make sure they can operate safely in their jobs, without risking any harm to themselves, their co-workers, the community and the environment.

Safety Culture: Marijuana & the Workplace discusses fundamental questions around cannabis use as it relates to safety.

As beliefs, attitudes and practices around the use of cannabis change, how will this impact your Safety Culture? What are some of the key issues?

Cannabis affects behaviour. This could be a serious risk to health and safety in your workplace. Much is currently unknown.

How does this relate to Safety Culture? Safety mean keeping yourself and others free from harm or danger. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

We need to discuss the fundamental questions around cannabis use that can impact safety, such as the controls that need to be put in place, and what tests to use – and when. Everyone shares responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe workplace, including physical safety and mental health.

Following positive beliefs, attitudes and practices will result in safe behaviour, creating a strong and sustainable Safety Culture – so that everyone can go to work, do their job well and get home safe.

For further resources of information on this topic, have a look at this website: www.worksafestaysafe.com.