Hamilton Port Authority and Mission to Seafarers reach out to marine industry workers experiencing critical incident stress

Hamilton, ON — The Hamilton Port Authority (HPA) and the Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario (MTSSO) have partnered to launch a campaign intended to help marine industry workers experiencing critical incident stress.

Critical incident stress is the response an individual experiences following traumatic event. In the workplace, an accident or death, extreme weather event, or ship-board event are all traumatic incidents that can result in critical incident stress. Workers in the marine industry may be more prone to exposure to a critical incident due to the nature of their occupation.

When an individual experiences critical incident stress, the symptoms can take many different forms and are not always easy to detect. Basic signs of trauma may include appearing shaken up or ‘out of it’, or other indicators such as increased conflict at work, fatigue, withdrawal, or other changes in behavior.  

The joint HPA-MTSSO campaign aims to raise awareness among port tenants and seafarers, and in times of crisis provides a direct, personal contact to a Mission to Seafarers Chaplain that is just a phone call away. “It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms of critical incident stress to get help and support as soon as possible following the incident to increase the possibility of recovery while minimizing long-term effects including PTSD,” said Rev. Judith Alltree, Executive Director of the MTSSO.

“October is Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month; a good time to reflect on the unique challenges of the maritime industry, especially facility and ship-board workplaces,” said Hamilton Harbour Master and Manager of Port Security, Vicki Gruber. “We do our best to extend a warm welcome to the seafarers who visit the Port of Hamilton from all around the world. We are committed as an organization to fostering positive workplace mental health, and so we’re very proud to introduce this program as the first of its kind in a Canadian port.”

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About Mission to Seafarers

The Mission to Seafarers was founded in 1837 and incorporated in 1856 working in over 260 ports caring for seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs. Through their global network of chaplains, staff and volunteers they offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to seafarers through ship visits, drop-in centers, and a range of welfare and emergency support services. The Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario (MTSSO) serves the ports of Hamilton, Toronto and Oshawa.

 About the Port of Hamilton

The Port of Hamilton is the largest marine port in Ontario, receiving approximately 600 vessel visits per year, both North American and international. The cargo that transits the Port of Hamilton is valued at approximately $2 billion, and is connected to $6 billion in economic activity and 38,000 jobs in Ontario.

 About Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month: https://ontario.cmha.ca/news/organizations-promote-mental-health-throughout-october/ 

 

Media contact:

Larissa Fenn, Hamilton Port Authority

905-525-4330 ext. 235

[email protected]

 

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