About the Project

This project aimed to explore the mental health and lived experiences of stress and discrimination among electrical, plumbing, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) workers in Ontario, focussing on individuals with disabilities, women, and visible minorities. It examined the mental health status of workers, the factors that influenced their well-being, and with mental strain, job-related pressures, and bias on the job.

Methodology

This project was carried out in two phases:

Phase 1: Online Survey with 163 Participants – participants responded to questions regarding their background, and their physical and mental health status.

Phase 2: Interviews with 11 Participants – participants either identified as women, Indigenous, visible minorities, or persons with disabilities. The interviews explored key topics, and common themes were analyzed.

Findings

Survey Findings:

• Increased Participation in Study Compared to Previous Years

• Burnout and Mental Health - Many Ontario trade workers said they felt burned out, often due to poor work-life balance, family pressures, and slow career growth. Half reported mental health struggles, with apprentices more affected than journeypersons (skilled tradespersons).

• Poor Physical Health Conditions for Apprentices - Apprentices rated their physical health lower than journeypersons did. Most workers did not report serious issues with sleep or overall quality of life, and there were no major health differences between those in Western and Eastern Ontario.

Interview Findings – Four Themes were identified:

1. Workplace Mental Health Awareness - Many workers reported facing mental health challenges but noted that a prevailing “toughness” culture in the industry discouraged open conversations and help-seeing.

2. Stereotypes About Women at Work and Importance of Role Models - Women experienced difficulties integrating into the workplace and often encountered stereotypes, highlighting the value of having positive role models.

3. Feelings of Inferiority and Prejudice of Workers from Indigenous and Ethic Minority Background - Workers from different cultural backgrounds often felt excluded, and language barriers sometimes made that experience even harder.

4. Workplace Demands and Individuals with Disabilities - Workers with disabilities spoke about how job demands impacted them and emphasized the need for proper support and accommodations from employers.

The findings highlighted the importance of improving workplace culture and mental health supports, especially for underrepresented workers. Key actions include fostering inclusion, addressing discrimination, promoting peer support, and using available resources to create a safer, more equitable environment.

Project Outreach

Based on an established partnership with the Ontario Electrical League, future initiatives are expected to maintain this regional focus. Efforts were also made to expand the reach of the findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at both national and international conferences.

Resources Created

• 2 publications: 

  • Shi, Z., Howe, A., Shahzad, M., Bani-Fatemi, A., Sharkey, B., & Nowrouzi-Kia, B. (resubmitted after revision). Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in skilled trades: perspectives of employers and workers in the electrical and plumbing sectors in Ontario, Canada. Safety and Health at Work.

  • Shi, Z., Obeidat, D., Sharkey, B., Bani-Fatemi, A., Howe, A., & Nowrouzi-Kia, B. (in preparation). A qualitative study of lived experiences of underrepresented electrical workers using creative non-fiction. Qualitative Health Research.

• 1 research reports:

  • Nowrouzi-Kia, B., Howe, A., Bani-Fatemi, A., Shi, Z., Obeidat, D., Long, B.-Z. S., Premji, R., & Lo, J. (2025). Wired for Wellness: Investigating Physical and Mental Health, and Lived Experiences of Equity-deserving Apprentices and Workers. University of Toronto.