The looming threat of U.S. president Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods is more than just an economic challenge—it’s a direct threat to workplace safety. Across forestry, mining, manufacturing, and oil and gas, industry leaders warn that uncertainty surrounding these tariffs is creating dangerous distractions for workers in high-hazard environments. The result? Increased mental stress, loss of focus, and a heightened risk of workplace incidents. …Mike Parent, president and CEO of Workplace Safety North, says this distraction isn’t just theoretical—it’s already affecting worker morale. In forestry alone, existing tariffs on softwood lumber are squeezing the industry, and an additional 25% tariff could push operating costs to unsustainable levels. “This could just completely decimate the logging sector,” Parent adds. …The stress of economic uncertainty doesn’t just cause momentary lapses in concentration—it contributes to long-term mental health challenges. Anxiety, fatigue, and reduced resilience can lead to burnout, increasing the likelihood of accidents.