Thirty-one years may seem like a long time to most people, but to Michael Davis it was like yesterday. “I still miss my dad terribly,” an emotional Davis told a sombre crowd gathered at a downtown ceremony Fri-day commemorating four construction workers – including Davis’s father – killed on the job on Jan. 7, 1981. … Continue reading
A B.C. paving contractor is asking provincial regulators to improve training for flaggers and stiffen penalties for drivers who disobey their directions, after an employee was hit by a vehicle in two separate incidents last year. “We think traffic control persons (TCP) should receive more training on how to deal with irate drivers and drivers … Continue reading
Headlines from Occupational Health and Safety: Newfoundland meat plant owner charged after worker loses fingers – The company failed to ensure proper training & procedures were in place. Supervisor fined, charges against four others dropped in Ontario farm fatalities – In a supervisory role, you are equally at risk for fines – not just the … Continue reading
VANCOUVER, Jan. 10, 2012 /CNW/ – The BC Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) and the Capital Regional District (CRD) have joined forces to urge members of the public to make a New Year’s resolution to bring their unused medications back to their local pharmacy. Unused medications can pose a significant health, safety and environmental hazard when improperly stored or … Continue reading
Alberta courts sent a strong message in 2011 that workplace health and safety must not be compromised. The penalty total of more than $3.4 million is the second highest ever, doubling the $1.7 million collected in 2010. “My first choice is to have no workplace injuries or fatalities, no charges, and no convictions” said Dave … Continue reading
Workers can suffer serious injuries and death when access equipment is improperly used. Lack of training and non-compliance with manufacturer’s instructions are often the cause of these incidents. From August 1 to August 31, 2011, Ministry of Labour inspectors conducted a blitz of hazards involving all types of access equipment at Ontario constructions sites. Inspectors … Continue reading
Longtime Whistler hotel maintenance worker and Squamish resident Roberto Suarez died on Saturday (Dec. 17) after falling from a ladder while working at the Westin Resort and Spa. Suarez, 42, who leaves behind a wife and children aged 12 and 9, was working in one of the hotel rooms at about 10 a.m. when he … Continue reading
Video Below Too often we see fines doled out to companies for safety violations. Even in companies with proper training and gear readily provided and easily accessible this happens. The reason usually comes down to individual choice of a worker to cut a few corners. Nothing will happen now. We secretly pray something unconsciously and … Continue reading
Four health and safety associations in Ontario have joined forces with the Institute for Work & Health to undertake the largest workplace prevention studies in Ontario. The Institute for Work & Health is looking to recruit 5,000 organizations to participate in the study. Informally referred to as the “5,000 Firm Study,” it hopes to understand … Continue reading
The BC Coroners Service has announced it will hold a public inquest into the deaths of three workers who died on a mushroom farm in Langley in September 2008. Ut Tran aged 35, Han Pham aged 47 and Chi Wai (Jimmy) Chan aged 55 all died within moments of entering a pump shed where toxic … Continue reading
The Honourable Lisa Raitt,Canada’s Minister of Labour, today announced the appointment of Mr. David Grundy to the Council of Governors for the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, representing theNorthwest Territories for a four-year term, effectiveDecember 15, 2011. “I am pleased with the appointment of Mr. Grundy,” said Minister Raitt. “The Centre will benefit … Continue reading
Saskatchewan is increasing the maximum fine that can be levied for Occupational Health and Safety violations as part of a package of amendments to the provincial act. Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said the changes are meant to improve workplace health and safety. Under the bill introduced Tuesday, the maximum monetary fine … Continue reading
Honeywell International Inc. is poised to overtake 3M Co. as the world’s biggest maker of protective gear, buoyed by $3 billion in acquisitions since 2008 and stronger workplace-safety rules in developing countries. Annual personal safety-products revenue at Honeywell may rise past $2 billion in 2012 once it closes on last month’s $338 million purchase of … Continue reading