Each year, the last day of February is reserved for International Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day, a day dedicated to RSI education and prevention. February 29, 2012 will mark the 13th Annual RSI Awareness Day. “Repetitive strain injuries are a serious occupational health concern across the world and are recognized as leading causes of significant human … Continue reading
Aerotek is currently looking for an energetic and experienced CSO (Construction Safety Officer) to join their growing Vancouver team and operation. Our client is committed to long term success and longevity of their British Columbia operation by caring and investing in their people. They pride themselves in work with only the best trades in the … Continue reading
Hamilton, Ontario, February 22, 2012—Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt,Canada’s Labour Minister, toured the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), and discussed the importance of providing Canadians with the information they need to prevent work-related illnesses and injuries. “I had an opportunity today to reflect upon the vision and operational direction of the CCOHS … Continue reading
VANCOUVER, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ – Ten years ago, a survey of BC ultrasound technologists found 91% of them had suffered work-related injuries at some point in their careers. Medical literature still says 80% of sonographers seek medical treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, 17% miss work due to the symptoms of their injuries, and 15% reduce … Continue reading
By Andrea Raso Amer WorkSafe BC (the Province’s occupational health and safety regulator) recently introduced policy guidelines which describe an employers’ responsibilities over its internal joint health and safety committee. The guidelines also set out the factors that WorkSafe may take into account when deciding whether when an employer is exempt from the joint committee requirements set … Continue reading
PETER KENTER correspondent Today masonry contractor Limen Group will simultaneously suspend work at every one of its project sites across the country and the company’s clients are on board with the decision. The date has been set aside as a mandatory safety training day at which more than 600 employees will receive fall protection and … Continue reading
There are new Occupational Health and Safety Regulation amendments approved by WorkSafeBC Board of Directors that take effect February 1, 2012. These changes will impact Safety Programs, and safe work procedures. Some include amendments to: Part 6, Substance-Specific Requirements – Asbestos-containing material definition (from 1% to 0.5%) Part 9, Confined Spaces – new requirements for … Continue reading
Safe use of access equipment and fall protection continue to be the two major health and safety concerns related to access equipment on construction projects, according to the Ontario Ministry of Labour. The Ministry recently released results from an August 2011 blitz involving all types of access equipment at Ontario constructions sites. Inspectors checked on … Continue reading
New Brunswick’s health and safety authority is considering a demerit system that would give it the legislative authority to levy fines against companies that break the rules, without having to turn to the courts. Still in the early stages of planning, WorkSafeNB is asking for input from stakeholders, through an online survey, on a system … Continue reading
Heenan Blaikie LLP Cheryl A. Edwards and Shane Todd A new and surprisingly complex Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard may be arriving at and impacting your workplace soon. A proposed Standard has been developed, setting out optimistic goals and processes for achieving “psychological health and safety” in the workplace. Policies, procedures, hazard identification, incident investigation and monitoring … Continue reading
If a recent OHS-related case in Nova Scotia is any indication, health and safety officers may now be required in the eyes of the law to go beyond their traditional duties and responsibilities to help mitigate risks. One health and safety coordinator had to learn this the hard way: through a conviction. Last September, James … 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
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