| Policy Spotlight | | |
At its recent March meeting, the Governance Council approved one new policy, 00.09, Partnerships, and revisions to nine existing policies: 00.05, Determining Employer/Worker Status; 01.01, Industry Classification; 01.02, Industrial Re-classification of Existing Accounts; 02.03, Personal Optional Coverage; 04.02, Payment for Medical Aid; 04.06, Prescription Drug Use; 04.07, Medical Examinations; 04.08, Medical Devices; and 10.02, Investment Policy.
To view current polices, including policies under review, visit our website. | |
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| Greetings!
With the remnants of a long winter melting around us, it is the time of year when we transition from ice and snow to water, ice, slush, mud, and snow. It is also a good time of year to do a check-in on resolutions made in January. For some of us, these resolutions may prove more challenging than we expect. Sticking with any resolution, whether in our personal lives or at work, requires dedication as well as support. Working safer is a resolution we must all keep.
Later this month, we take time to remember our friends, family members, and coworkers who lost their lives due to a workplace incident or disease. Their sacrifice serves as a reminder of the importance of working safe. We must take responsibility for our safety at work.
This issue of Insight features a spring safety tip, Day of Mourning ceremonies, a sneak peek at plans for our upcoming NAOSH Week festivities, and the launch of One Life Logan - our new online game promoting workplace safety to young workers. As you enjoy this issue, remember that we are here to support you in sticking with your working safe resolution.
Sincerely,
Dave Grundy
Interim President & CEO |
NAOSH Week 2011: What's Your Plan?
May 1-7, 2011, is North American Occupational Safety & Health (NAOSH) Week. Its goal is to focus attention on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community. The 2011 NAOSH Week theme is 'What's Your Plan?' We invite all employers, workers, and community members to participate in NAOSH week.
Employers - tell us how you plan for your chance to earn top place on Safety Street! From holding safety meetings to formal daily worksite inspections, you tell us how your plans keep your workers safe. Email your plans to naosh@wscc.nt.ca by Monday, May 9, 2011. We have prizes for the most innovative plan, best representation of the theme, and best overall plan. We will announce the winners on May 13.
There are also exciting activities for workers and community members to participate in. For full NAOSH Week details, visit our NAOSH website. |
Safety Tip: Spring Cleaning
With the days getting longer and the snow starting to disappear in some regions, a lot of us may already be in the midst of our spring cleaning. Whether cleaning up around the house or in your workplace, here are some tips to do so safely: - When tidying up chemicals, paints, or other toxic or poisonous materials, label them properly and secure them out of reach of children and pets.
- When working with chemicals, make sure you wear the right protective equipment and follow the instructions on the label. Avoid mixing chemicals in the same container. Dispose of any that are leaking or expired, following your municipality's disposal guidelines.
- Avoid overexertion. If you need to lift something, follow proper lifting practices. If necessary, enlist a coworker or neighbour to help. Take Breaks.
- Inspect the cords on all your electrical tools before you use them. If they look weathered or the insulation is missing, don't use them.
- If you need to use a ladder, make sure you do so safely. Follow the safe work practices in this hazard alert.
- Take your time. While you might want to get to a more exciting task, you may miss something that can become a problem later. Do one final sweep around your workspace and see if there are any hazards you need to eliminate before you call it quits.
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Day of Mourning
Last year, over 900 Canadians lost their lives as a result of workplace injury or disease. On April 28, we honour these workers with the Day of Mourning.
Workplace-related death spreads beyond the workplace. The loss impacts our coworkers, our neighbours, our families, and our friends.
To remember those who lost their lives this past year due to a workplace incident or illness in the NWT and Nunavut, the Northern Territories Federation of Labour will host ceremonies in Yellowknife and Iqaluit. The ceremonies take place at noon on Thursday, April 28, in the respective Legislative Assemblies for each city. Any loss of life is unacceptable. We must commit to make injury prevention our priority in all of our workplaces. |
Don't Be a Number Clicks with One Life Logan
Our Don't Be a Number campaign is ramping up. Earlier today we launched One Life Logan, an online game that promotes workplace safety to young workers, age 13 - 25. The newest tool in our overall campaign, the game teaches youth how important it is to take responsibility for their safety at work. It highlights their worker rights, presenting information in a youth-friendly way.
While playing One Life Logan, participants must navigate workplace hazards and use the right personal protective equipment to stay safe. A safety message concludes each game play, further reinforcing their workplace safety rights and responsibilities. Participants compete for great monthly prizes, and can interact with the game character, Logan, on Facebook.
Please encourage the young workers in your life to visit dontbeanumber.ca to learn more. |
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Safety Notices
One of the tools we provide to help workers stay safe are safety notices. These notices include hazard alerts and information bulletins, and help employers share important safety information with their employees in their safety meetings.
Hazard alerts profile a specific hazard and give safe work practices you can adopt to avoid it. Information bulletins highlight safety issues and provide general information on proactive steps employers and workers can take to improve workplace safety.
To view our safety notices, visit our website. |
We Want to Hear from You
Insight: A Look At Safety and Service helps keep you current on WSCC information. If you have suggestions of how we can make it better, let us know. |
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