| Policy Spotlight | |
At its recent March meeting in Iqaluit, the Governance Council approved revisions to three policies: 06.01, Pension Entitlement; 06.02, Pension Conversions and Advances; and 10.03 Purchasing (renamed Procurement); and rescinded one policy, 04.12 Lump Sum Payments to Pre-1985 Surviving Spouses (incorporated into 06.01 Pension Entitlement).
To view all current policies, including those under review, visit our website. | |
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Greetings!
Spring is here, and with that, we mark some changes and new beginnings here at the WSCC.
The Government of Nunavut appointed the Honorable Lorne Kusugak as Minister Responsible for the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission. While in Iqaluit for quarterly Governance Council meetings, I was able to meet with Minister Kusugak. He is very engaged, asked lots of questions and offered positive comments. I look forward to working with him.
I was also lucky enough to attend the official ribbon cutting ceremony of our new Iqaluit office. With 78 stakeholders in attendance, and the lighting of the qulliq, our offices received the blessing of an elder. The evening concluded with our Chairperson, Bill Aho, doing the official ribbon cutting. After many years at the Baron Building, the WSCC is now at the Qamutiq building.
This month also marks the celebration of the National Day of Mourning. Last year was a tragic one for Northerners. Please join us April 28 to remember those lost and injured in workplace incidents.
Sincerely,
Dave Grundy
President & CEO |
NAOSH Week
May 6 -12, 2012, marks North American Occupational Safety & Health (NAOSH) Week. The goal of NAOSH Week is to focus employers, employees, partners, and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community. The theme of this year's event is Making it Work. The WSCC is busy preparing!
In Yellowknife, the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) has several events planned with local businesses. The WSCC's own Safety Street event takes place at the City Hall grounds on May 11, Safety Street Iqaluit takes place at the new WSCC office in the Qamutiq building on May 11, and more details about Safety Street Inuvik on May 7 will be available shortly.
Check out Safety Street or contact us for more information. |
Skills Canada Competition
It's that time of year again! Skills Canada is a national organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies to Canadian youth. The Territorial competitions are coming up.
Youth across Nunavut and the Northwest Territories will compete against each other to demonstrate their proficiency in a variety of trades and skills, including Workplace Safety. In this skill, participants complete a test, identify hazards in mock scenarios, and give presentations. WSCC Prevention Services Safety Officers help determine the winner.
The WSCC wishes the best of luck to all youth competing for a place at the Nationals!
Northwest Territories Skills Canada Territorial Competition - April 17, 2012, Yellowknife
Nunavut Skills Canada Territorial Competition - April 24, 2012, Iqaluit
Skills Canada National Competition - May 13-16, 2012, Edmonton, AB |
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Supervisors Safety Training
Safety education is ongoing. With this in mind, the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and the WSCC offer a Supervisor Safety Training Program. This program is ideal for people in a supervisory role, from Project Supervisors to Senior Management. The three day program is in line with the proposed occupational health and safety legislation and regulations and informs supervisors what their health and safety duties are and increases their safety awareness.
Developed as a partnership between the two organizations, the WSCC will run the Training Program. Supervisors and companies across the Territories can access this program to help reduce incidents and create safer workplaces. Further pilot deliveries are ongoing and we look forward to continuing to ensure workplace safety for everyone.
For more information on this training program, contact us, and check out our Safety Education courses. |
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New Nunavut Minister Responsible
In March, the Government of Nunavut announced the Honorable Lorne Kusugak holds the portfolio for the Workers' Safety & Compensation Commission. Minister Kusugak was elected in October 2008 to represent the Rankin Inlet South - Whale Cove constituency.
Prior to his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Minister Kusugak served as Mayor of Rankin Inlet for six years. He also held the positions of CEO for the Nunavut Implementation Training Committee and Executive Director of the Kivalliq Inuit Association. Minister Kusugak worked in the communications field prior to entering public service.
We look forward to developing our relationship with Minister Kusugak as we work together to meet stakeholders' needs. |
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Day of Mourning
In Canada, an average of four workers dies each day as a result of workplace injury or disease. Every year on April 28, we honour these workers on the National Day of Mourning. This day also marks the passing of the first comprehensive Workers' Compensation Act (Ontario).
Workplace-related death spreads beyond the workplace. The loss impacts our coworkers, neighbours, families, and friends.
To remember those who lost their lives this past year due to a workplace incident or illness in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the Northern Territories Federation of Labour (NTFL) will host ceremonies in Yellowknife and Iqaluit. The ceremonies take place at noon on Saturday, April 28, in the respective Legislative Assemblies.
Any loss of life is unacceptable. This day not only marks a remembrance of those we lost, but also reinforces our commitment to make injury prevention our priority in all of our workplaces.
Open and print our Day of Mourning poster to display in your workplace. |
| Stakeholder Survey Results
Congratulations to Northwest Territories and Nunavut workers and employers for demonstrating their commitment to safety!
Last year, the WSCC conducted a stakeholder survey of approximately 800 workers and 400 employers across both Territories. The aim of the survey was to obtain baseline measures regarding opinions and perceptions on workplace safety and the inevitability of incidents.
Almost all employers agree work safety is important for a company to be successful, they know what to do to prevent injuries at work, and they know their responsibilities as an employer for workplace safety.
The results garnered from workers also reflect this commitment to safety. Almost all workers agree they know what to do to prevent injuries and death at home, help others work safely, and follow all safety procedures for their jobs.
Thanks to everyone who shares our commitment to safety and continues to work toward our vision of eliminating workplace diseases and injuries. |
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Don't Be A Number
One Life Logan is an online game that promotes workplace safety to young workers, age 13-25. The game teaches youth how important it is to take responsibility for their safety at work. It highlights their worker rights and presents information in a youth-friendly way.
While playing One Life Logan, participants identify workplace hazards, navigate them, and use the right personal protective equipment to stay safe. A safety message concludes each game play, further reinforcing workplace safety, rights and responsibilities. Participants compete for great monthly prizes and can interact with the game character, Logan, on Facebook.
Please encourage young workers in your life to visit dontbeanumber.ca to learn more and win great prizes. |
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Iqaluit Office Move
The Iqaluit office moved! After many years in the Baron building, you can find the WSCC at the Qamutiq Building. We are happy to provide our employees and stakeholders service in this brand new building.
Contact and mailing information remains the same.
WSCC Iqaluit - 1-877-404-4407
Box 669
Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 |
April Employer Statements
Thanks to all employers who sent in their Employer Payroll Statements on time! Employer Services works hard to process these, and you can expect your monthly statements in the mail shortly. Contact us if you have any questions. |
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Quality Assurance
The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission commits to service excellence. Share your suggestions with our President on how to serve you better. Email or call (867) 920-3888, or toll free at (800) 661-0792. |
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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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