JANUARY 2017                                                               FRANÇAIS
ANNUAL PAYROLL REPORT DUE
FEBRUARY 28, 2017

Employers, please remember that all businesses must be on WSCC Connect to submit an Annual Payroll Report (APR). Submitting an APR must be complete by February 28, 2017, to avoid penalty. Remember to submit even if you're reporting zero payroll. The penalty for a late submission is 15% of your previous year's employer payroll assessment.

We're here to help! If you need assistance contact Employer Services or call toll-free at 1-800-661-0792.
WHAT'S NEW
WSCC PUBLICATION HIGHLIGHTS

President's Corner

Ever wonder what goes through the mind of the leadership team here at the WSCC? Starting this month, you'll be able to get a first-hand look as the WSCC's President and CEO, Dave Grundy, begins his regular updates in the President's Corner.

In his most recent post, Dave talked about the Meredith Principles. If you have comments, questions, or thoughts on future posts, click here to email him directly.

You can access the President's Corner directly from the homepage at www.wscc.nt.ca or www.wscc.nu.ca.

Available Now: Update your First Aid Kit with a WSCC First Aid Register



Did you know OHS Regulations require that you maintain a record of work-related injuries that occur in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut for up to three years? To help you meet this requirement, the WSCC offers workplaces our new First Aid Register. Request a copy today by emailing us at info@wscc.nt.ca.

WSCC 2017 Calendar

Every year, the WSCC produces a calendar that highlights observed holidays and important WSCC dates and events in both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. To request copies of the wall calendar for your workplace, email us here.


              
VIDEO CONTEST 2017: FOCUS ON SAFETY

On behalf of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), the WSCC is once again hosting the annual video contest for high school students throughout the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The WSCC manages the territorial competition before sending the winning video to the CCOHS for the national stage of the competition.

Now in its 5th year, the contest is open to all high school students in grades 9 to 12, and this year's theme is #FocusOnSafety. The winning video will earn a $1000 prize, and another $1000 will be awarded to the entrant's sponsor school. Each team must have a sponsor teacher from their high school who supervises and supports the team.

While videos must have a workplace safety focus, the content and message is open to your imagination and creativity. Whether it is a drama, an animation, a stop-motion video, or a music video, all ideas and submissions are welcome. Ask yourself how workers and employers can help create a safer workplace for all.

The submission deadline for the 2017 #FocusOnSafety contest is April 1st, at 11:59 PM MST.

For more information, including rules and regulations, how to submit an entry, and more, visit the video contest page here.
SNOWMOBILE SAFETY
A REMINDER

You don't need us to tell you that snowmobiling is a huge part of the winter way of life in the North, and that plenty of Northerners are seasoned snowmobile operators. No matter how familiar you are with snowmobiles, it is important to never take safety for granted. Remind yourself (and those around you) of the basic safety tips and tricks every snowmobile operator should know - before you get on a snowmobile. As with everything in life, preparedness is key. Here's a quick refresher:

Before Your Trip
  • Check the weather forecast, so that you can plan and dress appropriately.
     
  • Check the condition of snowmobile trails, and do not snowmobile on ice if you're not sure of the thickness and conditions. Never drive on ice that is weak, slushy, near moving water, or that has recently thawed and refrozen. Avoid unfamiliar frozen lakes and rivers; open water may not always be visible. Your local snowmobile association will have the most current information on trail and ice conditions.
     
  • Fuel up! Make sure you have enough fuel for your entire journey. When fueling up, follow proper procedures to avoid accidental burns.
     
  • When loading your snowmobile on and off trailers, ask for help if needed. Do not overexert yourself, and take your time to prevent strains and crush injuries.
     
  • Refresh yourself on the signs of hypothermia and what to do if this happens.
     
  • Know your snowmobile: it's best to have basic knowledge of your snowmobile in the event of equipment failure. Familiarize yourself with key controls and the importance of proper fluids.
     
  • Tell somebody where you're going, the route you'll take, what your snowmobile looks like, and when you expect to return.

Equip Yourself
  • Dress appropriately: wear well-insulated protective clothing, including goggles, waterproof snowmobile suits and gloves, and insulated boots with rubber bottoms. Dress in bright colours, and make sure you have reflective clothing - especially if your trip may run into nighttime.
     
  • Pack the following:
    • First Aid Kit; 
    • Emergency tool kit, including an extra key; 
    • Survival kit: flares, fire-starters (matches or lighters) in a waterproof container, a knife, saw, or axe, an ice pick, a flashlight (with extra batteries), a whistle, high-energy food like nuts or granola bars, and an extra set of dry clothing; 
    • Navigation guides: a GPS unit, trail map, and a compass; and 
    • Communication tools: carry a cell phone if you're in an area with service. If you know you'll be in an area with no service, alert someone of your travel plans, and carry a satellite phone if you have one.
Drive Safely
  • Always drive within your ability: beginners should stick to groomed trails and drive during the day.
     
  • Always travel at safe speeds. Obey speed limits and road/trail signs.
     
  • Take extra care with corners and hills. Be extra careful on unfamiliar or rugged terrain; you might run into hazards you cannot see, such as snow-covered fallen trees or rocks.
     
  • Always keep your headlights and tail lights on so that you can see and be seen.
     
  • Avoid travelling alone if possible: it's best to travel in groups of two or more. However, do not carry more than one passenger on each snowmobile.
     
  • Do not pull people on sleds, skids, tubes, tires, or saucers behind a snowmobile. If you must tow someone, the safest way is to use a sled or cutter attached securely to the snowmobile by a rigid bar connection. When towing someone or something, travel at slow speeds over level terrain, and stay away from trees, rocks, and other vehicles. A spotter should stay behind the snowmobile and watch when someone is being towed.
     
  • When driving at night, use your headlights, wear reflective clothing, and reduce your speed.
Every city and community has its own snowmobile rules and regulations (as an example, see the City of Yellowknife's rules here). Familiarize yourself with the local laws and follow the tips above to put your mind at ease every time you operate a snowmobile.
CARBON MONOXIDE AWARENESS
STAY CURRENT ON YOUR SAFETY PREPAREDNESS

It's that time of the year again: it's cold outside, and all you want to do when you get home is fire up your appliances to stay warm. Whenever you do, however, remember to ask yourself if you are up-to-date on your carbon monoxide safety preparedness.

Carbon monoxide is a gas that is created by the incomplete burning of fuels. These fuels include gasoline, propane, wood, natural gas, and oil - all of which are common and used daily by many of us.

Carbon monoxide is invisible, odourless, and tasteless, but highly poisonous. It is toxic in concentrations above 35 ppm (parts-per-million), and can accumulate in living spaces due to improperly installed or malfunctioning heating devices.

Heating and fuel-burning appliances that can create carbon monoxide include:
  • Oil, gas, pellet, and wood stoves;
  • Furnaces;
  • Water heaters;
  • Gas room heaters;
  • Engine-powered equipment such as portable generators; and
  • Fireplaces.
Carbon monoxide is a real threat, but there are a few simple things you can do to ensure that you stay safe, at home and in the workplace:
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors where appropriate.
  • Regularly test your carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure the batteries are charged and that the alarms are in working order.
  • Have your heating devices maintained and inspected by a professional.
  • Get an annual inspection for all fuel-fired appliances in your home and in the workplace.
  • If operating a stove or an internal combustion engine in an enclosed or confined space, make sure you have a venting system properly installed.
  • Alert your employer to any hazards that may lead to carbon monoxide build-up.
Carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air, and can spread evenly through any room. When installing carbon monoxide detectors, place them high up on a wall or on the ceiling. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in central locations, and away from fuel-burning appliances, since these appliances will normally emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up.

With the long winter season that we experience every year, carbon monoxide awareness is key. Stay safe.
This information will soon be available in Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun on our website.

wscc.nt.ca   /  1.800.661.0792   *   wscc.nu.ca  /  1.877.404.4407