3 minute read
Shared Commitments
Safety is everyone’s responsibility
WorkplaceNL continues to work closely with its partners and the community to create an awareness of safety and improve how it delivers services to injured workers and employers.
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- Leslie Galway, CEO, WorkplaceNL
New, high school OHS 3203 course
In partnership with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, WorkplaceNL has developed curriculum and Canada’s first occupational health and safety (OHS) textbook specifically designed for high schools. Starting in September 2015, over 1,200 students enrolled in the new course, OHS 3203.
WorkplaceNL has authored the textbook, Building a Safer Tomorrow, to help students become more aware of occupational health and safety, the rights and responsibilities of workers, and ways to reduce common risks in the workplace.
Students completing the course will be certified in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and as an OHS Committee member. They also receive Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training. These students will enter the workforce safety aware, and have a strong foundation that will serve them throughout their career.
WorkplaceNL has proudly partnered with other community leaders in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Understanding Changes Everything Workplace Partnership Program in supporting employees living with mental illness and addiction. Mental health affects one in five people, possibly you or colleagues who work alongside you every day. Community leaders have joined together to decrease the stigma associated with mental illness and addictions in the workplace and beyond.
As a partner, WorkplaceNL commits to:
1. Ensure all employees are aware of our confidential
Employee Assistance Program.
2. Train employees in The Working Mind, a program which teaches individuals to recognize mental health and addictions issues within themselves and others.
3. Have return to work programs in place for employees that leave due to mental illness or addiction, as with any illness.
4. Provide a healthy work environment, including a healthy work-life balance and setting clear, reasonable expectations.
Partnering to prevent electrical contacts
WorkplaceNL continues to partner with Newfoundland Power, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro), Bell Aliant, the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association (NLCSA), Service NL, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Newfoundland and Labrador, Operating Engineers College, and the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador on an Electrical Contact Prevention Working Group. In September, the working group publicly expressed major concern over the number of contacts with electrical equipment and infrastructure, a serious issue with the potential for serious injury or death. In a two-year period, Newfoundland Power and Hydro recorded more than 120 public incidents, the majority of which involved contractors using equipment such as booms, cranes, heavy equipment, trucks, and ladders.
WorkplaceNL manages the certification training standard for power line hazards. On behalf of the working group, WorkplaceNL reminds contractors and the general public that working around electricity requires their complete and undivided attention. Incidents can be prevented with proper planning, worksite evaluation and adhering to safe distances.
WorkplaceNL continues to work closely with its primary stakeholders, the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers’ Council (NLEC) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL). WorkplaceNL regularly seeks feedback from both groups on policy matters and strategic plans, so that our programs and services are suited for employers and injured workers.
Mental health a ects one in ve people
