Protecting workers from getting physically injured isn’t enough these days. Employers are now expected to protect their worker’s mental health, too. And this duty can seem quite daunting. The Mental Health Association of Canada recently published some tips for psychological health and safety by Dr. …

This Sunday is the Super Bowl in the US, an event watched across the world. Some people tune in because they love football; others watch for the creative ads. This year, the NFL is running an ad of its own during the game—and the ad’s …

Most workplaces in Canada have a joint health and safety committee (JHSC). The JHSC is a key component of an OHS program and can really improve workplace safety. But too often, the JHSC isn’t run effectively, doesn’t understand its role or exists simply because the …

Cold, gloomy weather. Holiday bills arriving in the mail. New Year’s resolutions that are starting to fray. It’s no wonder that many of your workers may be suffering from the winter blues. Some may even get seasonal affective disorder (SAD), episodes of depression that …

At the beginning of a new year, people often make personal resolutions, such as losing weight, saving more money or finding love, and work-related resolutions, such as getting a better job or a promotion. But companies can also resolve to change their ways. For example, …

Along with all of the other hazards posed by winter weather, such as extreme cold, workers may also be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Exposure to this danger is especially likely if they use portable heaters—or improvise in an attempt to get warm. (Click …

Cell phone use by workers on the job in general is a distraction. At best, it can lead to decreased production and poor work product; at worst, it can lead to safety incidents with tragic results. So employers clearly need to figure out how to …

Given that April 15 is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, many people have likely asked themselves, “Could it happen again?” Unfortunately, that question was answered in the affirmative on Jan. 13, 2012, when the Costa Concordia, a huge Italian cruise ship …

TOP 5 PENALTIES AGAINST COMPANIES 1. $450,000 (QC) Approximately 9,600 litres of sulphuric acid spilled on a factory’s roof through a vent and about 1,280 litres flowed into the stormwater system. In addition, while piping caustic soda to a tank truck, about 3,780 …

Most employers understand that it’s not enough just to address the hazards associated with equipment, machinery, work processes, chemicals and the other nuts-and-bolts trappings of the workplace. They’ve gotten the message that the duty to provide a safe workplace also involves protecting workers from violence. …