Young Workers Face Unique Risks
Spring has arrived and with it the annual wave of young workers joining companies for the summer season. These roles are a great learning experience for workers with little experience but it is also an opportunity for inexperienced and untrained workers to face a unique set of risks.
In a 2006 review, the Institute for Work & Health looked at the risk factors associated with young worker injuries. This review gathered published research evidence on both the risk and protective factors for work injuries among youth. The purpose was to answer this question:
"What individual, job and workplace factors are associated with work injuries and illness among young people 12 to 24 years of age?"
This review determined that it is not the age or gender or exuberant personalities of young workers that cause injuries on the job. Rather, it's the already-present workplace hazards, and the workers perception of a heavy workload that affects incidents. It follows that, in order to reduce the risk among young workers, employers need to identify and either reduce or eliminate unsafe work conditions. They also have to accept that young workers' perception of work overload is a valid risk factor.
These issues, coupled with a lack of experience, training, and the need to impress supervisors by working long hours with great speed, can contribute to incidents. When incidents do occur a young worker may be less likely to report unsafe conditions for fear of reprisal from their employers.
Like any workers, young workers have the right to know about workplace health and safety hazards, the right to participate in dealing with health and safety issues as well as the right to refuse work if they feel it will endanger them. It is also their responsibility to comply with all relevant legislation, wear their personal protective equipment if required, report hazards they find and not create additional hazards.
It is important to ensure that young workers
- understand all relevant health and safety legislation, as well as workplace policies and procedures that relate to their specific roles
- know what personal protective equipment to use, when to use it, and why it is important to use
- are educated on the various hazards they may encounter while on the job as well as the methods with which to report these hazards to their supervisors
- have an environment in which there is no fear of reprisal for bringing up safety and workload concerns
- know that it is imperative to ask questions and never assume answers.
Infrastructure Health & Safety Association in Partnership with Employers' Advocacy Council Present - Spring 2010 Seminar Series
- Workplace Safety & Insurance Act (WSIA 101): "What you must know"
Monday April 26, 2010
- "Tool Box" for Return to Work & Case Management Monday May 31, 2010
As a result of Overwhelming Demand and interest we are once again offering
two important session containing vital & important information!
Workplace Safety & Insurance Act (WSIA 101):
"What you must know" ($250.00 + GST = $262.50)
Monday April 26, 2010 - Centre for Health & Safety Innovation (CHSI) Mississauga, Ont.
A complimentary copy of the Workplace Safety & Insurance Act is included in
the price of this workshop (valued at $25.50).
Session Content
Infrastructure Health & Safety Association recently formed an alliance with
the Employers' Advocacy Council (EAC) to provide our members with even more, value added information in our journey towards the Road to Zero.
This exciting partnership allows us to work with a reputable organization in bringing forward a workshop to support member firms in dealing positively with matters relating to the Workplace Safety & Insurance Act and more specifically what you, as an employer - need to know.
What is the WSIA?
On January 1, 1998, a new Bill was introduced to replace the Workers' Compensation Act. Bill 99, the Workplace Safety & Insurance Act (WSIA),
established the rights and responsibilities of an employer in case of accidental injury, as well as a new approach to workplace injury.
The workshop will focus on:
- How to Read the Act
- Overview of the Prevention Programs and First Aid Regulations
- Coverage, Registration and Premiums
- Reporting Obligations
- Entitlement, Benefits and Service Delivery
- Return to Work Protocols
- Decision, Objections and Appeals
- Penalties and Offense
This workshop will provide you, as a participant, with an introduction to the critical elements of the WSIA and WSIB Operational Policy Manual as well as their application in the workplace. You will gain an understanding of what the legislation requires, how it works and how to best manage claims, forms the fundamental basis of WSIA 101
"Tool Box" for Return to Work & Case Management
($250.00 + GST = $262.50)
Monday May 31, 2010 - Centre for Health & Safety Innovation (CHSI) Mississauga, Ont.
Session Content
"Tool Box" for Return to work and Case Management workshop is a full day session designed to provide participants with the knowledge and practical
examples/tools on the importance of their roles/obligations in the workplace for managing and supporting the claims management and early & safe return to work process. Participants will also receive a NEW CD which comes complete with templates and flowchart for quick/easy reference and support of this program.
Catherine Landgren (Paralegal) has once again been retained to lead these seminars. To give you an idea of what to expect, here are just a few comments about Catherine from participants at our initial IHSA/EAC sessions.
"Dynamic speaker - able to transfer knowledge in an enjoyable format"
"Instructor was extremely knowledgeable of the topic & conveyed the information very well"
"Questions answered effectively"
"I gained a significant amount of knowledge"
"Great use of real life examples"
Don't miss the above unique opportunities to get the appropriate knowledge and have all your tough questions answered.
Event Details
Workplace Safety & Insurance Act (WSIA 101) - "What you Must Know"
Date: Monday April 26, 2010
Toolbox for Return to Work & Case Management
Date: Monday May 31, 2010
Each session is as follows:
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Centre for Health & Safety Innovation (CHSI)
Presentation Centre South
5110 Creekbank Rd.
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W-OA1
For directions please click here
Seminar Cost (Including Lunch & Session Materials)
$250.00 ea. plus GST = $262.50
To register please complete the form by clicking here and fax to (905) 219-0052
Emmett McGarry Achieves 50 Years of Collision Free Driving
Emmett's exemplary 50-year driving record was recognized and celebrated last month by his employer, Rideau Bulk, his family, friends and THSAO. His philosophy is simple - obey the law, never take chances on the road and know when your body and the weather are saying it's time to pull over. "It's worked for me and it will work for others," he says.
Read more about Emmett and his long standing career in trucking.
THSAO Consultant Gets Haircut
Brian Pearce, THSAO Senior Consultant visited the hairdresser recently to get a haircut. He had been sporting a ponytail in recent months and it was finally time to have it cut and donated to the Angel Hair for Kids program. This worthy charity provides wigs and hair loss solutions to financially disadvantaged children who have lost their hair due to a medical condition or treatment.
Read more about Brian, the program, and how you can donate.
US Hours of Service Rule - UPDATE
For an update on the latest revision to the US Hours of Service Rule, please follow this link.
Information Bulletin
To learn more about preventing Legionella, click here for an information bulletin and workplace health & safety guideline.
News for Federally Regulated Companies
Amendments have been made to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHS Regulations). These amendments are located in Part XIX of the Canada Labour Code Part II Regulations and list the requirements for an employer in developing a prescribed program for the prevention of hazards in the workplace. For more information follow this link.
Winter Driving Tips
Here's some tips and advice for winter driving.
Young and New Workers - Are You Ready?
On June 6, 2005 Ontario's Ministry of Labour announced its inspectors will be focusing on employers who hire young and new workers. To help employers ensure their workplaces are safe for new and young workers, the MOL has provided excellent health and safety information. Follow this link for details.
Avoiding Collisions with Wild Animals
For advice on how to reduce your collision risk with wild animals, please follow this link for a Ministry of Transportation tip sheet: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/wildlife.htm
Help Prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss
WSIB recently developed a Noise Control and Hearing Conservation kit. Please click here then scroll down.
New study indicates noise and carbon monoxide exposure increases hearing loss in workers. Click here for more info.
Important Amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada
Stronger laws affecting the criminal liability of organizations. For more information please click here. This site provides a Clear Language Guide to Bill C-45. For a concise powerpoint presentation on Bill C-45, please click here.
Falls Awareness
To get the facts on how to prevent falls call 1-888-921-wsib or follow this link.
CSA B335-04 Safety Standard for Lift Trucks NOW AVAILABLE!
THSAO has received notification from the Canadian Standards Association that the revised CSA B335-04 'Safety Standard for Lift Trucks' is now in force and available. The original CSA B335 Standard was published in 1994, with minor revisions in 1996. Since standards are generally reviewed every 5 years, the revision committee tasked with updating the standard began work late in 1999. The Standard has gone through some extensive changes including the addition of 5 major sections namely; Safe practices & procedures, Design & construction, Trainer qualifications, Maintenance and Technician qualifications. This Standard encompasses elements from several standards, guidelines & legislation and incorporates them into a single document. Copies of the standard can be obtained by clicking onto the following CSA link; http://www.csa-intl.org/onlinestore.
For additional information including pricing and a review of the scope click here.
Young Workers
The following WSIB web site is geared toward teaching young workers basic elements of workplace health and safety: www.hs101.ca For additional information on the topic of young worker safety, please follow this link to learn how students are teaching their peers. The Ministry of Labour site http://www.worksmartontario.gov.on.ca has important health and safety information for young workers too.
'Yield to Bus' Law Now in Effect
For more information, please click here.
Prevention Dynamics
A tremendous health and safety resource at your fingertips!
Dangers of Heat Stress
The Ontario government is reminding employers and workers to be aware of the occupational health and safety dangers of heat stress and to protect themselves at work. Read more details from the Ministry of Labour.
About AVIAN FLU
For information and health and safety guidelines about AVIAN FLU, follow these links: Health Canada and Ministry of Labour.
In the event of a provincial emergency, the following site will provide essential information and links to important details relating to an emergency www.labour.gov.on.ca/english
/about/peua/index.html
Final SARS Report
Final SARS report to strengthen public health system and protect frontline workers. For more info on this third and final report, follow this link.
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