WorkSafeBC regularly revises Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) for chemical substances. Manganese was one chemical substance discussed at the last review. Potentially harmful chemicals are present in many workplaces. So how can employers know how much chemical exposure is too much? That’s where Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) come in. To learn more about OELs, I spoke […]
We look forward to more time outdoors as we move into the warmer temperatures of spring. Please read these important reminders on keeping yourself safe. Please keep these safety tips in mind this spring and share them with your contacts. Add your own safety tips in the Comments section at the end. (I love reading […]
BC Ferries workers use the ALERT system to report workplace safety hazards and solutions that are shared with all employees through weekly bulletins. BC Ferries employs 5,100 workers during the peak summer season. With 47 terminals, 35 ferries, and one shipyard, there are many different jobs to do. The organization’s workforce includes kitchen staff, tradespeople […]
Students practising CPR on manikins can get instant feedback from a wristband that indicates if they are doing chest compressions properly. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has saved the lives of many people in cardiac arrest. Now, a new tool makes it easier for people learning CPR to know if they are doing it correctly. Traditionally, students […]
Dr. Delia Roberts studies how nutrition can prevent injuries at work. She found that workers who change their diets can improve performance that very day. Drink more water. Eat less sugar. That’s part of what Health Canada recommends in its updated food guide. This made me think of and reach out to Dr. Delia Roberts, […]
In the past five years, more than 60 workers in B.C. were injured by drill presses. One safety officer says education is key to preventing such incidents. Mark Phifer, an occupational safety officer (OSO) with WorkSafeBC, has been doing inspections and attending incidents at B.C. workplaces for almost 20 years. Many of those incidents involved […]
Improvements to the NOP submission process include new features to make it easier for B.C. employers to provide legally required info to WorkSafeBC. B.C. employers have a legal requirement to notify WorkSafeBC before they begin certain types of projects. For example, if they’re working with hazardous materials, they need to let WorkSafeBC know, in writing, […]
Winter’s not over yet. Be prepared for sub-zero temperatures at work, at play, and on your way. Avoid frostbite, hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning. Winter is nearly over, but it’s not over yet. Let’s stay prepared for sub-zero temperatures. Employers need to plan for outdoor workers According to this WorkSafeBC news release, Bitter cold means heightened […]
Managing fatigue in the workplace is about more than just getting enough sleep. A fatigue risk management system can help employers reduce the risk. Fatigue is more than just feeling sleepy — it impacts our abilities to think and work. And with Daylight Saving Time around the corner, I thought it was a good time […]
Actsafe’s conference on event safety is all about sharing knowledge and equipping workers. On the agenda: crowd safety, mental health, opioids, and more. Actsafe’s annual Event Safety Conference brings industry stakeholders together to share knowledge about how to make live events and performing arts workplaces safer. “The conference is about equipping people at all levels […]
