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 […]
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 […]
If you were an employer, how would you keep your young workers safe? That’s the challenge for youth in WorkSafeBC’s 2019 student safety video contest. It’s very important that young workers feel comfortable to ask questions about safety. “Young workers are often reluctant to speak up because they don’t want to make waves or look […]
B.C. health care assistants were recently honoured and celebrated at conferences focused on promoting workplace safety and the care aides’ well-being. Health care assistants make a huge difference to people’s quality of life. In honour of these workers — also known as resident care assistants, community health workers, and home care workers — WorkSafeBC and […]
Poor air quality from this summer’s wildfires affected B.C.’s outdoor entertainment industry. Employers should start preparing now for next season. A number of outdoor music events in B.C. were cancelled this past summer due to wildfire smoke. Don Parman works for ActSafe, the health and safety association for B.C.’s entertainment industry. Recently, he met with […]
Point-of-care risk assessment helps health care assistants better address residents’ emotional distress and creates safer workplaces. More than 32,000 people in B.C. work as health care assistants, resident care assistants, community health workers, and home care workers. Their care is essential for patients with dementia, physical mobility challenges, and other health needs. Sadly, these support […]
Older farmers are more likely to be injured at work than younger workers. Supporting this generation of workers was the theme of AgSafety Week 2018. Many Canadian farmers work well into their later years. These older workers have a wealth of skills and experience, but they also have a higher risk of being seriously injured. […]
Bullying and harassment hurt people in our schools, workplaces, homes, and online. Pink Shirt Day reminds us to support them. How can we support people who are being bullied or harassed? What can we do to show people they’re not alone in the situation? This is one of the things people talk about on February […]
Storage racks are used in many industries. Moving materials on and off them puts workers at risk of overexertion, being hit by falling objects, and more. Recently I overheard a man at the coffee shop say he was going to install new storage racks in his workplace because a big load of something had come […]
The fentanyl death toll keeps rising. Some B.C. employers now have naloxone on hand for occupational first aid attendants who treat workers and the public. Should employers add naloxone to their emergency response plan? WorkSafeBC has received calls from employers and occupational first aid attendants (OFAs) who want to know if administering naloxone is within […]
