Good communication is an important part of safety for fishing crews, especially when people of different generations are working together on boats. Effective communication is key to working safely in any industry. But communicating effectively can be a challenge when different generations of people work together. (Read more in my post Talking safety with different […]
A new psychological support toolkit is available for workers and employers coping with increased anxiety and stress due to COVID-19. Approximately 46,000 Canadians responded to an online questionnaire from Statistics Canada, and just over 52 percent of them reported a decline in their mental health due to COVID-19. They reported increased anxiety and stress. Beyond […]
B.C.’s wood product manufacturers are working together to share their experiences and find industry-wide solutions for preventing combustible dust fires. At 3 a.m. on May 11, 2020, a fire broke out in the dryer system at a pellet mill in Lavington, B.C. Thankfully, the mill’s fire suppression system activated, no one was injured, and damage […]
Scott Construction won a Builders Code Champion Award for its efforts to support workers’ mental health, which include forming a mental health committee. On average, each year, around one in five people in Canada will experience a mental health challenge or illness, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Motivated by the desire to support […]
The practice of mindfulness can help us navigate times of uncertainty. A Vancouver counsellor describes how it benefits us at work and in the rest of life. In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy for people to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Practising mindfulness during times of uncertainty like this can be a helpful […]
The “Cool or Tool?” app raises construction workers’ awareness of what is and isn’t acceptable workplace conduct. It’s fun and takes only two minutes a day. B.C.’s construction industry employs about 250,000 workers, including labourers and skilled tradespeople. In March 2019, several industry partners collaborated to launch the Builders Code, an initiative that provides B.C.’s […]
Today’s labour shortage means workers have lots of employers to choose from. Employers with good health and safety programs are more likely to attract them. Attracting qualified workers is a challenge for many industries today. Recently I spoke with Lisa McGuire, CEO of the Manufacturing Safety Alliance (the Alliance), about what this challenge looks like […]
Occupational health and safety can be overwhelming for many small businesses. Small Business BC helps steer them in the right direction. A June 2019 story in Canadian Occupational Safety Magazine describes how small business owners across Canada often don’t know where to start when it comes to workplace health and safety. Here in B.C., 98 […]
Here’s some advice for parents on talking to your kids about safety at work. Start the conversation early and encourage them to ask questions. I’m sure we’ve all seen (and maybe been) little kids who love watching construction workers use big machines. Today my son is nearly an adult, but in the past we watched […]
B.C.’s motion picture industry unions are making it easier for workers and their families to access anonymous support for mental health and addictions. In any given year, one in five people in Canada will experience a mental health problem or illness, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Compassion, understanding, and support can make […]
