Breaking News in Health and Safety
Learn about recent deadly workplace incidents and hefty fines for non-compliance with health and safety regulations. Don’t be a statistic; get the breaking news on WHMIS, construction safety, ergonomics, chemical safety, heat stroke, and more.
26 Charges Laid After Worker Trapped, Burned Inside Edmonton Smokehouse
A plant superintendent left his workstation to check the smokehouse temperature but became trapped inside. He was later discovered unconscious. The charges state that he suffered fatal injuries due to intense heat exposure. It is alleged that the smokehouse door was inoperable from the inside, preventing his escape.
23 Charges After Worker Sandblasting Dies From Carbon Monoxide
A worker using a supplied air system for sandblasting was found unresponsive by a coworker. Despite medical treatment, the worker did not survive. The charges state he was exposed to carbon monoxide.
Fine amount: $274,073
Two hospital workers became ill after being exposed to a noxious odour in a patient room. Eight others were also treated. The employer’s safe work procedures for illicit substances were not adequately communicated or trained on. Recommended respiratory protection was also not communicated. The employer failed to implement written procedures to minimize worker exposure to harmful chemicals, a repeated violation.
Fine amount: $710,488
Inspectors found damaged ventilation equipment and inadequate welding fume control practices. The subcontractor lacked an exposure control plan, and the prime contractor failed to establish a regulatory compliance system and maintain up-to-date first aid procedures. These were high-risk and repeated violations.
Fine amount: $116,458
A worker was fatally injured in a fuel transfer accident at a gravel parking lot used for fuel storage and handling. A vapour cloud explosion and fire occurred, likely ignited by electrostatic discharge. The firm failed to ensure workers were safe.
- 5 Easy Ways To Prevent a Tragic Slip and Fall
Winter brings stunning scenery but also creates hazardous walking conditions. This is true outdoors and indoors, where wet floors or tracked-in snow can lead to slip hazards. Slips, trips, and falls are the leading causes of injuries in the workplace. A fall can result in disastrous consequences such as dislocations, fractures, sprains, back injuries, bruises,… - What You Need to Know About the New WHMIS Regulations in 2024
New WHMIS regulations will take effect in 2024. Companies using hazardous chemicals must obtain their suppliers’ most recent safety data sheets before the December 2025 deadline. Employers must train their employees on any changes to the hazard information found on the new safety data sheets. Learn more. - My Back Is Killing Me! 3 Things You Need to Know to Relieve Back Muscle Strain?
A back muscle strain is excruciating! Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce the pain and get back to normal quicker. - 6 Best Safety Websites: Find What You Need Now
Look no further! I’ve gathered a list of the best health and safety websites that provide valuable resources for you. 1. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) CCOHS offers detailed information on occupational health and safety in Canada, covering various industries. They have information on legislation, hazards and health and wellness. Find what… - This Is How to Prevent Heat Stroke
Heat can be deadly! All the Canadian Provinces have the requirement that the employer take reasonable precautions for the safety of the worker. And workers across Canada have the right to refuse unsafe work. If you feel faint, lightheaded, uncoordinated or ill at any time let your boss know and rest in a cool airconditioned area if possible. - What Everyone Needs to Know About Toxic Wildfire Smoke
You see on the News or your weather app that the air quality is terrible, or you notice a haze on your drive to work. What is the concern? So, let’s dive into this topic and learn why it’s crucial to know the hazards of wildfire smoke and what protective measures you should take. The… - Hidden Microplastics Are Haunting Your Health – How to Avoid
Why Are Plastics and Microplastics a Problem? The world’s biggest threats may be microscopic in size. Terribly, only 9% of plastics are recycled. We throw most plastics away, but they come back to haunt us as hidden microplastics and dangerous chemicals in our food and water. Where Are Plastics Used? Plastics are produced from fossil… - Are Quartz Countertops the Asbestos of the 2020s?
Engineered stone, like quartz countertops, has become incredibly popular in kitchens and bathrooms. However, what many people need to realize is that the process of making and installing these quartz countertops can be very hazardous. Recently, Australia took an unusual step by banning manufacturing, supplying, processing, and installing engineered stone. This information hits close to… - When Is It Too Cold to Work? How to Prevent Hypothermia
Record-breaking cold now alternates with record-breaking heat. Cold work stresses us. Please don’t get sick from the cold by knowing when it is too cold to work. - The 9 Most Toxic Products You Use Every Day!
A new study identified toxic products used daily at home, on your body and in the workplace. Find out what these products are and how you can protect yourself. - How To Get a Job and Make More Money in 8 Easy Steps
Finding a job can be difficult sometimes, but if you follow the 8-step process listed below, you will be well on your way to a great career and making more money. 1. Write down what kind of job(s) you are looking for and in what industry For example, are you seeking a job in construction,… - Unlocking the Mystery: What Really Defines a Confined Space?
What is a Confined Space? What is a confined space? Well, that depends on where you work. There is yet to be an internationally accepted definition of what is considered a confined space. Each province has their own idea of what defines confined space. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) also have their own. I have… - Worker Horrifically Killed After A Pipe Ruptured, Why?
One worker was killed when trapped in an underground chamber by a deluge of water from a broken watermain. Others barely made it out of this confined space. Why did this tragedy happen? It is difficult to determine why this tragic incident occurred from the vague news report. Workers were working close to or on… - Record Fine for GFL Due to Asbestos Exposure
GFL was fined $710,488!! Asbestos is still the largest killer of workers in Canada and the United States. The long and thin asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs and cause a lethal form of cancer called mesothelioma many years later. According to WorkSafeBC the firm failed to ensure the worker within the designated work… - Why Were Two Workers Killed in a Trench? We Know What to Do.Recently two construction workers were killed and two are in hospital because of a horrific trench collapse in Ajax. These are preventable deaths and injuries. The requirements for trenching are well established in every North American Jurisdiction. Slope the sides, shore the walls or use a trench box. See the video from Global news here….
- DON’T BREATHE IT IN To Protect Yourself from Airborne COVID-19Watch this great short video by the John Snow Project. It shows graphically how respiratory particles containing virus can spread and how important it is to use a respirator. Replenishing contaminated indoor air with fresh air is also really important because COVID -19 is now even more transmissible than before. Don’t breath in the virus…
- Compensation Because of COVID Exposure at Work?If you were exposed to COVID-19 at work, became sick and you missed work you may be eligible for compensation from a worker’s compensation organization such as the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario or WorkSafeBC in British Columbia. COVID-19 falls within the definition of an occupational disease. Therefore, if you contract COVID-19…
- Ammonia Common But Deadly If Equipment Not MaintainedOne person was killed and several injured at an ice making facility in 2022. Three arena workers died in Fernie, B.C., in 2018 due to the failure of aging equipment and poor operational and management decisions. Ammonia is used in may large refrigeration systems such as ice rinks and ice plants. Recent events outline how…