Following HSA President Val Avery's proposal, Health Minister Terry Lake will convene a summit to address the continuing problem of violence in health care workplaces. The provincial government has invited HSA to help conduct the day-long solutions-oriented discussion Tuesday April 7 in Richmond.
Members at a number of affiliate employers under the Health Science Professionals Bargaining Association, the Nurses Bargaining Association and the Community Bargaining Association collective agreements.will soon be participating in the Enhanced Disability Management Program.
BY DAVID DURNING, HSA OHS OFFICER
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers – workers who specialize in the use of imaging devices to produce diagnostic images, scans and videos – have always been at risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Those injuries include tendonitis, bursitis and muscle and nerve damage to hands, arms, elbows, shoulders, necks and backs.
BY VAL AVERY, HSA PRESIDENT
Workload and stress are among the most serious workplace challenges of our time.
As a union, we're seeing an increasing number of members, from all professions, paying a terrible price for this. Compromised performance, increased illness and disability wreak havoc on professionals, their families, and the health care system itself.
After years of pushing the BC government to act, the BC Federation of Labour is pleased that the Minister of Labour has finally taken action on needed reforms to increase workplace safety and hold negligent employers accountable. Legislation was introduce February 10.
The following letter from HSA President Val Avery was sent to members December 11, 2014
Dear member,
Assaults on health care workers in Penticton and Kamloops have dominated the news this week. Incidents like these have become all too common in health care settings.
It is time for action.
A National Survey on Domestic Violence
The findings are shocking – one third of the respondents to a recent survey reported experiencing domestic violence at the hands of an intimate partner. More than half of those reporting abuse said that at least one type of abusive act occurred at or near their workplace.
The most common types of abuse that enter a person's workplace are abusive phone calls or text messages and stalking or harassment.
By David Durning, HSA Senior OHS Officer
Over the years, Canadian workers have fought for and gained important workplace health and safety rights.
The diligent exercise of these rights is proven to be the most effective way of ensuring workplace hazards are controlled.
These rights, enshrined in legislation and regulation, are:
Effective December 1, British Columbia will be in flu season, and HSA members who work in patient care areas in hospitals (ie, where patients are or are likely to be present) are reminded to be vaccinated against influenza or, alternatively, wear a protective mask during flu season.
Nu Lu was frustrated.
