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.
By David Durning, HSA Senior OHS Officer
Ebola Backgrounder
There has never been a case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Canada.
In areas where Ebola is present, the virus can spread through:
BY DAVID DURNING, HSA OHS OFFICER
HSA’s Occupational Health and Safety Conference held in June provided a great opportunity for OHS activists to connect with each other, share information and plan for the future.
Keynote speakers Dr. Joti Samra and Al Bieksa contributed significantly to a two-day event designed to provide tools, resources and planning opportunities for nearly 100 HSA joint occupational health and safety committee representatives from all across the province.
In this issue:
