HSA REPORT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2015

HSA member David Bland was a vocational counsellor who worked at Richmond Mental Health Services. At the end of an otherwise ordinary work day in January of 2005, as David left his workplace, a former client was waiting in the parking lot – and fatally stabbed David. To honour his memory, the union established the David Bland Memorial Award in 2007 to honour the important work that members undertake as advocates for their colleagues in ensuring we all work in a safe environment.

Every year, thousands of Canadians are killed or injured on the job or die from work-related diseases. Yet, this is something few of us think about when we mark our ballots at election time.

This year, Canadians have an opportunity to elect a new federal government. Let's make sure that the people we vote for will go to Parliament and ensure the next government will properly enforce health and safety laws, including the criminal code when necessary.

HSA President Val Avery said she is pleased to have attended today's BC government summit on violence in the health care system. The summit, hosted by Health Minister Terry Lake in response to Avery's recent call for action, included representatives from other health care unions, health authorities, occupational health and safety experts and other industry stakeholders.

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.

HSA REPORT, MARCH 2015

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.

HSA REPORT, MARCH 2015

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.