Understanding the whys of motor vehicle collisions This we know: In Saskatchewan, motor vehicle collisions are the second leading cause of workplace deaths overall and the No. 1 cause of acute-related fatalities. What we don’t know as much about is why these tragedies persist. To that end, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) has partnered with SGI in a data-sharing agreement that promises to shed more light on the causes of motor vehicle collisions. Specifically, SGI has integrated its motor vehicle crash information with 2009-2017 motor vehicle collision data from the Saskatchewan WCB. “We’re developing a risk profile from the merged data,” says Kevin Mooney, the WCB’s vice-president of prevention and employer services. “We’re looking closely at factors such as driver demographics, road and weather conditions, lighting and crash types. We’re also identifying the industries that experience the majority of motor vehicle collisions.” WorkSafe Saskatchewan, a partnership between the Saskatchewan [...]

Asbestos: What you need to know before renovating your home or workplace You’ve planned your project, set your budget, hired a contractor and got your building permit. You’re ready to begin your big reno but…hold on! Have you got the all-clear on asbestos? If you’re like a lot of Saskatchewan residents, you might not think you’re at risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in many residential and commercial building materials from the 1950s to the 1990s because of its strong fibres and resistance to fire. If your reno includes removing materials that contain asbestos, such as floor tiles, plaster, vinyl sheet flooring or blown-in insulation, you or your contractor(s) could inadvertently breathe in the invisible asbestos fibres that are released into the air when asbestos is disturbed. (Materials that are in good condition, with asbestos securely enclosed, don’t pose a threat unless you [...]

The top five trucking tasks that can lead to injury Independence, decent pay and travel are just some of the perks of being a truck driver. On the flipside, without proper safety training, experience and abiding by safety laws and rules, the job can be downright risky. The trucking, courier and commercial bus industry in Saskatchewan had the third highest Time Loss injury rate in the province compared to other industries in 2018. And in 2018, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) accepted more than 1,000 injury claims for the industry. So what trucking tasks are the riskiest? WorkSafe Saskatchewan partnered with the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA) to take a deep dive into trucking hazards and identified 13 tasks that lead to injury the most often. Here are the top five: Moving freight Injuries from moving freight — particularly from lifting cargo — happen the most frequently and include slips, [...]

New resources support first responders’ mental health The number of workplace mental health issues in Saskatchewan is rising, and if you’re a first responder, the risk is even greater. Firefighters, police, paramedics and others in the field are regularly exposed to traumatic events, which means they experience more work-related psychological injuries. First responders are four times more likely than the general population to experience mental health issues, according to research. Now, there’s comprehensive mental health supports you can access at www.saskfirstrespondersmentalhealth.ca. Developed jointly by WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan First Responders’ Mental Health Committee and its first responder partners, this new website for workers and employers features resources for managing work pressures, becoming psychologically resilient and building a supportive community. Improving mental health The website provides first responder organizations and professionals with easy access to the following materials: Phone numbers for confidential 24/7 crisis support centres Information on mental health support [...]

Resources support mental health The number of workplace mental health issues in Saskatchewan is rising. From 2016 to 2018, mental health claims to the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board increased by 142 per cent. WorkSafe Saskatchewan is empowering employers with more tools and resources to better support their employees’ psychological well-being. It has partnered with the University of Fredericton (UFred) to provide workplaces with access to digital courses on handling workplace violence, helping struggling workers, and creating safe, supportive work environments. Geared to both employers and workers and available at a fraction of the standard tuition fee, these offerings include: Enhancing Workplace Resiliency (course) Managing Psychological Health Issues at Work (certificate) Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (advanced certificate) Through another partnership with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), WorkSafe Saskatchewan is providing employers with access to web-based psychological health and safety courses. These courses can help [...]

Six tips for keeping cool on the job It’s finally summer in Saskatchewan! And while the heat and humidity may be great if you’re by a pool or lake, it can be challenging — and potentially dangerous — if you work outside. Heat exhaustion can come on quickly when the body overheats to 40 C. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, headache, clammy skin and intense thirst. Worse, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a more serious condition that can cause brain damage, unconsciousness and even death. So how can you protect yourself (or your employees) from heat hazards at work? Here are some pointers, whether the work happens outdoors or inside under hot conditions. Acclimatize. If you’re new to the job or you’ve been away from work for a week or more, give your body a chance to adapt to the hot working conditions. According to the Canadian [...]

Spot the warning signs of workplace violence Workplace injuries caused by violence are on the rise in Saskatchewan. In 2018, there were 16 per cent more of these injuries than in 2017. It’s safe to say that some of these injuries could have been prevented if employers and workers had paid attention to, and acted on, the warning signs of aggressive behaviour. So how can you spot the potential for violence at work? First, it’s important to know that workplace violence encompasses any situation in which an employee is abused, assaulted, threatened or harassed by a co-worker, supervisor, client, patient or a member of the general public. It includes physical attacks, such as hitting, biting and pushing, as well as verbal and psychological abuse, such as demeaning remarks and intimidation. Recognize high stress levels It’s hard to know when an individual may turn violent, but certain behaviours can indicate when [...]