It’s that time of year again. In an effort to economize on sunlight and save energy, the clocks get turned forward an hour; a practice that while logical in theory, has not necessarily been helpful in practice. Did you know that DST can have more profound effects on you than just losing that extra hour of sleep? Here are some other ways in which this ritual can affect your health and productivity. Increased workplace injuries Though this threat may not apply to those who work in the office, others who work at more physically demanding jobs have been shown to experience more frequent and severe workplace injuries...

In a workplace environment, it is very easy to become complacent in your surroundings and overlook a hazard with the potential to cause bodily harm.  A big part of workplace safety practices is preventing an injury altogether, and reporting instances of “near misses.”  Near misses are unplanned events that did not result or cause injury or damage but had the possibility of doing so. It is important to be proactive when noticing risks or potential hazards in and around the workplace.  A few such hazards to be aware of could be: Tripping hazards Blocked exits or passageways Slippery or icy floors, sidewalks, etc. Anything else that could cause...

The Institute for Work & Health have released findings from a research project studying the role health-care provider’s play in the worker’s compensation system and the return-to-work process. The multi-jurisdictional study included interviews with 97 health-care providers and 34 case managers, focusing on health-care providers’ experiences within the workers’ compensation system and their role in the RTW process. Through document analysis and interviews, the study sought to answer three broad questions: What is the role of health-care providers in the workers’ compensation system and in the RTW process? What challenges do health-care professionals face? What can help engage health-care professionals in the workers’ compensation and RTW process? The...

Christmastime often means travelling with family and friends, and it is important to ensure that proper healthcare coverage is part of your pre-trip planning. Most employer sponsored benefit plans include emergency medical assistance that provides coverage when you and/or your dependents are travelling. These plans provide coverage for emergency medical assistance and it is important to understand the coverage you have before you leave. In order to be prepared you should contact your plan administrator when preparing for a trip out of province. The plan administrator can provide details of your coverage and the contact information for the insurance company should you need assistance. In the event of...

As your Workers’ Compensation Administrators at PEO Canada, we assist with all aspects of the workers’ compensation process on our client’s behalf. This includes injury claims management and account management as follows: Monitor new hires/terminations and open/close workers’ compensation accounts as required, Negotiate the most appropriate and lowest possible premium rates, Report earnings and ensure premiums are paid, Submit all account information and claims reporting on behalf of our client, Assist injured employees to submit claims, if required, Manage claims and return to work process (light/modified duties) as required, Assist client to identify any issues that may require Appeal or Cost Relief and then request and submit this...

With back to school just around the corner, drivers should be on high alert that many small children will be commuting during this busy time of year. The safety of children is not only the responsibility of parents, but of the whole community in which they must travel. The Canada Safety Council has provided the following 12 tips to keep children safe. Reduce your speed. Be more careful in residential areas where children are present. Respect speed limits in school zones and playground zones. Stop for school buses displaying the flashing red lights and the extended stop arm. In most cases, traffic driving in both directions must stop...

As we head into the busy back-to-school season, it is important to remember the basics and stay safe. Here are a handful of things you can do to reduce your family’s exposure to hazards in your home: Ventilate your home Let fresh air in. Make sure you have enough fresh air coming into your home. The consumer publications on ventilation from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are a good source of advice. Use a fan. Exhaust fans that vent to the outside should be installed in bathrooms and above stoves to remove moisture and pollutants produced indoors. Make sure to turn them on when showering and cooking, especially...

Summer is upon us and with the warmer weather comes the opportunity to try new things and spend more time outdoors. There are a few considerations and important situations to be prepared for as you set out to enjoy the beautiful weather. Recent cases of mosquito-borne diseases have increased as well as occurrences of Lyme disease carried by ticks. There are a variety of things people can do to protect themselves from mosquitoes and ticks. The Government of Canada recommends a variety of ways to minimize the chances of being bitten by mosquitos. https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/insect-bite?_ga=1.48660582.1348504406.1418223763 Wear bug spray. Wear loose long sleeves and long pants. Ensure that windows and...

We would like to recognize all the work being done by safety personnel in the Fort McMurray area. Collectively, our hearts go out to those who have been displaced and those who have lost their homes. We are currently fundraising in order to assist organizations and individuals in need. We have set a goal to raise $10,000 for assistance. Please contact us at donations@peocanada.com if you would like to contribute to help our fellow Albertans.  In addition to any funds raised, Diversified Staffing/PEO Canada will donate an additional amount of $5000.

A significant portion of our days are spent sitting – Between commuting, work and leisure time; we spend a lot of time being inactive. Many of us have heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking”. According to the Globe and Mail [article], “the long-term risks of sitting – [include] hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and cancer” – But, there may be more to consider than just this. Allana LeBlanc, a physical activity expert for Participaction states “moving around more at work has been shown to make people more creative and focused, and decreases absenteeism.” In the article Dr. LeBlanc refers to a Stanford study that shows “walking indoors or...