According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, fatigue may be described as the state of feeling tired, resulting from a number of factors such as insufficient sleep, prolonged mental and/or physical work, or extended periods of stress and/or anxiety. It was also noted that boring and/or repetitive tasks can increase the feeling of fatigue. How often do you feel fatigued at work, or hear a co-worker comment about feeling fatigued? It is estimated that 78% of employees go to work at least one day per week feeling tired. Research has shown that employees who receive less than 5 hours of sleep, or who have been...

Worker’s Compensation rates are dependent on an employee’s payroll, industry sector and history of injuries.  With all these variables, it can be hard to stay on top of changes in rate, rebates, discounts and premiums.  PEO Canada is here to help! The 2015 Premium Rates for all Workers’ Compensation Boards across Canada are in. Various Boards have incentive or rebate programs available to help you lower your premiums.   WorkSafe BC - WCB Alberta - WSIB Ontario - http://www.wsib.on.ca  Under Employers-Coverage and Premiums   Please contact your PEO Canada WCB Administrator, or visit each Province’s website, for their specific information and requirements.  Stay safe!   Jenniffer Barabonoff /...

As we get prepared for the 2014 Holiday Season we can often get distracted with all the demands and excitement. It can also mean key aspects of work/workplace safety get overlooked. The Government of Canada has an excellent website with a wealth of information on Workplace Safety, Prevention and Resources. This holiday season, take time to be thankful, merry and bright, but also to stay safe and aware! Jenniffer Barabonoff / WCB Administrator / PEO Canada  

We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is the best way to start our day. Trouble sleeping is a problem that is increasingly common. More than 30% to 40% of adults will suffer from insomnia at some time in their lives. Lack of adequate sleep can reduce your ability to concentrate and absorb information. It may also affect your daytime performance, judgment, productivity and mood. The most common causes of insomnia included: Caffeine and alcohol consumption Anxiety or depression Poor sleep habits Medical conditions Poor diet Change in your environment or work schedule Jet lag Stress Lack of exercise Some simple and effective strategies for a...

After a lengthy winter, many of us will be anxious to get outdoors this long weekend. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when enjoying our great outdoors in the spring: Spring rains, melting snow and frost make most spring weekends very wet, which means the land is more sensitive to off-roading. Keep vehicles away from stream banks, wetlands and wet trails. Check and re-stock the first aid kit. Safety on the highway:  With more traffic on the road you are three times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle collision than at any other time of year Impaired driving costs – legal, financial, social consequences, and loss of life. Make the right...

It's back to school time! As school doors open, traffic gets a little heavier on our streets. People are back from holidays, school buses and public transit are on regular routes, and more people are walking, cycling or driving to school. To help with the transition and share the roads safely, read our safety tip. Help everyone stay safe this school year! 1) Observe School Zone Speeds Although you should always obey posted speed limits, it is especially important during the school year. Children crossing the road on their way to and from school can easily get distracted and step into harm's way. Slowing down and being vigilant...

RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Provide first aid Ensure injured workers receive immediate first aid in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation. 2. Provide transportation to medical treatment Provide and pay the cost of transportation from the injury site to an appropriate medical treatment facility, if needed. 3. Keep a record Record details of the injury / illness, even if first aid is not administered, and give a copy to the worker. WCB and OHS Regulations require records be kept confidential and for a minimum of three years. You must record: • Name of the worker • Date and time of the injury / illness • Date and time...

Every year, dozens of workers and motorists are injured or killed in construction zones. You can help prevent these casualties. Slow down and pay attention when driving through construction zones, respect the posted limit and spread your message of support. The welcomed rise in temperatures means summer is coming. It also means seasonal construction and improvements to many of Alberta's roads are starting. Partners in Road Construction Safety (PIRCS) launched its annual campaign to encourage motorists to obey traffic laws, slow down and not "RIP" through construction zones. With more than 1,000 collisions in construction or maintenance zones in 2011, PIRCS' 2013 campaign also hopes to reduce incidents...

What is fatigue? Fatigue is the state of feeling very tired, weary or sleepy resulting from insufficient sleep, prolonged mental or physical work, or extended periods of stress or anxiety. Boring or repetitive tasks can intensify feelings of fatigue. Fatigue can be described as either acute or chronic. Acute fatigue results from short-term sleep loss or from short periods of heavy physical or mental work. The effects of acute fatigue are of short duration and usually can be reversed by sleep and relaxation. Chronic fatigue syndrome is the constant, severe state of tiredness that is not relieved by rest. The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are similar to...

Is your job making you sick? This time of year, it is virtually impossible to avoid catching a cold or getting the flu. With a coworker sneezing on your right and another coughing on your left, you basically have to resign yourself to the inevitability of shared germs. However, flu season may not be the only reason your job is making you sick. All year long, there are elements to your job or workplace that could be adversely affecting your health. Here is a list of some of the top health concerns office employees face on a regular basis. Your Desk Set up is Causing Back Pain Solution:...