Sixty thousand workers in Canada get injured annually due to fall accidents. This number represents about 15% of the "time-loss injuries" accepted by workers' compensation boards across Canada. Statistics show that approximately 60 percent of falls happen as a result of slips and trips. Slips happen where there is too little traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are: • occasional spills, wet or oily surfaces • weather hazards • loose, unanchored rugs or mats • walking surfaces that do not have same degree of traction in all areas Common causes of tripping are: • poor lighting or obstructed view • clutter in...

We live in a fast food society. We seem to be demanding things quicker and quicker. At one time you would turn on your computer and then go fill up your coffee while the programs loaded. Today we almost “lose it” when it takes 10 seconds to load a webpage instead of instantaneously seeing our Facebook profile the minute we hit the enter button. So when one of our reps came to me with the question “How long do I work my networking group before I give up on it?”, I had to mentally roll back the years to a time when we weren’t “microwaving” every decision. My...

For many of us, this time of year brings colder weather, and blankets our usual areas of play and exercise with soft white snow. This results in staying inside longer where it’s warmer, and less time outside exercising and staying healthy. (Not to mention all the extra yummy treats around the holidays!) But why choose to wait for the return of Spring and Summer to get outside again, when Winter brings new options to get out and stay active? Get out and build a snowman, or take the family to the toboggan hills! Below is a great article by Great West Life’s online Center for Health Information, providing...

Please note the basic exemption for federal and provincial has changed effective Jan 1, 2012. A new TD1 form must be completed if you are claiming more than the basic amount for Federal / Provincial tax or requesting addition tax deduction. If there is no change to your basic exemption no action is required. For further information, please visit Canada Revenue Agency website: TD1 Forms:

Fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency to over-attribute other people's actions to their personality while overlooking the situational or environmental factors that could influence their actions. When evaluating ourselves, we are more aware of the pressure of circumstances. For example, if a colleague doesn't meet a deadline, it's because he is lazy; if we don't meet a deadline, it's because we have way too much work and our bosses' expectations are unrealistic. It's always someone else's fault. The following article talks about people who like to blame, whine and always play the victim card. It identifies ten executive-level complainers who contribute to the flourishing dysfunction of workplaces....

Every year, it seems, a new set of buzzwords and acronyms associated with those buzzwords gets added to our lexicon. Lol is not “love you lots”, but “laughing out loud”. Add an ROF in front and you are now “rolling on the floor” too. Add in business terms and buzz phrases and it sometimes it feels like you are in the commercial where the business consultants are spinning these phrases and platitudes around the client so fast that they say a lot and nothing at the same time. It seems that one of the hottest new phrases is "Key Performance Indicators" or in acronym language “KPIs”. Business leaders...

Halloween is that magical time of year when children get to dress up in wonderful and outrageous costumes as they gather a bag full of treats. Halloween is really for children and children should ideally participate in all aspects of Halloween from helping to decorate the house to helping pick their costumes. Costume Safety Coming up with a creative disguise doesn't mean that safety needs to be forgotten, so here are some safety tips to keep in mind. • October 31 can be a chilly night so make sure that costumes are loose enough to be worn over warm clothing but not so baggy or long that trick...

There are all kinds of statistics that show most North Americans don’t pick up a book after their school days are done. And, anecdotally, many seem to be very proud of that fact. Why is that? They often had such a bad experience in school or just disappointing memories of those days; they think it is easier to not continue to read. Combine that with the growing entertainment value of television, Blu-ray, computer and video games and any other electronic form of stimulation, it is just plain easier not to. But, reading is an extension of education. And continuing your education is the best way for you to...

You have been working for your company for a while now. You have been excited about the company and what it represents. Proudly you have been representing your firm to your clients, friends and family stating your company is the “best” in your marketplace/industry. Now it has all come crashing down around you. Why? Your manager just informed you that the pricing for the products or services you have so proudly been promoting are increasing. A jumble of emotions set in – anger, concern, fear. “Why wasn’t I informed and involved in this decision?” “What will my clients say and think about me?” “Am I going to be...

New Rules The Government of Canada is implementing much tougher rules for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program starting April 1, 2011. There are two main changes: A) Serious consequences of non-compliance by employer The new rules are designed to ensure that all employers strictly comply with all policies of the TFW program and treat their foreign workers fairly and in accordance with the terms of hire. Employers who fail to comply with the terms of their LMO or the work permit will be penalized by being denied use of the TFW program for two years. Plus, the employer’s name will be posted by the Government of Canada on...