Do you use your hands as part of your job? Chances are you do. Whether you perform your job duties in a storefront, an office, or out in the field, you will likely find yourself needing to repeat one movement over and over. The more time you spend performing repetitive tasks – such as typing, pushing, or grasping – the higher your risk for developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS Definition and Anatomy: Photo credit: Carpal Syndrome Vs Repetitive Strain Injury | CPR First Aid The carpal tunnel is an open space in the wrist. It is made up of the bones at the base of the hand...

As an employer in Canada, you have certain obligations to your employees outlined by Canadian workers' compensation requirements. Each province has its own Act and a corresponding workers’ compensation board to enforce their Act. Your employer responsibilities may vary from province to province. Many of the workers’ compensation boards (WCB) refer to employer responsibilities as their duty to cooperate. Some of these obligations may be obvious, such as reporting payroll and paying premiums. Other obligations do not become clear until a workers’ compensation claim (WC Claim or WCB Claim) occurs. The policies that make up the employer's duty to cooperate are meant to return an injured worker to...

Computer based work is typically categorized as low risk in terms of work-related injuries or illness. That being said, repetitive strain injuries are an example of an injury more commonly attributed to this kind of work. This risk of repetitive strain injures becomes even higher when computer work is performed in an awkward body position for prolonged periods. You can help prevent these injuries by utilizing basic ergonomic tools. As an employer, you can provide employees with something as simple as ergonomic self-assessment worksheets for posture and body position, or as complex as professional assessments and specialized equipment. What about employees who work from home? We know that...

April 28th is the National Day of Mourning in Canada. This is a day to reflect and remember the people who have been affected by, injured, or died as a result of an accident or illness in the workplace. The date is significant, as it was April 28, 1914 when the Workers’ Compensation Act became legislation in Canada. Each year the Canadian Labour Congress inscribes the names of the workers who have lost their lives to work in the National Registry in Ottawa. This is an opportunity and a reminder to revisit the practices we can all undertake to keep the workplace safe and re-commit to keeping these...

Workers' Compensation in Canada serves as a crucial safety net for individuals who sustain injuries while on the job. This system is managed at a provincial level, functioning as a form of workplace insurance. Additionally, it plays a vital role in providing financial support and resources to both employees and their employers. Workers' Compensation Basics A key aspect of Workers' Compensation in Canada is its provincial management. Each province operates its own Workers' Compensation Board (WCB), which tailors programs and policies to meet the specific needs of its workforce. This approach allows for a response to diverse industries and labour environments across the country. The heart of Workers'...

Do you have employees travelling for work for integral business needs? Are your employees covered by the workers’ compensation board while travelling within Canada? All workers’ compensation boards across Canada provide jurisdictional out-of-province for up to six months if an employee needs to work temporarily in a different province/territory. For example, let’s say an employee from Northwest Territories needs to work temporarily outside the region and wants to be covered by the Workers’ Safety & Compensation Commission (WSCC), they must meet all of the following criteria:• Their usual place of employment is the Northwest Territories or Nunavut;• Their job involves activities both within and outside these territories• The...

Employers want to keep their employees happy and healthy at work. Regular risk assessments as well as safety tools and measures are a large part of this. When assessing the risks associated with a workplace, air quality may not make it to the top of the list, however it is a component of the environment that should not be overlooked.   Air quality can be a contributing factor to occupational illness that can result in temporary time loss or permanent disability for employees. Air quality becomes the employers responsibly if there is a risk of significant workplace exposure to harmful substances such as particulate, fumes, or pathogens. When...

All employers have the responsibility to provide a healthy and safe place to work. Whether a business is small or large, employers are required by law to take all reasonable precautions to protect their workers from illness or injury. Employers should be aware of the Occupational Health & Safety legislation for each province they have employees working in. A key success to providing a safe work environment is preventing injuries from occurring in the first place. This can be achieved by establishing a health and safety program, providing training to employees to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to perform their jobs safely, having first aid certified...

If an employee is injured at work, there are responsibilities on both the employee and the employer when a claim is made through the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). It is important to note that all workers have a right to make a WCB claim if they are hurt at work and that it is against the law for an employer or supervisor to ask an employee not to report an injury. The first step is to inform your employer of your injury. Try to give as much detail as possible if you are able to immediately. In the event your treatment requires more than basic first aid, you...

Slips, trips, and falls happen where there is too little traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Over 40,000 workers in Canada get injured annually due to these types of accidents, which represents about 18% of the “time-loss injuries” accepted by workers’ compensation boards across Canada. Statistics show that approximately 67% of falls happen as a result of slips and trips. Common causes of slips include:• Wet or oily surface spill• Weather hazards like snow or ice• Unanchored or loose rugs/mats Common causes of tripping are:• Poor lighting or obstructed view• Clutter• Uncovered cables• Drawers not being closed• Uneven walking surfaces like steps or thresholds Good housekeeping...