Author: Able Sense

In the May 2014 Newsletter

  • AWARE-NS…Become a Member Now!
  • Board Member Recruitment
  • Steps for Safety
  • Managing Heat Stress

To read more follow this link
 

The WCB is consulting with Nova Scotians on compensation for occupational noise induced hearing loss. The consultation documents will be available on-line until July 31, 2014, and all Nova Scotians are invited to provide feedback to the WCB on this topic.
The adjudication of occupational noise induced hearing loss is a complex issue in Nova Scotia. The changes the WCB is proposing to the existing policy are intended to clarify the WCB’s approach to compensating for these injuries, resulting in consistent claims adjudication and a reduction in the burden on the appeal system.
Please review the consultation paper and draft policy revisions, and provide your feedback on the proposed policy changes. The consultation period is March 27 until July 31, 2014.

By email:

Send comments to Kevin Foster at [email protected]

By Mail:

Kevin Foster
Manager of Strategy Support and Planning
Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia
PO Box 1150,Halifax, N.S.
B3J 2Y2

BRUSSELS, April 7 (Xinhua) — The European Union (EU) on Monday launched a new healthy workplaces campaign with the aim of protecting the health and safety of workers.
Themed “managing stress and psychosocial risks at work,” the campaign addresses one of the most significant challenges in respect of health and safety at work, according to the EU’s statement.
The move will provide workers and employers with simple and practical tools to deal with psychosocial risks and will raise awareness of the positive effects of prevention in this field.
Stress is the second most frequently reported work-related health problem. In Europe, stress is believed to be the cause of more than half of all lost working days, the statement said.
Workers affected by stress find it difficult to concentrate, make more mistakes and are subject to more frequent accidents at work. Prolonged psychological pressure may result in serious health problems such as cardiovascular or musculoskeletal diseases.
Addressing stress and psychosocial risks is included in the forthcoming EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2014-2020, due to be presented in June, Laszlo Andor, the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion said.
healthy-workplaces.eu

OEA Employer Consultation

OEA is holding two consultation sessions at Canada Post on April 22, 2014.

Topics will include:

  • WCB’s New Psychological Injury Policy approved March 25, 2014
  • GECA Stress Policy – no changes
  • Discussion about a recent WCAT Decision re EERB’s
  • Noise Induced Hearing…

View Event »

NAOSH Week Launch

naosh brand

“Make Safety A Habit!”

NAOSH Week Launch 2014
May 5, 2014,
255 John Savage Ave, Dartmouth, NS
Join us for the launch of NAOSH week where we present a new opportunity to help you make a difference; to drive workplace injuries and deaths down toward the only acceptable number there is: ZERO
On May 5, 2014, come join us to hear more about leading-edge concepts, new thinking and easy-to-understand workplace culture change strategies to help us achieve this goal! These sessions apply to all workers.

Program

10:00 Registration
11:00 Launch Ceremony
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Safety Forum Kick Off
1:30 Break Out Sessions

Launch Ceremony: “Make Safety A Habit!”

This is the thought provoking theme of NAOSH Week 2014. Our dignitaries and special guest speakers will challenge you to reflect on this during our opening launch ceremony.

Safety Forum:

A star lineup of expert speakers who will assist you to “Make Safety a Habit” at your workplace. These sessions will provide awareness and information on topics such as creating an effective Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee in the workplace to panel discussions with DLAE Special Investigators, Crown Attorneys and Defence Attorneys with specialized experience in OHS law. Resource materials will be given to participants for use at their workplace.

Who should attend?

Senior leaders and board members; Managers; Supervisors; OHS Professionals; JOHSC members; and workers.

Cost to attend:

$10 fee for admission

How to register:

  1. If paying by credit card, contact: Safety Services Nova Scotia at 902-454-9621 or click REGISTER NOW.
  2. If paying by cheque, or require an invoice, contact: Valerie Wadman, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, NS, B3H 3C3, [email protected]

Cheques payable to:

Nova Scotia Chapter – Canadian Society of Safety Engineering
If you would like further information please contact the organizers, [email protected] or [email protected].

A Message from our Partners:

NS Chapter of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering
“Each year, NAOSH Week offers us a time to reflect on what we do every day – both individually and collectively – to continually improve workplace health and safety. It’s an opportunity to reinforce and strengthen our commitment to reducing the impact of injury and illness in our workplaces, our homes and our communities. NAOSH Week inspires us toward excellence in our health and safety goals.”
– Deirdre O’Reilly, Chair NS Chapter
Western NS Chapter of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering
“NAOSH Week provides us an excellent opportunity to focus on health and safety in our workplaces. It highlights the importance of all of us making the commitment and then doing the things every day that are required to make workplaces as safe and healthy as we would like them to be. Let’s make safety a habit for life.”
– Jeff Brett, Chair Western NS Chapter
Feel free to bring a web enabled phone or tablet for free Wi-Fi.

In our April 2014 Newsletter

  • Upcoming Webinars
  • Executive Director Message
  • Upcoming Events
  • Day of Mourning

To read more follow this link
 

“The Nova Scotia WCB has posted on its website the (new) policy regarding workplace stress: Psychological Injury Policy 1.3.9 was posted on March 31, 2014.”
“Employers of federal employees should reference Policy 1.3.6“

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Occupational Health Program Development Coordinator, Term Position May 1, 2014- March 31, 2015

AWARE-NS is the safety association for the health and community services sectors in Nova Scotia. There is a broad consensus that as an industry, we must do more to promote workplace safety and well-being. AWARE-NS wants to make a difference by working to engage everyone around this shared agenda for change through leadership, education, training, support and advocacy.
We are seeking an Occupational Health Program Development Coordinator who will be a key contributor in the design, development and implementation of the OHS program and educational course materials. The successful candidate will manage online learning content and support website communication methods and materials for current and future needs. Timely solutions will be identified, developed and delivered that responds to stakeholder needs, as well as assisting and supporting the current work already underway. Data collection, management and analysis are of top priority which will inform our programming needs and our measure of success.
Reporting to the Occupational Health & Safety Specialist, the Occupational Health Program Development Coordinator will work collaboratively with the internal AWARE-NS team and external stakeholders and industry partners in support of establishing programs and services that can make a difference in promoting a culture of safety for health and community services workers.
The position requires someone with a high degree of OHS knowledge and expertise, and practical ‘hands on’ experience and understanding of the front line health/community care work environment. An entrepreneurial spirit, creative mind and the ability to work independently and with a strong team environment to succeed is a must.
The successful candidate will possess a minimum of 1-2 years’ experience in an OHS work context; graduate level education from a relevant program and recognized educational institution; excellent writing skills and knowledge of web based applications, practical work experience in health, continuing care or community services delivery; a clear understanding of occupational health and safety best practices and legislation; and experience incorporating adult learning principles and applications.
If this challenging opportunity meets with your career objectives, please forward your resume in confidence to 835-3445 or send by e-mail to [email protected]. For more information, please contact Heather Matthews @ 832-3537 or by email [email protected]. Completion closes April 11, 2014.

The province wants to hear from Nova Scotians who use continuing care services or care for a friend or family member.
Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine announced today, March 24, that government will create a client advisory council to help improve home care, long-term care and protective services.
For the full article…click here
 

AWARE-NS is pleased to offer its valued partners and stakeholders a onetime pre-paid offer to trial one selection from the six most popular courses available on our E-Campus.
Please note that course pins and passwords will be distributed on a first come first serve basis as there is a limit on availability.
The following six courses are included in the offering:

  1. Dementia
  2. Fire Safety
  3. Infection Control and Prevention Basics for Health Care Workers
  4. Joint OH&S Committee (NS specific)
  5. Staying Safe While Providing Community Based Care and Support in NS
  6. WHMIS Refresher

Your organization may select one course from the group of six courses listed and are limited to five pre- paid purchases. Course selections can be submitted between March 10th and 21st, 2014, by following the steps listed below:

Step 1: Make your course selection from the course list above.

Step 2: E-mail your request to [email protected]. Please provide the following:

  1. Organization name; telephone number and address
  2. Contact person’s name, email address and direct line if applicable (this individual will be responsible for the distribution of course pins and passwords within your organization and will be given an employer access code and passcode to facilitate this process.)

Step 3: AWARE-NS will facilitate the purchase of the number of courses requested and will distribute the required access pins and passwords to the identified contact.

Step 4: Identified contact within your organization distributes course pins and passwords to end users.

Please note that there will be no expiry date for the course pins but administrators may want designate completion dates for staff within their individual organizations.
For further information pertaining to this pre-paid trial please contact Morah at [email protected] or at 902-832-7441