Author: darcy
2015 OEA Core Training Programs
FREE: Employer Training Sessions
Join OEA for our month end training sessions on Navigating WCB, OH&S, and Employment Standards & Legislation
What they will cover:
Provide participants with a broad overview and review to assist them to navigate within the provincial occupational health and safety, workers’ compensation, labour standards and human rights legislation.
Provide participants with practical application of legislation in return to work and complex claims.
Provide participants with useful resource materials.
Provide participants with an overview of programs and services of OEA NS.
Health-Care Rx: Reducing work absences among Canadian nurses
Creating non-violent and supportive health-care workplaces might help prevent prolonged work absences among nurses. This is the upshot of a new study from the Institute for Work & Health.
With the health-care sector having the highest rate of lost-time claims and work absence in the country, disability managers in Canada’s health-care organizations may want to join forces with their counterparts in human resources to implement violence prevention and respectful workplace programs. A new study from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) shows that emotional and physical abuse at work, as well as disrespectful and unsupportive work environments, are associated with prolonged work absences among nurses.
“Our findings suggest that violence prevention is also work absence prevention,” says IWH Adjunct Scientist Dr. Renée-Louise Franche, a clinical psychologist at Vancouver General Hospital who led the study looking at the impact of worker and workplace factors on absenteeism among nurses. “According to our study, being abused or assaulted on the job is strongly associated with nurses having prolonged work absences. It is also indirectly connected by creating a poorer workplace culture and lower respect and support from co-workers, both of which are associated with increased work absence duration.”
The study, published in the August 2011 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (vol. 53, no. 8, pp. 919-927), collected information on almost 12,000 female, direct-care Canadian nurses from Statistics Canada’s 2005 National Survey of the Work and Health of Nurses. Factors related to nurses’ personal health and their workplaces were examined relative to three categories of work absences: none, short-term (one to 10 work days) and prolonged (11 or more work days).
Worker health factors—namely pain that interfered with the ability to work, more severe pain, depression and having a higher number of chronic health conditions (such as arthritis, migraine and back pain)—had the biggest effect on the length of nurses’ work absences. Workplace factors had a smaller effect overall, with those having the most impact being emotional or physical abuse by a patient, visitor or co-worker, and low respect and low support at work.
The combined effect of worker and workplace factors was the most novel finding in this study, as few previous studies have examined this. Take pain-related work interference, for example, the factor most strongly associated with prolonged absences among nurses. “It looks like pain interference is a product of both worker and workplace factors,” says Franche. “That is, the degree to which pain interferes with work may depend not only on a nurse’s pain level, but also on the demands, both physical and social, of the environment in which she works.”
Potential strategies to reduce long absences
The study’s findings suggest a number of ways in which health-care organizations can help decrease time away from work among nurses. Franche points to these potential strategies:
Implement or augment violence prevention programs. Among those in the 2005 Statistics Canada nurses’ survey that were included in this study, 57 per cent reported being emotionally abused at work and 31 per cent reported being physically assaulted at work during the previous year. Abuse or assault at work by a co-worker was particularly common, with 55 per cent of nurses reporting abuse or assault by a co-worker, compared to 25 per cent reporting abuse or assault by a patient or visitor. “Many health-care organizations have implemented violence prevention programs since then,” says Franche. “But they need to keep vigilant on this front.”
Address respect, support and organizational culture. This includes nurses’ feelings of control over their practice and autonomy at work, as well as their relationships with doctors and co-workers.
Focus disability management practices on workers who are still on the job but struggling with multiple physical and mental health conditions.
Offer self-management programs that address pain and depression, focusing on the work environment. “The workplace doesn’t have full control of workers’ pain and depression, but it can help deal with issues by offering self-management approaches,” says Franche. “For example, more workplaces are offering relaxation and meditation courses, and these could be extended to include strategies on how to manage symptoms and episodes at work.”
Source: At Work, Issue 66, Fall 2011: Institute for Work & Health, Toronto
In an effort to raise awareness and offer information about the importance of workplace safety, the Occupational Health and Safety Branch will be hosting a live Twitter chat on Wednesday, May 27th at 12:30 pm.
Scott Nauss, Senior Director, Occupational Health and Safety will respond to questions on Twitter to provide on-the-spot information to workers, employers, parents and others who have questions about safety in the workplace, including rules and regulations.
The main objective of the live Twitter chat is to ensure workers, especially young workers starting their first job or a summer work experience, are aware of the rules around workplace safety (specifically around fall protection), and to let them know about the supports available. We also want to connect with employers to promote workplace safety and let them know about the resources available to them through the OHS division.
Get answers to your workplace safety questions: Twitter chat w/ NS OHS director Scott Nauss. May 27 at 12:30 pm. Join in using #talksafety. Our twitter handle is @NSLAE
Invitation for Applications
Application Deadline: June 2, 2015
The Nominating Committee of the board of AWARE-NS, the Nova Scotia Health & Community Services Safety Association, is seeking applications for the following Board positions that will become available at the Annual General Meeting, September 24, 2015:
- 1 for facility based long term care (Department of Health and Wellness funded);
- 1 homecare/home support;
Our Vision is “Safe and healthy people; safe and healthy workplaces”. Our focus is prevention and our mission is to work with stakeholders and partners to promote and improve safety and health in health and community services workplaces.
Do you want to help make a difference by serving on our Board of Directors? We are seeking Directors to foster the growth and development of AWARE-NS and assist the Association in fulfilling its Vision.
Specifically, we are looking for people who meet these criteria:
- Board Governance experience in organizations( public, private, non-profit)
- Critical, independent thinker with a strategic focus
- An understanding of the health and community services sectors ;
- A commitment to a strong workplace safety culture
- Willing and able to commit the time necessary to prepare for and effectively participate in meetings
- Demonstrated sense of community and individual responsibility and accountability.
It is anticipated that the Board will meet in person during working hours, at least four times per year and by teleconference as required, and that your commitment to the AWARE-NS Board will span at least three years. The meetings are estimated to require a full day of active participation and are of paramount importance. AWARE-NS will reimburse travel expenses if they are not covered through your sponsoring organization.
Newly appointed Board members will receive an orientation to the Board’s Governance process, the AWARE-NS Strategic Plan, and the Strategic Operational Plan.
If you would like to receive additional information about AWARE-NS please contact Catherine Martin, Executive Coordinator via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 902.832.3868, toll free 877.538.7228 or visit our website www.awarens.ca.
Completed applications can be submitted to the attention of Catherine Martin via [email protected]
Join us in welcoming Trisha MacIsaac as our new OHS Program Development Coordinator. Trisha joined the AWARE-Team on April 27, 2015. Under the direction of Heather Matthews, OHS Specialist, Trisha will focus on the development of OHS program tools, resources and training materials. Through her participation in COSP, Workplace Violence Prevention, and the Soteria Strains Projects, she will facilitate stakeholder engagement through program development. Trisha comes to AWARE-NS from Annapolis Valley Health as an Occupational Safety, Health & Wellness Consultant, with her formal education in Occupational and Safety Management she will bring passion and knowledge to help build a work-safe culture.
To reach Trisha by phone 832-3868 ext.104 or by email [email protected]
Nova Scotia Day of Mourning Ceremonies
On April 28, we gather with fellow workers, friends and family members to remember our brothers and sisters killed or injured on the job, and to re-commit to making our workplaces safer for everyone. Ceremonies will be held to commemorate the Day of Mourning on April 28 around Nova Scotia:
Halifax
11 a.m.
Province House grounds (inside if weather doesn’t permit)
Wreath laying invited
For information:
Joan Wark
NS Federation of Labour
454.6735
[email protected]
Kentville
7 p.m.
Memorial Park on Park St. (Main Street)
There will be no wreath laying at this event
Reception to follow at Labour Council Office on 362 Main Street
For information:
Dean Tupper
670.5519 (cell)
[email protected]
Port Hawkesbury
7 p.m.
Unifor Hall (formerly CEP Union Hall) on 323 Reeves St.
There will be no wreath laying at this event
Refreshments to follow
For information:
Sadie Fee
[email protected]
Sydney
11 a.m.
Membertou Trade and Convention Centre on 50 Maillard Street
Flower laying invited (rather than wreaths)
Reception to follow at Labour Council Office on 362 Main Street
For information:
Gordie MacDonald
578-3554
[email protected]
Trenton
6 p.m.
119 Park Road, Trenton
Wreath laying invited
For information:
Mary Lloyd
[email protected]
Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator – Full time
AWARE-NS is helping Nova Scotia health and community services workplaces build, and share a health and safety culture through leadership, advocacy, promotion, capacity building and collaboration. As an industry leader, we believe all workplace injuries can be prevented and we aim to instill foster a safety leadership culture and improve workplace safety and wellbeing for all. AWARE-NS is making a difference by working to engage everyone around this shared agenda for change, through leadership, OHS education, and training, and support.
We are seeking an Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator who will be a key contributor in the design, development and implementation of the OHS program and educational course materials. Building relationships with people, through stakeholder engagement, and supporting their OHS programs are significant responsibilities of this position. Timely solutions will be identified, developed and delivered that support 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 and Safety Coordinator will work collaboratively with the internal AWARE-NS team and external stakeholders and industry partners in support of establishing programs and services in promoting a culture of safety for health and community services workers.
As the successful candidate, you will have a high degree of OHS knowledge and expertise, excellent communication skills, practical ‘hands on’ experience and a clear understanding of the front line health/community care work environment. Your ability to engage people and foster positive relationships that impacts safety outcomes in stakeholder organizations is a key component of this position.
You will possess a minimum of 3 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, knowledge/work experience in health, continuing care or community services delivery; a clear understanding of occupational health and safety best practices and legislation; and confidence in personal communications skill level in a variety of delivery methods. You have an entrepreneurial spirit, creative mind and the ability to work independently and with a strong team environment to succeed.
If this challenging opportunity meets with your career objectives, please forward your resume in confidence via Canada Post mail or by e-mail to:
Catherine Martin, Administrative Coordinator
[email protected]
AWARE-NS
201 Brownlow Ave. Unit 1
Dartmouth, NS B3B 1W2
A competitive salary and benefits package is offered
Completion closes March 15, 2015
Good morning,
I’m writing to share some exciting news about changes to our employer registration process.
Starting today, employers in Nova Scotia seeking workplace injury insurance coverage will be able to apply for coverage online with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia through the WCB website. This includes regular employer coverage, voluntary coverage and special protection coverage. It’s one example of how we’re continuing to evolve to meet the changing needs of the people we serve.
Through the online employer registration form, employers will be able to apply for coverage quickly and easily. Previously, employers had to complete a print form and mail or fax the registration. Starting mid-February, employers will be able to register online and immediately receive a confirmation email including useful links and information about health and safety.
Employers and third-party providers who register employers for WCB coverage are asked to discard existing print copies of the WCB employer registration form and move to online registration starting February 17. In-person and mail/fax options will still be available for employers who cannot register online by contacting the WCB at 1-877-211-9267.
For more information about the WCB, visit www.wcb.ns.ca or contact the WCB at 1-877-211-9267.
Anxiety – Practical Intervention Strategies
Halifax: March 11, 2015 (early rate deadline February 18)
While every person experiences anxiety, it is estimated that over a quarter of the population will experience anxiety at levels that cause distress in their lives. There is also an increasing concern for rising anxiety among children, youth and seniors. Participants of this training will explore when anxiety is adaptive and in order compared to when it becomes disordered. The main focus of the workshop will be to learn practical and accessible strategies which can be applied across the lifespan and address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social aspects of anxiety.
Some of the Topics Covered:
Anxiety and its Natural Purpose
When is Anxiety ‘Disordered’?
Fear-circuitry in the Brain: The Physiological Flow
Shifting Focus to Resilience
Body-Oriented Interventions
Need this workshop sooner? Click Here to purchase our pre-recorded webinar on the topic.
Trauma – Strategies for Resolving the Impact of Post Traumatic Stress
Halifax: March 9-10, 2015 (early rate deadline February 16)
This workshop provides an overview of the way trauma affects a person through the brain and nervous system and how it can result in longer term symptoms at physical, psychological and emotional levels. The workshop presents a framework to inform helpers for assisting people to work toward regulating and resolving the impact of trauma. We explore key principles and strategies that apply to a diverse range of impacts in children, adolescents and adults.
Need this workshop sooner? Click Here to purchase our pre-recorded webinar on the topic.
Crisis Response Planning
Halifax: April 9, 2015 (early rate deadline March 19)
The impact of critical incidents (violence, suicide, tragedy, etc.) requires schools, communities and organizations to be prepared to respond to these unfortunate events. This training will focus on how to organize effectively and quickly at a time of high stress so that groups are better prepared to respond to the emotional needs of those affected by a critical incident.
Need this workshop sooner? Click Here to purchase our pre-recorded webinar on the topic.
Register early and save 10% – Save an additional 5% when you pay online.
Register Here
Workshop Rates:
One day: Early rate $189; Regular rate $210
Two day: Early rate $355; Regular rate $395
