Occupational Health and Safety

Tragic accident takes the lives of agriculture workers in southern Ontario

dduffy — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:05:49 -0500

"On behalf of the 340,000 NUPGE members, we offer deepest condolences to the families of all the victims of this terrible accident," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

BCGEU fights for bully-free workplaces

khawley — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:38 -0500

This week the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) was in the print and broadcast news talking about workplace bullying.

Plea bargain lets farm operators off the hook after two deaths

khawley — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:45:07 -0500

Owner and supervisor of Filsinger's Organic Foods & Orchards agree to a plea bargain after the death of two migrant workers in 2010.

Harper government backtracks on food safety

khawley — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:46:54 -0500

The weak food safety and inspection system of 2008 saw 23 people die from Listeriosis tainted cold cuts.

Dying woman's request for Canada to stop exporting asbestos

khawley — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:36:25 -0500

Quebec minister of natural resources and wildlife remains silent about government support for the Jeffrey asbestos mine.

NAPE supports new screening procedures at courthouse

dduffy — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:03:14 -0500

“We are pleased that the Minister listened to the union’s concerns and has moved forward with the implementation of this new screening process at this location.” - Carol Furlong, NAPE President.

Health costs of climate change have not seriously been considered

khawley — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:56:13 -0500

Climate impacts like floods, heat waves, damaging storms and diseases like West Nile Virus have recently been shown to have a huge health care cost.

NAPE supports legislation for fire fighters

dduffy — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:56:11 -0400

"They are simply asking for the same protection as other fire fighters and for the ability to access protection should they become victims of such occupational hazards." - Carol Furlong, NAPE President.

Manitoba establishes new memorial for fallen workers

lbush — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:19:59 -0400

Memorial will pay tribute to brothers and sisters who lost their lives while on the job.

BCGEU president demands meeting to address escalating violence

dduffy — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:34:46 -0400

"Violence is not part of our members' jobs. They have the right to go to work without fear of being punched, stabbed, kicked or spit on. And their employer has a legal obligation to ensure their workplace is safe."

NSGEU's Bully-Free Workplace Program helps thousands of workers in first year

lbush — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:24:48 -0400

NSGEU/NUPGE celebrates first anniversary of the popular and highly successful Bully-Free Workplace Program.

Ottawa plans to slash provincial meat inspection

khawley — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:13:12 -0400

Ottawa is abandoning federal inspection of meat produced for local citizens in BC, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Whistleblower protection fails with Public Service Labour Relations Board decision

khawley — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:00:11 -0400

Three of Canada's best know whistleblowers from Health Canada received the decision last week as to whether they would be re-instated to their former positions after seven years of legal battle.

Infographic on Workplace Violence in Canada

khawley — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:10:17 -0400

Download the latest OHS Insider infographic on Workplace Violence in Canada.

Working Families Manitoba releases workplace safety report card

dduffy — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:07:11 -0400

With the right policies and investments, we can ensure workers make it home from work healthy and in one piece, every day.

A moment to remember workers killed on the job

khawley — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:15:48 -0400

The National Day of Mourning was established in Canada at the urging of the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984 and is now recognized in over 80 countries around the world.

Harper will continue to let industry police food safety

khawley — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:05:04 -0400

The Harper government has quietly tabled a plan to cut spending on food safety!

February 28th marks 12th International Repetetive Strain Injury Awareness Day

khawley — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:17:16 -0500

In 2010, across Canada, 2.3 million people, or one in every 10 adults, suffered from these injuries, also known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

JHSC requirements clarified by Ontario ruling

khawley — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:23:42 -0500

A recent ruling from Ontario's highest court that weighs in on the meaning of "regularly employed" workers under the province's Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) has implications for the formation of joint health and safety committees (JHSC).

Health Authority fails to protect health care staff

mluff — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:36:48 -0500

WorkSafeBC has issued nine separate orders at two Victoria-area mental health facilities criticizing the failure of Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) to protect the safety of staff.

Alert: Manitoba employers must adopt psychological harassment policies

khawley — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:16:39 -0500

New Workplace Safety and Health regulations requiring employers to prevent bullying, intimidation and other forms of psychological harassment took effect in Manitoba today.

Spending on safety - getting management onside

khawley — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:02:43 -0500

Getting management to spend company money on safety isn't easy. You need to know how to build a business case for safety.

Winnipeg regional health authority fined for worker injury

khawley — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:16:55 -0500

Sean Brennan, a Manitoba Crown prosecutor, says the Winnipeg regional health authority (WRHA) was hit with a $65,000 oh&s fine, a $13,000 victim fine surcharge and a $50 court fee.

National standards announced for emergency workers

khawley — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:30:52 -0500

The federal government today announced the country's first national standard for protective equipment for its thousands of front-line emergency workers.

New regulations for phthalates in children's toys

khawley — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:56:57 -0500

Phthalates are known to cause health problems like allergies, diabetes, and weight problems in children, as well as urinary tract and testicular malformation in little boys, since they're an "anti-androgen" hormone disrupter.

Mountain pine beetle making forest fires more dangerous to fight

khawley — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:38:09 -0500

Listen to CBC's Quirks and Quarks related podcast above.

Firefighters say the fires in beetle-killed trees burn so hot it's like dealing with a forest of kiln-dried lumber. Dumping water and retardant on the flames doesn't work very well.

Ad campaign targets PM Harper's support for asbestos exports

khawley — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:35:32 -0500

"Canadians and people around the world are demanding that Prime Minister Harper end his deadly asbestos policy. He can no longer hide from this issue."

OPSEU members ratify new contract with WSIAT

dblaikie — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:34:00 -0500

'Our bargaining team did a great job and we were successful in getting a very good deal for our members.'

OPSEU welcomes occupational H & S reforms

dblaikie — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 11:30:00 -0500

'These proposed changes would not have been possible had it not been for the extensive contributions made by organized labour.'

Alta. minister 'disgusted' by safety inspection results

dblaikie — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:40:00 -0500

'I take this very seriously and I expect that this will be a wake-up call.' - Thomas Lukaszuk.

Saskatchewan MLA proposes changes to human rights tribunal

khawley — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:38:16 -0500

Saskatchewan's justice minister has introduced legislation to eliminate the Saskatchewan Human Rights Tribunal and transfer its power to a provincial court, sparking human rights concerns among labour groups and other interested parties.

EMS worker killed in tragic northern Alberta crash

dblaikie — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 07:45:00 -0500

Ambulance struck by trailer that broke loose from truck hauling empty propane tanks.

Assault on guard a symptom of overcrowded prisons

dblaikie — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:31:00 -0500

Explosive tensions exist at the North Fraser Pretrial Centre in B.C. where 650 inmates are packed into facilities meant to house a maximum of 300 prisoners.

Narrow escape for Ont. traffic enforcement officer

dblaikie — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:50:00 -0500

Incident involving impaired driver who fled accident scene illustrates dangers faced daily by public employees on Canada's highways.

Shift work associated with increased risk for injury

dblaikie — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:40:00 -0400

'As Canada has become a 24-hour society, the number of Canadians working non-regular hours has increased dramatically.'

Legal storm brewing in area of mental health protection at work

khawley — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:05:06 -0400

A new report from the Calgary-based Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) suggests that employers who neglect psychological safety in the workplace could be legally liable for mental injury inflicted on workers.

Wretched morale problems at B.C. jail in Kamloops

dblaikie — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:40:00 -0400

Worst score among nine British Columbia correctional facilities in Workplace Environment Survey.

Cattle are trucked more safely than farm workers

dblaikie — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 12:57:00 -0400

UFCW Canada accuses B.C. government of 'shameful' behaviour for ignoring coroner's recommendations.

WCB and H&S activists meet Nov. 25-27 in Toronto

dblaikie — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:30:00 -0400

Goal of conference is to improve health and safety and create a fairer system for injured workers.

Migrant farm workers die in job-related accident

dblaikie — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:29:00 -0400

Deaths of two Jamaican workers at Ontario orchard under investigation.

Mental illness tops all causes of missed work days

dblaikie — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:51:00 -0400

'It is crucial that businesses make mental health and well-being a priority to prevent disability in the first place.'

NSGEU launches Bully-Free Workplace Program

dblaikie — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:45:00 -0400

'According to the Canada Safety Council, 75% of people bullied in the workplace will leave their jobs.'

September is Emergency Preparedness Month

khawley — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:50:35 -0400

Are you prepared for an emergency in the workplace? Who do you contact in case of fire or other disaster? Where are the emergency exit routes for your work area?

Challenges of an Aging Workforce

khawley — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:14:33 -0400

The Canadian workforce is aging and older workers are making up a greater portion of the workforce. With the large number of 'baby boomers' born after WWII now aging, it is estimated that by next year, approximately 41% of the working population will be between the ages of 45 and 64 (up from 29% in 1991), and this percentage will continue to increase over the coming years.

NSGEU provides Anti-Bullying workshops

khawley — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:17:37 -0400

Bullying is a form of violence in the workplace; it is not part of the job. We all have a responsibility to stop it and work towards a Bully-Free Workplace.

Duty to accommodate - big labour movement victory

dblaikie — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:45:00 -0400

'Most of the accommodation solutions are inexpensive and don't turn the workplace upside down.'

Charges laid in deaths of mushroom farm workers

dblaikie — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:30:00 -0400

Two companies and four corporate officials face a total of 29 charges for failure to protect the safety of employees.

Ontario says Wi-Fi safety is an Ottawa responsibility

dblaikie — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:32:30 -0400

Health Canada and World Health Organization believe technology is safe, says minister.

Ontario parents suspect Wi-Fi making students sick

dblaikie — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:31:00 -0400

'These kids are getting sick at school but not at home.' - Rodney Palmer.

NSGEU welcomes new policy on stab-proof vests

dblaikie — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:30:00 -0400

'It's about time," says Jim Gosse of NSGEU correctional Local 480.

Canadians have growing concerns about food safety

dblaikie — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:00:00 -0400

'Even if you trust in the food that you eat, in the back of your mind, you're maybe wondering how it's prepared, where it came from, those kinds of things.'

Forestry worker abuse connected to B.C. cutbacks

dblaikie — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:45:00 -0400

'It’s not rocket science. If we have fewer bodies on the ground and virtually no presence in communities where the work is being done.' - BCGEU.

AFL study unmasks the immorality of Alberta's WCB

dblaikie — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:31:32 -0400

The only province in Canada to pay bonuses to staff to cut caseloads and reduce services to injured workers.

BCGEU welcomes review of dam safety regulations

dblaikie — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:40:00 -0400

Report cites staff cuts, workload and ‘inappropriate’ regulation in dam failure.

Sample Health & Safety Policy: Hot Weather and Heat Stress

khawley — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:26:14 -0400

If you are toiling in hot conditions, protect yourself from potentially fatal heat illness. Here’s a sample Hot Weather Plan you can adapt to your workplace to ensure that everyone is aware of heat/humidity conditions on each workday, and that adequate worker protections are in place to prevent heat illness.

Health staff protest working conditions in Gander

dblaikie — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:29:00 -0400

NAPE president Carol Furlong to meet with regional health board CEO.

Employers could be liable for distracted drivers

dblaikie — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:36:00 -0400

Unless clear steps are taken to warn and train employees to comply with new Ontario law.

New safety devices to replace 'sharps' in Alberta

dblaikie — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:45:00 -0400

Change in occupational health and safety regulations takes effect on July 1.

Bullying is the worst form of harassment at work

dblaikie — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:31:00 -0400

Caucasians reported higher levels of general workplace harassment than minorities.

Canada's food safety little improved since 2008 crisis

dblaikie — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 10:51:00 -0400

Twenty-two Canadians died as a result of the listeriosis crisis caused by Maple Leaf Foods in Toronto.

No Ontario plans for health and safety privatization

dblaikie — Sun, 30 May 2010 13:00:00 -0400

OPSEU continues to have serious reservations about an ongoing review of Ontario's workplace health and safety system.

A plea on Injured Workers Day 2010 for fairer laws

dblaikie — Mon, 24 May 2010 13:00:00 -0400

'Employers are earning 2010 dollars and paying 1980s prices for workers’ compensation coverage.' - OPSEU.

NSGEU members meet with labour minister, offer key safety recommendations

khawley — Tue, 04 May 2010 09:58:34 -0400

Members of the NSGEU/NUPGE Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Committee met with Hon. Marilyn More, the Minister of Labour and the Environment on April 28, following the National Day of Mourning ceremony held at the Nova Scotia Legislature.

Focusing on youth for the National Day of Mourning

khawley — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 13:00:00 -0400

NUPGE is calling for legislation that requires health and safety training for youth before they enter the workforce.

Who wants to save life?

khawley — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:01:33 -0400

Newfoundland Workers Health and Safety launches a trivia game show!

Saskatchewan requires H&S training for youth

khawley — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:44:22 -0400

As of March 31, 2010 14- and 15-year-olds will be required to complete a young worker safety course and obtain a certificate of completion.

Unqualified Operation of Excavator Kills Young Worker

khawley — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:17:41 -0400

The senseless death of a 23-year-old construction worker in England shows the importance of keeping untrained and unqualified workers away from heavy duty equipment.

Manitoba hires more health and safety officers

dblaikie — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:30:00 -0400

'Additional inspectors will help reduce the number of hazards in workplaces and, hopefully, decrease the number of Manitobans getting injured at work.'

Universal flu shot programs make economic sense

dblaikie — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:59:00 -0400

Study concludes that universality 'reduces influenza illness attack rates, morbidity and mortality at reasonable cost' to taxpayers.

Preparing for new workplace violence legislation

dblaikie — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:01:00 -0400

Presentations being offered free across Ontario for new OHSA amendments that take effect June 15.

Ontario company taken to court in worker's death

dblaikie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:16:00 -0500

'Case may represent a huge step forward for worker safety in Ontario.' - OFL.

Free workshop on prevention of workplace violence

dblaikie — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:00:00 -0500

Scheduled on March 26 and again on March 29 by MFL Occupational Health Centre in Winnipeg.

Criminal charges added worker fatality

khawley — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:09:38 -0500

Criminal charges being laid for an occupational fatality in Sault Ste. Marie sets an important precedent.

Alberta rescinds H1N1 pandemic HR protocols

dblaikie — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:28:00 -0500

'Normal human resource practices' have now resumed across the province.

OPSEU looking into prevalence of 'client aggression'

dblaikie — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:29:00 -0500

'How common is it for staff to witness or experience aggression in the clients they support?'

Ottawa hospital workers face 'unsustainable' stress

dblaikie — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:31:00 -0500

Study at four city hospitals represents the first in-depth investigation of 'role overload' in Canada's health care system.

Ergonomic risks for young workers

khawley — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:36:35 -0500

"Youth and adolescents are routinely engaged in manual material handling (MMH) tasks that may exceed their strength capability to perform the task."

Construction Tragedy in Ontario

khawley — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:47:10 -0500

Construction unions in Toronto will be pursuing all aspects of this tragedy to try to ensure that the conditions that led to it are fully exposed.

Workplace cell phone use can be a real hazard

khawley — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:46:35 -0500

Workplace accidents related to careless on-the-job cell phone use and texting are growing fast – and the results can be devastating

SFU child care society makes gains in new contract

dblaikie — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:00 -0500

Wage increases plus steps to address bullying in the workplace.

PEIUPSE postpones convention due to H1N1 crisis

dblaikie — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:21:49 -0500

President Shelley Ward says it is 'simply the safest thing to do' in the circumstances. A decision will be made later on when to reschedule.

BP hit with largest-ever OSHA fine of $87 million

dblaikie — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:31:00 -0500

'This administration will not tolerate disregard of our laws. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to protect their workers.' - Hilda Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor.

NUPGE concerned by assaults on peace officers

dblaikie — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:35:00 -0400

New Statistics Canada study finds dramatic increase over the past decade, validating concerns expressed by peace officers.

Nova Scotia brings in measures designed to toughen workplace safety

khawley — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:19:59 -0400

Fines implemented in the hopes of reducing injuries and fatalities in the workplace.

Ontario cellphone driving ban takes effect on Oct. 26

dblaikie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:30:00 -0400

Fines of up to $500 will be imposed for using hand-held devices after a three-month education period.

Temporary voluntary transfers to deal with H1N1

dblaikie — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:31:00 -0400

MGEU and other health care unions address health and safety concerns relating to flu outbreak.

Globe and Mail scaremongering over H1N1 pandemic

dblaikie — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:30:00 -0400

Article alarms the public irresponsibly and unfairly maligns some of the most dedicated workers in Canada.

WHO sets H1N1 pandemic vaccine priority; Canada developing new treatment rules

mluff — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:46:17 -0400

International group of experts recommend health care workers be first in line for vaccine. At the same time, governments in Canada are developing new rules to help doctors prioritize who gets access to scarce treatment if vaccine isn't available.

NAPE says members lack H1N1 protective gear

dblaikie — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:29:00 -0400

Exposed to risk doing daily diagnostic tests.

New food inspectors not assigned to meat plants

dblaikie — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:29:00 -0400

None are assigned to meat plants despite Canada's deadly listeriosis crisis and promises made by the federal agricultural minister.

MGEU brings hybrid vehicle safety issues to light

dblaikie — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:29:00 -0400

B.C. and Saskatchewan unions now calling for similar training and safety standards.

Paramedics may have been exposed to H1N1 flu

khawley — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:27:30 -0400

'I think we need to look at our whole system and re-evaluate how these calls come in.' - Tim Scharer, Winnipeg Paramedics Local 911.

More staff might have prevented listeriosis outbreak

dblaikie — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:29:00 -0400

The number of food inspectors devoted to monitoring processed meat plants would have to double to do an adequate job, union says.

Food companies can't be trusted to keep food safe

dblaikie — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:30:00 -0400

National poll finds that 70% want government to crack down harder on food companies and devote more resources to keeping the food supply safe.

Stressed workers fail to use 34 million vacation days

dblaikie — Mon, 18 May 2009 09:02:00 -0400

Employers reap gains worth $6.03 billion but the cost in employee burnout is significant.

NAPE raises concern over public safety when snowfall arrives after highway depots closed

lbush — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:44:38 -0400

Premature closing of highway depots meant that in some areas snow clearing operators were unavailable as they had been laid off.

Alert: severe respiratory illness spreading globally

dblaikie — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:28:00 -0400

UPDATED May 5 - 'Health care workers providing direct care – in the same room or in close contact – to SRI patients are advised to wear properly fit-tested N-95 respirators.'

Saskatchewan law will protect snowplow operators

dblaikie — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:31:00 -0400

NDP MLA introduces private member's bill following tragic death of highways department employee Jim Gallenger.

NUPGE wants special prosecutors to protect workers

dblaikie — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:27:01 -0400

James Clancy writes to Canadian government as observances are planned to mark the 25th National Day of Mourning for employees killed and injured on the job.

National Day of Mourning's 25th Anniversary

khawley — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:26:00 -0400

Twenty-five years ago, in 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) launched what was to become a worldwide remembrance for workers killed on the job.

OPSEU welcomes workplace violence legislation

dblaikie — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:33:00 -0400

'Like a gust of fresh wind blowing through the workplaces of Ontario.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Ontario Health and Safety Law to include Violence and Harassment

khawley — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:41:41 -0400

Advocates for safe workplaces have been pushing for more than a decade for legislation that protects workers from harassment and violence. Today, they had some good news.

One third of all nurses are assaulted by patients

dblaikie — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:31:00 -0400

Massive 2005 survey collected responses from 12,200 nurses across the country.

Safer needles

khawley — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:24:54 -0400

Needle Safety Regulation Expanded April 1, 2009

Four in ten UK teachers face violence in their jobs

khawley — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:52:30 -0400

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) in the UK report that four in 10 teachers have faced verbal or physical aggression from a pupil's parents or guardian.

Private member's bill targets cyberbullying

khawley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:59:30 -0400

Clarification is important because the internet is now the biggest mode of communication that people have. A 2009 University of Toronto survey of more than 2000 students found 50 per cent had been bullied online.

OSHAH plans health & safety learning portal in B.C.

dblaikie — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:00:00 -0400

'The portal itself has many potential users, including personnel involved in developing OHS education and training, JOHS committees, and front-line workers.'

N.B. court overturns ruling on disabled worker

dblaikie — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:00:00 -0400

Original ruling helped worker buy barrier-free home following workplace accident. WorkSafeNB asked to take case to Supreme Court of Canada.

BCGEU open to four-day week subject to restrictions

dblaikie — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0400

Darryl Walker says it might work in some offices and ministries if it was voluntary and benefits were protected.

Major workplace violence survey underway in B.C.

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:08:21 -0500

Eight health care groups are participating, including the Health Sciences Association of B.C.

A hazard in any workplace: soft tissue injuries

khawley — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:54:40 -0500

Friday, February 27th, 2009 marks Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) awareness day. On this awareness day the National Union joins labour unions across Canada to urge employers to take these soft tissue injuries seriously.

Simcoe County rejects snow tires for ambulances

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:45:03 -0500

OPSEU paramedics appeal to Ontario labour ministry for intervention on safety grounds.

OPSEU urges CAMH to take action on workplace violence

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:00:00 -0500

23 assaults in September at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Violence Escalating at CAMH: Registered Nurses & Health Care Workers Call for Action Now

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:00:00 -0400

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) and the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) are again calling on the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to take immediate action to stem the rising number of violent attacks on front-line health care workers.

Health-care workers face the hazard of violence

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:07:09 -0400

In less than a year four RNs were injured through violent attacks by a patient. The call comes following the last incident at CAMH in which a registered nurse was grabbed and dragged into a washroom by a patient who sexually assaulted her.

Canadians back scientist who called attention to safety cuts

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:32:54 -0400

72.8% say support fired biologist Luc Pomerleau

Kingston, Ontario fined for worker exposure to asbestos

khawley — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:16:17 -0400

The City of Kingston pleaded guilty and was fined $60,000 in the Ontario Court of Justice yesterday. During the renovation of a public utilities building, workers were exposed to.

Canadians don't trust food industry to police itself, poll finds

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

More than 80% want cuts to food safety budgets reversed

CMA wants full inquiry into Canada's tainted meat scandal

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

'The listeriosis epidemic is a timely reminder that the Harper government has reversed much of the progress that previous governments made on governing for public health.'

Poison food crisis shows Harper's contempt for government action

jclancy — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

(Sept 24, 2008) -- 'How many more people must die before the Harper government realizes that public health and safety must always transcend the boundaries of ideology?'

Harper takes election cover under food inspection inquiry

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Critics see it as a cynical ploy to deflect criticism during campaign period

Arbitrator rules employee's hurtful blogging justified firing

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0400

An Alberta provincial government employee who posted derogatory descriptions and criticisms of her co-workers and supervisors on several online blogs that she created was justifiably dismissed because this conduct irreparably undermined the employment relationship, an Alberta arbitration board has held.

Community services workers affected by workplace violence

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Survey finds 43% targeted in the past year by clients, co-workers and supervisors

Gas prices put Utah public employees on four-day week

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

State will try one-year experiment to cut costs of government and commuting

Poor care and violence common in Ontario nursing homes

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Freedom of information request on behalf of Ontario Health Coalition brings damning report to light

OPSEU observing Injured Workers' Day on June 1

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

25 years since 3,000 workers gathered at the Ontario legislature

MGEU wants WCB coverage extended to entire workforce

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

'It would create a level playing field for employers.'

NUPGE Recognizes Health and Safety Activists

khawley — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:14:48 -0400

In Honour of Tony Mazzocchi (1926-2002)

Union will make omnipresent BlackBerry a bargaining issue

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Government employees crying for relief from high-tech intrusion into private lives away from the job

Layton calls for tougher worker safety standards in Canada

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:32:07 -0400

Message to federal government on National Day of Mourning

Mourn for the dead and fight for the living this April 28

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Canada continues to have one of the highest workplace fatality rates

Labour leaders want WSIB chair fired over 'death' rebates

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Companies prosecuted for worker fatalities awarded safety rebates

National Day of Mourning for Workers Killed or Injured on the Job -- Health and Safety Activist Recognition

khawley — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:34:06 -0400

Ottawa (31 March 2008) - Monday, April 28th, 2008 is the National Day of Mourning for Workers Killed or Injured on the Job. This is a time to mourn for those lost on the job, as we work to strengthen safety standards and reduce the health and safety risks that workers take each day.

Aggressive behaviour common at Nova Scotia nursing homes

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

45% displayed aggression in some form, CIHI study finds

OPSEU campaign tackles issue of violence in the workplace

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Workshops planned for union members across Ontario

Canadian long-term care workers risk violence at work

kcarruthers — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Nearly seven times more likely to experience violence than Nordic counterparts - York University-led study

NSGEU recruiting group to deal with bullying and harassment

admin — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

'Every member deserves to have a safe and healthy workplace where they are treated with dignity and respect.'

One In 10 Canadians affected by repetitive strain injury

admin — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

February 29 is RSI Awareness Day in Canada

Tony Mazzocchi: A visionary leader never to be forgotten

admin — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

James Clancy interviews biographer Les Leopold on the life and times of a great labour leader

Pandemic precautions: How ready are we?

admin — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

“These new findings highlight the importance of ensuring that Canadian efforts to prepare for a pandemic are continuous and evolving,” said James Clancy

Harper must do more for Canadian forces and their families

admin — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Conservatives focusing more on military hardware and length of the mission to Afghanistan than on the welfare of troops and their loved ones at home

PEIUPSE occupational health and safety conference Feb. 9

admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Kim Turner, Shelley Ward, Joan Jessome to make presentations

BCFL calls for review of 15-passenger 'death trap' vans

admin — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Tragic crashes in New Brunswick and British Columbia

OPSEU says threatening hate mail must stop at Don Jail

admin — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0500

More than 30 officers invoke safety provisions in Occupational Health and Safety Act

N.S. hospital workers win damages in on-job bullying case

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) has won a 'groundbreaking' settlement of $10,000 in a bullying and sexual harassment case involving a group of workers at the province's largest hospital.

PEI Gets Tough on Workplace Noise

khawley — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:21:19 -0500

Recent amendments to PEI's Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations, now require specific employer precautions to protect the hearing of workers in every workplace in PEI.

One in four working Canadians suffers from depression

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:00:00 -0500

Ipsos Reid poll commissioned by Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace

Statscan study finds high stress among health care workers

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:00:00 -0500

Doctors, nurses, lab technicians, ambulance attendants and therapists among groups assessed

LCBO managers guilty of bullying and harassment - OPSEU

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:00:00 -0500

Big warehouse site of noon hour protest by employees

HSAA partnership tackles family violence in the workplace

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:00:00 -0500

$250,000 over five years to help train managers and staff

Saskatchewan's workplace bullying legislation now in effect

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:00:00 -0400

New definition of harassment includes on-the-job issues that include abuse of power and bullying

Prescription for a Healthy Canada: Moving towards a National Environmental Health Strategy

khawley — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:27:50 -0400

The Suzuki Foundation has released a report entitled “Prescription for a Healthy Canada”. It highlights shocking news about Canada and our environmental health.

Saskatchewan employees discuss work issues with minister

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 20:00:00 -0400

SGEU representatives meet with Kevin Yates

Violence a growing concern for Canadian court officials

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 20:00:00 -0400

Doesn't require 'rocket science' to understand the threat

Campbell Liberals in no rush to tighten security on ferries

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 20:00:00 -0400

Transport minister will travel overseas this fall to talk with British officials

NBU approves study of 'cyber aggression in the workplace'

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 20:00:00 -0400

Union interested in 'understanding and meeting' challenges faced by members

Paramedic wins important human rights case in Ontario

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:00:00 -0400

Eyesight problem stopped veteran employee from driving but did not prevent him from continuing to work

Underfunding, workloads, cited in Ontario government report

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:00:00 -0400

Problems faced by employees of the Ontario Disability Support Program

Alberta to ban smoking in public places and at work sites

Sat, 02 Jun 2007 20:00:00 -0400

Legislation to be tabled this spring with a vote scheduled in the fall

Smoking rooms will soon be banned in federal buildings

Thu, 17 May 2007 14:57:52 -0400

Ottawa following example set by many provinces and municipalities

Ceremonies planned across Canada for workplace victims

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 20:00:00 -0400

National Day of Mourning is an event observed worldwide every April 28

April 28: 'Safe and Healthy Workplaces for All Workers'

Sat, 21 Apr 2007 20:00:00 -0400

Theme of 2007 National Day of Mourning for workers killed and injured on the job in Canada

NUPGE poster marks Day of Mourning for Canadian workers

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:00:00 -0400

National ceremonies each April 28 honour the approximately 1,000 workers killed and injured on the job each year

New Nova Scotia workplace violence rules are inadequate

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:00:00 -0400

A good first step but changes fall far short of what is needed, says 40,000-member coalition

B.C. farm workers' deaths highlight need for safety reforms

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 14:14:39 -0500

Campbell government watered down safety standards after coming to power in 2001

Violence Awareness Week - Children's Aid Societies

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 19:00:00 -0500

'We hope this ... will make all CAS workplaces safer for child welfare workers.' - OPSEU president Leah Casselman

OPSEU slams corrections ministry for refusal to stop abuses

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 19:00:00 -0500

The case of Michael McKinnon has been going on for 18 years

40,000 Nova Scotia workers call for anti-violence legislation

lbullee — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:00:00 -0500

Joint presentation to province by NSGEU, NSTU, NSNU and CUPE

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians are assaulted at work

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 19:00:00 -0500

356,000 violent incidents reported; 71% physical assaults

OPSEU welcomes final Ontario report on SARS outbreak

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 19:00:00 -0500

Justice Archie Campbell says hospitals are as dangerous as mines or factories

Three Nova Scotia forums scheduled on workplace violence

Sat, 06 Jan 2007 19:00:00 -0500

Unions join in campaign to push for legislation against violence in the workplace

Five Canadian workers a day die from accidents and diseases

Sun, 31 Dec 2006 19:00:00 -0500

Workplace fatality rate rising in Canada while falling in almost all other countries

Pandemic planning: how ready are Canada's governments?

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 19:00:00 -0500

'Our members on the front line of Canada's health care system have many questions.' - NUPGE president James Clancy

Liberals ignore death threats to black Correctional Officers

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:14:19 -0400

Calling for a full public inquiry into the threats and the resulting poisoned work environment

Front line workers must be included in pandemic preparedness

Tue, 19 Sep 2006 20:00:00 -0400

NUPGE Executive Board meets with senior official of Public Health Agency of Canada

Harassment, discrimination common in federal public service

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 16:08:02 -0400

Massive federal government survey finds that one worker in five is affected

Violence escalates with overcrowding in Saskatchewan jails

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 09:47:39 -0500

'The counts are up in all centres and are over-capacity.' - SGEU spokesperson Barry Nowoselsky