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Secretary-Treasurer's Message
Health & Safety in the workplace: A priority for your Local Union and a responsibility of all
Workplace health and safety is a fundamental concern and focus of your Local Union. It is a broad topic that encompasses many different aspects of your working life.
Whether you’re driving a forklift, using machinery or tools, stocking shelves, dealing with customers, assisting patients and more – safety is the number one priority.
A poll by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, found that nearly half of workplace harm goes unreported around the world. In addition, the poll found that many workers have never received occupational health and safety training.1
In Ontario, the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) has a public tally of received and allowed claims in the province, which put the numbers so far this year (as of October 29, 2024) at 177,080 registered claims and 125, 265 allowed claims.2
But many workers do not file a WSIB claim for their work-related injuries or illnesses, and many more injuries go entirely unreported each year.
Employers must have proper policies and procedures, and provide proper training and personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees.
Employees must recognize their own role in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, too. That includes bringing any hazards or concerns to the attention of your Health & Safety Rep, Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC), or Union Steward. Workers must also ensure they wear any and all PPE properly and report any injuries immediately.
Please make health and safety your first priority at work. Remain vigilant and ask questions if you are not sure about something or have concerns.
If you are injured at work or suspect that symptoms you experience may be related to work, report it and file a WSIB claim. If you have questions about WSIB Claims and Appeals, reach out to the Local Union Workers' Compensation experts.
Your Union has a dedicated Health & Safety Department to assist your Representa- tives, Stewards, and H&S Reps/JHSC in establishing and maintaining good workplace health and safety. We are here to answer questions and help address any safety concerns that arise in your workplaces.
On page 20, you can read about an important aspect of workplace health safety: violence and harassment. Resources related to all kinds of Health & Safety concerns and more can be found at ufcw175.com. And, as always, please reach out to your Union Rep or contact the Health & Safety Department for more information.
I want to commend all of our members for their dedication and commitment to building better, safer workplaces. I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year.
