safework news - Volume 4, Issue 1, 2013 spring/summer edition

safeworknews Newfoundland and Labrador

Volume Four, Issue One Spring Summer 2013

Back to Work!

A welder who wouldn’t give up see page 6 How one workplace accident changed a family see page 12

safeworknews Newfoundland and Labrador

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Best Practices

Let’s start moving!

Health and Safety Educator

Find out what great safety leaders do

The 10 minute solution

Robert Smith of Bishops College is tops

6 Back to Work

12 A father/daughter perspective

A welder who wouldn’t give up

A workplace accident that changed a family

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Protecting you and your co workers

How much is too much?

17 Occupational mental health Stress and depression in today’s workplace

Noise, Noise, Noise!

Who is responsible for workplace safety?

Cover photo by Paul Daly

safeworknews Newfoundland and Labrador

safeworknews is published by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (the Commission) of Newfoundland and Labrador to educate workers and employers about injury and disease prevention, promote a positive safety culture and provide links to Commission resources for safer workplaces.

Editorial Submissions and Inquiries kpeyton@whscc.nl.ca

Editorial Advisor Chris Flanagan

Administration Janet Hancock

Editor Kathy Dicks Peyton

Contributors Paul Daly David Legge Kelly Taylor Carla King Guy Boyd Bernard Kenny

Graphic Design Mark Wessels Marketing Sherry Greene Information Technology Florence Maloney

Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement #40063376, Customer #1324969 No portion of this publication may be reprinted in whole or in part without the written permission of the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission. The Commission reserves the right of final approval on all material.

www.whscc.nl.ca Printed in Canada Copyright 2013 Printer: Transcontinental Print

safeworknews publication agreement #40063376

Safety Share

Workplace wellness can prevent workplace injury

Chemical Safety Tips

A 2010 Harvard University study concludes that the return on investment for employee wellness programs is more than $3 in reduced health care costs for every dollar spent on wellness. Another $2.75 can be saved in reduced absenteeism and improved performance, the study states.

These are incredible results, but there’s another benefit to successful employee wellness programs and that is reduced injuries in the workplace.

In Newfoundland and Labrador more than two thirds of all injuries that result in time away from work are soft tissue injuries. In other words, we are suffering from strains, sprains and muscle pulls, which may be caused by overexertion of underused muscle groups.

An employer’s first responsibility when it comes to injury prevention is to recognize risks, evaluate hazards and implement controls to prevent soft tissue and other injuries. However, it is also true that regular exercise and stretching can help employees avoid soft tissue injuries.

According to a 2004 study in the Journal of Business Ethics, organizations that implemented healthy workplace wellness programs have reported a 57 per cent decrease in workplace injuries. Regular exercise not only helps strengthen and condition muscles, it helps you understand the limitations of your body, and be better prepared to lift, twist or turn safely.

Effective wellness programs do a great deal more than encourage physical fitness. Wellness includes healthy eating, stress management, smoking cessation, disease prevention or disease management and an emphasis on general well being.

When it comes to wellness, it is difficult to get things just right for your organization. First, you are often asking for a major cultural or organizational shift. Employers and employees are likely trying to break decades of bad habits. Wellness initiatives are also competing against multi billion dollar marketing efforts of the food processing industry which, let’s face it, is pretty sophisticated at making us crave the wrong kinds of food. At the same time, we are bombarded with fantastic marketing efforts that encourage us to drive cars, rather than walk; and watch screens and gadgets, rather than move our bodies.

The important thing is to take that first step. Take a look at your workplace, talk to your fellow employees and put together a wellness program that fits the needs of the entire organization. Put in place mechanisms that help measure results. At the end of the day, however, it is not the dollars and percentages that matter most. The most important benefit of a wellness program is the improved quality of life for all those who take part, stay healthy and live longer.

Leslie Galway, CEO, Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission

Chemicals are a major part of our everyday life at home, work and play. They include toxics, corrosives, solvents and numerous other substances. As long as we take proper precautions, these substances can be handled safely.

Chemicals that you use at home include: gasoline, paints, fertilizers, lawn chemicals, bug spray, paint strippers, kerosene, bleach and other household cleaners. Chemicals you may use at work are facility specific solvents, laboratory chemicals, fuels, paint, office copier chemicals, correction fluid, lubricants and corrosives.

We are exposed to chemicals in various ways:

Inhalation Breathing in dust, mists and vapours Example: Working with bags of concrete without a respirator.

Ingestion Eating contaminated food. Example: Having lunch in a work area where there are airborne contaminants.

Absorption Skin contact with a chemical. You may develop skin or eye irritations.

Injection Forcing an agent into the body through a needle or a high pressure device. Example: Needle stick or misuse of a high pressure washer.

You can protect yourself against chemical hazards by: reading container labels, material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and safe work instructions before you handle a chemical; using specified personal protective equipment (PPE) that may include chemical splash goggles, a respirator, safety gloves, apron, steel toed shoes, safety glasses with side shields, etc.

Ensure the PPE fits properly and you are trained in its use; inspecting all PPE before you use them. Look for defects in the equipment such as cracks, missing parts, rips, etc. Ensure your respirator has the proper chemical cartridge for the particular chemical hazard. Change cartridges when it is necessary; knowing the location of safety showers and eyewash stations and how to use them; washing your hands before eating, especially after handling chemicals; and leaving your contaminated clothing at work. If you wear the clothes home, you may expose your family to the hazards.

Source: Safety Toolbox Talks

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Are you a Back Pro tection Agent?

What advice do you have for other employers and workers so they too can become back protection agents?

Lisa Janes has worked as an Animal Technician with the City of St. John’s for the past 13 years, and is an advocate for back protection.

Why are you proud to be called a Back Protection Agent?

I am proud because I always take the time to advise co workers, friends and family on how to protect themselves.

What have you done or suggested at your workplace that is assisting in back protection?

One of the things I have suggested to my employer is the importance of placing cat kennels on stands so there is less bending.

My advice would be for all employers and workers to be proactive and not reactive. Help prevent injuries before they occur is my motto.

What are some ergonomic initiatives being implemented at Humane Services?

We have had several things implemented in the recent years.

We have raised cat kennels and washers, a dog bath with a ramp so larger dogs can walk into the tub. We have a ramp for the vans to assist with moving larger dogs, and we also have a spring loaded laundry basket, so the laundry comes to us. These initiatives are used all of the time in this job because worker safety is priority number one.

LIFT IT TWICE Most of you have heard the general rules of safe lifting.

Remember to get a firm grip on the load, keep it close, bend at the knees, use your legs to lift the load, and keep your spine in the natural position (with an arch in your lower back).

Given the enormous number of risky lifting situations that you may face, you may not be able to apply these principles every time. This is why you must always remember to lift it twice.

The act of lifting is the same as any other movement that you can learn to do better with practice. Lifting twice means planning your movements prior to performing the lift: Your first lift is a mental lift. Think about the lift prior to actually doing it: How am I going to lift the item? Can I do it myself or should I get some help?

How heavy is the item? Do I need to use mechanical assistance?

Where am I taking the item being lifted? Is the area clear where I need to set it down?

Is it a difficult path or a distance to go?

What hazards may hamper the lift or obstruct the travel path?

Eliminate those hazards before you lift the item. In other words, plan the lift first.

The second lift is the actual physical lift. Here is where you carry out your plan.

Use proper body mechanics and techniques while going through the motions. Bend those knees.

Most important: Keep the load as close to your body as possible and don’t twist.

So, the next time someone tells you to lift twice remember…

Two lifts are better than one when it comes to reducing the risk of a strain on your back.

(Source: Safety Toolbox Talks)

WORKPLACE W ORKPLA LACE H HEALTH, EALTH, S SAFETY AFETTY YA AND ND C COMPENSATION OMPENSATI ATION C COMMISSION OMMISSION

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- Rhonda Tulk-Lane is the former Executive Director of FINALY!

- Earl Ludlow President, Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland Power Inc.

- Debbie Forward, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union

Great leaders are committed to safety and have an enormous, positive impact on their organizations.

BEST PRACTICES FOR SAFETY LEADERS

By Guy Boyd Many of us have known great leaders whose commitment to safety has had an enormous positive impact. The hard part is pinning down exactly what it is they do that distinguishes them from other leaders.

It is hard to attend a safety conference these days without coming across a session on leadership in safety. After many years of focus on worker engagement, interest in leadership is certainly a welcome addition to the discussion of safety performance. Workers are critical to safety but are limited in the scope of their impact within the broader organization. Leaders on the other hand, while limited in their ability to enact the particulars of day to day work, make decisions about resources and organizational direction and impact the culture and climate in which safety activities must occur.

The link leaders have to safety may seem obvious, but for many organizations the specifics of safety leadership are anything but. For them, the question is not so much

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why leaders matter to safety, but rather, what does great safety leadership actually look like? As with other performance questions, the best place to start is with a picture of great safety leadership in concrete, behavioural terms.

What great safety leaders do Many of us have known great safety leaders whose commitment to safety, combined with excellence in leadership, has had an enormous, positive impact on their organizations. The hard part is pinning down exactly what it is they do that distinguishes them from other leaders. Our experience is that these people use practices that define how they interact with others in the organization and how they go about their day to day work. Not surprisingly, these behaviours have been shown to correlate positively with culture and climate attributes that support good safety outcomes: Vision The effective leader is able to "see" what safety excellence would look like and conveys that vision in

- Jackie Manuel Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association

- Leslie Galway Chief Executive Officer, WHSCC

a compelling way throughout the organization. This leader acts in a way that communicates high personal standards in safety, helps others question and rethink their assumptions about safety, and describes a compelling picture of what the future can be.

Credibility The effective leader fosters a high level of trust in his or her peers and reports. This leader is willing to admit mistakes with others, advocate for direct reports and the interests of the group, and give honest information about safety even if it is not well received.

Collaboration The effective leader works well with other people, promotes co operation and collaboration in safety, actively seeks input from people on issues that affect them, and encourages others to implement their decisions and solutions for improving safety.

Communication The effective leader is a great communicator. He or she encourages people to give honest and complete information about safety even if the information is unfavorable. This leader keeps people informed about the big picture in safety, and communicates frequently and effectively up, down, and across the organization.

Action orientation The effective leader is proactive rather than reactive in addressing safety issues. This leader gives timely, considered responses for safety concerns, demonstrates a sense of personal urgency and energy to achieve safety results, and demonstrates a performance driven focus by delivering results with speed and excellence.

Feedback and recognition The effective leader is good at providing feedback and recognizing people for their accomplishments. This person publicly recognizes the

- Cathy Bennett, Chief Executive Officer, Bennett Group of Companies

contributions of others, uses praise more often than criticism, gives positive feedback and recognition for good performance, and finds ways to celebrate accomplishments in safety.

Accountability Finally, the effective leader practices accountability. He or she gives people a fair appraisal of the efforts and results in safety, clearly communicates people's roles in the safety effort, and fosters the sense that every person is responsible for the level of safety in their organizational unit. It is important to note that this practice is placed last; accountability, absent the context of the other practices, can be counterproductive. Employees will know they will be held accountable, but not necessarily given the resources, information, leadership, support, and encouragement they need to accomplish the task.

When used as part of the other six practices, however, accountability complements the work begun.

Becoming a great safety leader The secret of great safety leadership is no different from great leadership generally; it requires great leaders who are motivated to improve safety. Regardless of where a leader is, safety leadership behaviours can be learned and developed. Like all new behaviours, these take practice, self knowledge, and an attention to the qualities and abilities of the individual leader. Done well, leadership development supports a comprehensive approach to safety improvement, and positions leaders at any level to make a difference in the lives and livelihoods of their co workers.

Source: www.bstsolutions.com. Š 2008 Behavioral Science Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission from BST; no reproduction, modification or other use without BST permission.

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The welder who wouldn’t give up Determination pays off for Tom Walsh

By Kathy Dicks-Peyton Tom Walsh of Placentia has been welding for 25 years and can tell many a story. The one freshest in his mind unfolded on Monday, March 7, 2011 while working for Pennecon Heavy Civil at Long Harbour. Sometimes life puts you in places you don’t expect to go, and on this day, Tom’s life changed forever.

Just after lunch, Tom got a call at the welding shop, asking if he could drive down to the wharf to do some work on a single barrel tagline located on a crane boom.

The tagline operates on a coil spring system that maintains constant positive tension on a clamshell bucket or other types of crane loads. Tom’s task was to cut two inches off the recoil spring.

Prior to carrying out the work, a job safety assessment was completed, with ‘stored energy’ listed as a hazard associated with cutting the recoil spring. In physics, stored energy is power that has not been used or dissipated, and can take on many forms, such as unused electricity or tension in a spring.

Tom and his co workers were confident with completing the task at hand – after all, they had carried out similar repairs many times before, including a job earlier that day.

Heavy equipment mechanics working on the crane discovered that the cable reel had been forced forward, and as such, could not access the retaining bolt required to detach the reel from the shaft that contained the recoil spring assembly. They were able to remove the spring assembly approximately 18 inches from the barrel,

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The casing on this cable reel blew apart when Tom Walsh was attempting to cut a recoil spring. discovering that approximately 3/8 of an inch of the 60 inch long recoil spring had become jammed around the cable reel which leads to the crane bucket. This caused the cable reel to be forced forward, preventing access to the retaining bolt.

Tom’s job was to cut the recoil spring so it could be removed from around the shaft, allowing the cable reel to be returned to its normal position for access to the retaining bolt.

The spring assembly was left in the barrel, keeping the 18 inches that had already been removed, outside.

Workers at the site conducted a visual inspection of the recoil spring to determine if it was under any tension.

Finding no visual evidence, a physical test was carried out by tapping the spring in several places. When no evidence of tension was identified, Tom was advised to start cutting.

In addition to the personal protective equipment he was wearing, Tom donned a personal flotation device (PFD) because he was working near water, pulled his welding shield down over his face and lit his welding torch.

Photography by Paul Daly

Tom credits a welding shield and personal flotation device with saving his life.

Tom Walsh content doing what he loves with daughter Samantha who is also a welder

“I was standing about arms length from the recoil spring and when I started cutting, the spring snapped and the casing blew apart,” recalls Tom. “I was knocked off my feet and could feel a stinging pain in my chest and left hand.” When he reached for his face, the welding shield disintegrated. Tom credits the welding shield and the padded PFD with saving his life.

Tom was immediately assisted by two heavy equipment mechanics and a labourer working nearby, and then taken to the onsite medic’s office. “The medic called my wife Cindy to let her know that I had been injured. I tried calling her myself, but I guess I was in shock and I couldn’t remember our phone number.”

From the medic’s office, Tom was transported to the medical clinic at Whitbourne, where X rays were taken and he was told that he had two broken fingers that would require surgery to repair. He was then sent home, but later that evening received a call from the doctor at Whitbourne to advise that it was discovered that Tom’s hard hat was split open during the accident, and he may have suffered a concussion.

“I didn’t feel any pain in my head,” says Tom. “What I did know was that I had two black eyes, a lot of pain in my chest and my fingers hurt like hell.” continued on page 8

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Every effort was made to save Tom’s fingers.

Pins were used to set the bones in Tom’s fingers.

Tom unfortunately lost two fingers and now works with modified welding gloves.

continued from page 7

The Road to Recovery The next morning Tom travelled to the Health Science Centre in St. John’s. The two broken fingers on his left hand had been crushed like “corn flakes” and swelling became so intense, that his hand started to bleed and had to be lanced.

As you can imagine, Cindy and their two daughters Samantha and Mackenzie were quite upset. Samantha, who at the time was enrolled at the College of the North Atlantic in St. John’s studying welding, wanted to give up right away, but her father talked her out of it.

For the next several months Tom was back and forth to the hospital for CT scans, rehabilitation, physiotherapy and emotional therapy. He was also fitted with a splint.

“I was in an awful mess both physically and emotionally,” says Tom. “I had some great people looking out for me and that helped a lot.”

Tom’s employer told him they were going to stand by him, and that’s what they did. The company’s disability manager, Susan Fowler, was in constant communication with Tom and his wife. She also updated his co workers regularly because they were always asking when was he coming back to work.

I’m sure there are some people who would have given up, but not me.”

Tom has undergone five surgeries since the March 2011 accident at Long Harbour, but is now back to working full time in his pre injury job. While recovering Tom wasn’t idle. He completed several online health and safety training courses, as well as a welding inspector course. He has also dedicated himself to conditioning exercises strengthening his hand. He laughs, “my bad hand is probably stronger than my good one now.”

Adjusting to everyday tasks without the use of two fingers has been challenging. Things like peeling onions and potatoes, picking up a pencil or buttoning his shirt have made for some interesting experiences. “I’ve also lost a lot of coins at check out lines and have spilled many a drink in my lap.”

In addition to his online safety courses, Tom learned to sew, and modified his welding gloves so the left glove had three fingers instead of five. These gloves are now being professionally modified by the Commission.

“With the help of the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission, we put a back to work plan in place for Tom, and despite any restrictions, we were going to accommodate him at work,” said Fowler.

Through it all, Tom is still one of the most positive people you will ever meet. “You really have to make the best of what you have,” he says. “I had an unfortunate accident, but it could have been worse.”

Every effort was made to save his fingers, but on July 19, 2011, Tom learned that his bones weren’t healing and one of his fingers would need to be amputated. “I was prepared for it,” he says. “I knew everything that could be done for me was being done.”

As a result of Tom’s March 2011 accident, several measures have been taken by Pennecon Heavy Civil to ensure something like this never happens again. It was determined that the tagline assembly should have been taken offsite and repaired in a controlled environment. Any additional review of specialty equipment will be conducted to ensure manufacturer recommendations are followed. The company is also ensuring that a section on ‘stored energy’ be added to their health and safety manual and reviewed by all workers.

In April 2012 Tom went back to work on an ease back program, working only a few hours per day. “That wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to be back full time,” he states.

Only a few weeks into his ease back program, Tom learned a second finger needed to be amputated.

“I was prepared mentally to lose one finger, but not two.

The doctors wanted me to have the fingers cut off at the joints, but I told them to remove the whole fingers.”

They would just get in the way, he said.

Tom is a shining example of how hard work and determination can change the course of a life in the

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face of adversity. When naysayers thought he would never work again, Tom defied them all. “All I know is welding and I don’t want to do anything else.

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Tom would like to thank the following people for their support: Pennecon Heavy Civil, especially Disability Manager Susan Fowler, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Manager Mike O’Reilly, Dr. Shane Seal, Physiotherapist Lori Collins, Occupational Therapist Janice Pelley, Karen Butler of Central Rehab, his Commission Case Manager Kate Hayes and his family.

Protect yourself and your co-workers!

By David Legge Who is responsible for workplace safety? We have all been asked this question a thousand times and without hesitation we have responded by saying, “everyone is responsible for safety!”

regarding workplace injury and hear of organizations that have been charged for safety violations.

It is common knowledge that if a business owner fails to provide a safe workplace, or if a supervisor fails to ensure that workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE), they can be reprimanded

by Service NL, Occupational Health and Safety Branch. But little is said about worker responsibilities for workplace safety. What if the employer has taken the necessary steps and a worker fails to follow a safety rule?

Over the years, many organizations have adopted a “safety first” mindset.

They have addressed organizational values, attitudes and behaviours to provide a safe working environment.

Likewise, we have also witnessed higher levels of formal education in the labour force throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Workers are now more aware of their rights and the occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements imposed on a company by OHS legislation.

These points have all led to an increased identification and control of workplace hazards, creation of safe work procedures, and an overall reduction in workplace injury.

On May 1, 2012 four workers received fines in Provincial Court after pleading guilty to charges of failing to properly use fall protection equipment in accordance with instruction and training. This is a precedent setting case as it is the first time that a worker has been charged under the OHS Act in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Attitudes are changing but there is still a great deal of work to be done to eliminate workplace accidents.

Unfortunately, we still see news stories

To say that everyone is responsible for safety also means that everyone is accountable. The roles and responsibilities for all workplace

parties, including employers and workers, are identified in OHS legislation, and should be reviewed during workplace orientations.

Employers and workers must take reasonable care to protect themselves and other persons at the workplace.

Employers and workers must also make use of safeguards and PPE, and follow safe work procedures.

Failure to do so can lead to charges under the OHS Legislation, and is grounds for disciplinary action.

The best safety programs are most often developed by employers in consultation with workers, and the safest workplaces have strong worker involvement and ownership of safety initiatives. As active participants, we have the opportunity to ask questions regarding workplace hazards, and follow safe work procedures. It is both our right and our responsibility to be involved in workplace safety.

David Legge is a Senior Health and Safety Advisor with the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission.

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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Working Safely Together

OHS

COMBATING THE ‘SITTING DISEASE’

By Carla King Most of us have heard about it, understand the dangers, and may even aim to avoid it. As with many things, when we stop hearing about it, we often stop reacting. So, what is it?

The sitting disease is not actually a recognized disease, but refers to a metabolic syndrome and the ill effects of an overly sedentary lifestyle.

In order to understand more about this condition, we must first take a step back in time and look at how humans evolved. We stood, walked and ran in order to find food, a place to live, and to protect ourselves. Take a step closer in time, and you will hear tales of lugging water, scrubbing laundry, chopping wood, and other vigorous activities. Simply put, the body was designed to move, and to move for extended periods of time.

As we step into modern day, it’s easy to see the rapid shift that has occurred because of advances. We sit for very long periods at work and often reward ourselves after a long day with sitting in front of the television, laying down with a book, or enjoying a long discussion with our families while sitting at the dinner table. These are all activities that we either enjoy or that we just cannot avoid. However, one fact remains, we are continuing to hurt ourselves with immobility.

The lack of movement is creating not only a strain on our skeletal and muscular systems, but it is also increasing the development of heart disease, obesity, low circulation, blood clotting, and Type 2 diabetes. What is most unappealing, to even the greatest fitness gurus among us, is that a run before work, a walk during the lunch hour and hitting the gym after work doesn’t reverse the negative effects of sitting for more than an hour at a time!

Save me – use connect!

Use connect to submit your Form 7 – employer’s report of injury.

So, what can we do?

The solution is surprisingly simple. For approximately 10 minutes every hour, move positions. Take a call standing up; read a report while pacing; drink from small cups so you make more trips to the water cooler; walk to a washroom that is a little further away; step outside for a breath of fresh air; stand up to get something at the end of your desk instead of rolling your chair to it; switch from a chair to an exercise ball; walk to a co worker instead of emailing; when on a plane stand up and walk the aisle or simply stand and roll onto your toes and back onto your heels for a good leg stretch; when driving, find a safe place to pull off the road to stretch your tired muscles; and, bond with your family over activities you all enjoy. Keep these tips in mind, and continue to find other ways that you can incorporate movements in your life – and soon, you’ll soon see a healthy habit forming.

Together, let’s start moving!

Carla King is the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission’s Executive Assistant to Employer Services.

Your Employer report will be received by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission the same day and help in the timely adjudication of your employees claim and their early and safe return to work.

If you are already registered for connect, speak to your in house administrator to access this service.

For more information go: to whscc.nl.ca

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How one workplace accident changed a family Injured worker Josh Hayse and his daughter Julie spoke to safeworknews about a tragic accident that has changed many lives

By Kathy Dicks-Peyton On March 18, 2010 Julie Hayse, 12, was with her grandparents Barb and Jack Hayse, in the Burin Peninsula community of Parker’s Cove, when she learned her father Josh Hayse and his co worker Eldon Perry had been involved in a serious workplace accident. While replacing heavy duty spill chains, Julie’s father and Eldon Perry fell approximately 23 feet down an underground shaft, after a platform they were standing on collapsed.

Both men were employees of the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC). Josh suffered injuries to his head, spine, legs, feet, hands and shoulders. Eldon passed away later that evening at the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital in Labrador City. He left behind his wife, two grown children and a grandchild.

Julie reacted to the news of her father’s accident with intense fear and horror. Her mother Trudy and baby sister Gracie were in Labrador City, but she was hundreds of miles away and felt helpless. “I remember my nan answering the phone and crying,” Julie says. “I didn’t know what was going on I thought my great grandmother had passed away, because at the time she was really sick. When Nan told me that dad had been hurt, I didn’t know what to do.”

Julie was assured by her grandparents that everything was going to be okay, and a few days later, they drove her to St. John’s to meet her father, mother and sister at the airport. The sight she was greeted with is something Julie will never forget. “Dad was in bad shape” she recalls. He was all swollen and covered in scrapes and cuts. He was in a wheelchair and had

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a lot of stitches in his head. I wanted to hug him, but I was scared.

Josh spent the next several days at the Health Science Centre before returning to Labrador City, where he spent a further eight months recovering from his injuries.

“Dad’s body is healed, but he’s not the same,” says Julie. “The fun dad is gone.”

Before the accident, Josh was the kind of young father who would sing, dance and play games with his children.

He would play dress up with his daughters, and even let them paint his fingernails and adorn him with makeup. “We used to have so much fun together,” says Julie. “Now dad doesn’t talk much, he sometimes cries and gets upset and mad over simple things.

Doctors say he is still broken inside and suffering from post traumatic stress. The accident changed everything for my dad. Not only did he have to recover from his injuries, he also had to deal with his friend’s death.”

Julie has been impacted by her father’s ordeal from a different perspective and recounts the past two years as being extremely difficult. She has spent many months undergoing counseling. She fears separation from family members, and when her father went back to work, she was terrified that he wasn’t going to come home. She faces constant flashbacks, nightmares and frightening thoughts. “My counselor at school has been really good to me and has really helped me cope,” she says.

Julie is just now coming to terms with how the accident has changed her life and longs for the dad she and Gracie had before he was injured. Josh on the other hand, wants so desperately to be that person, but struggles with guilt over his friend’s death. “Why was he the one who had to die?”

If there is a life lesson to be learned from her father’s accident, Julie says: “you should be thankful for what you have because you don’t know what’s around the corner. My advice for other young people, whose families are affected by workplace accidents, is to stay strong and provide all the love and support you can.”

Julie Hayse with her father Josh, sister Gracie and mother Trudy.

The Occupational Health and Safety Branch of Service NL conducted a complete investigation of the accident, and the Company complied with orders related to deficiencies with the platform Josh and Eldon were working on, and its operation.

As a result of this incident, IOC was charged with five violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The company subsequently entered guilty pleas to three of the five charges, including failure to ensure that adequate fall protection was in place, failure to

ensure that workers are made aware of health and safety hazards, and failure to provide information instruction and supervision to ensure health, safety and welfare.

The court sentenced the Iron Ore Company of Canada to fines totaling $350,000, and a victim surcharge of 15% of the fines. The company was also directed to prepare and are an n present a safety case to OHS within 60 days..

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How much noise is is too much noise?

Noise is one of the most common occupational health hazards found in workplaces throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

By Kelly Taylor While noise may negatively affect the health of workers in all industries, those in services, construction, fishing, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas and forestry may be most at risk.

Overexposure to noise can affect the health of workers in many ways. The most obvious is hearing loss. Although workers with hearing loss may be fitted with devices to help them hear better, in some cases assistive devices are not beneficial. In addition, many people experience problems with their devices finding them uncomfortable.

They may experience feedback, hear background noises or buzzing sounds. When using hearing aids an adjustment period is required.

Workers may complain about wearing hearing protection in the workplace, stating the ear plugs feel uncomfortable, the ear muffs are warm, it’s difficult to communicate with

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co workers, etc. However, it is much more beneficial to wear the hearing protection today and still have the ability to hear at the end of a career than spend retirement not being able to hear, or to develop tinnitus (constant ringing in the ears) which is a condition associated with noise induced hearing loss. The benefits of preventing noise exposure certainly outweigh the minor discomfort associated with protective equipment. For workers required to wear hearing protection, it is important to find a protective device that fits comfortably and is worn consistently.

Hearing loss is not the only potential negative health effect related to noise exposure. It is suspected that overexposure to noise may lead to problems with the cardiovascular system (high blood pressure), or may cause sleep disturbances and changes in breathing.

As well, noise may place stress on pregnant workers and may potentially impair an unborn baby’s hearing.

Therefore, it is vitally important to prevent, or minimize as much as possible, exposure to noise in the workplace.

In the last five years, the number of WHSCC claims associated with hearing has dropped by 48%.

Number of hearing-related claims 2008 to 2012

Number of hearing-related claims by age group 2008 to 2012 The largest percentage of workers affected by ear/noise related claims are over the age of 45, accoun ng for approximately 91%.

To protect workers’ health from noise exposure, employers are responsible for recognizing potential noise issues and determining if workers are overexposed. While it may seem obvious if there is a loud noise, it is important that employers conduct a noise assessments of their workplaces to provide an accurate measurement of the noise levels. From there, decisions can be made to determine if workers are overexposed and what controls must be implemented. Appropriate controls can take many forms, and while hearing protection may seem like an easy option, other controls must be investigated.

The first step is to determine if there is a way to eliminate the noise. For example maybe quieter equipment can be purchased. Where this is not possible, engineering controls must be considered to decrease noise levels.

Perhaps a piece of equipment can be modified with a muffler, or maybe an enclosure can be built around machinery. Administrative controls may require adjustments to worker schedules to limit time in noisy environments. When all options have been considered

and noise is still a potential hazard, the use of personal protective equipment and hearing testing are required.

In workplaces where there is overexposure to noise, a written hearing conservation program must be developed and implemented which includes: a noise survey, controls, appropriate personal protective equipment, education and training, annual hearing testing and regular program evaluation. The hearing conservation program plays an important role in the prevention of noise related disorders.

The Commission has developed resources to assist employers and workers become more aware of noise hazards in the workplace. Three fact sheets about noise, hearing protection and statistics about noise related claims are available at: www.whscc.nl.ca Kelly Taylor is an Industrial Hygienist with the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission.

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ROBERT SMITH - Bishops College

Health and Safety Educator of the Year!

When students at Bishops College in St. John’s wanted to establish an emergency response team, staff educator Robert Smith supported them wholeheartedly and contacted the Canadian Red Cross to get them onboard as a partner. The idea was to have students trained to help with emergency situations in and around the school.

There are many potential situations that can arise in a school setting, whether a group is on a field trip, on the soccer field, or visiting other schools. Mr. Smith researched a similar emergency response team at a high school in New Brunswick, and used it as the model for the Bishops team.

Mr. Smith recognized the importance of finding students who had an interest in pursuing careers in the area of medicine, nursing, paramedics, fire fighting and police services, as well as support staff members. Eighteen students and two teachers were identified to participate in intensive First Aid training. Following the Bishops lead in establishing the emergency response team at their school, other schools have followed their lead.

O’Donel High School in Mount Pearl also set up a student led emergency response team.

This is just one example of the many things Mr. Smith does at his school to promote health and safety, so it’s no wonder he was the number one choice for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission 2012 Health and Safety Educator of the Year Award.

In addition to a commemorative plaque, Mr. Smith received a $500 cash award and Bishops College was given another $500 to purchase safety supplies.

The Health and Safety Educator of the Year Award is presented annually to an educator or administrator who demonstrates a commitment to the promotion and advancement of young worker health and safety.

Nominations are received from schools, school districts and/or Commission employees.

At the secondary school level, the Commission partners with the Department of Education to enhance the promotion and integration of health and safety in the Department’s curricula. It also involves the provision of continuing support to teachers delivering health and safety related courses.

One of the courses offered by the Department of Education is Workplace Safety 3220, which Mr. Smith has been teaching for approximately 12 years. In an effort to

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Robert Smith with members of the Bishops College SAFE Work NL’s - Who Wants to Save a Life? game show team. make the course interesting and motivating for students, Mr. Smith, a certified instructor with the Canadian Red Cross, offers, them a First Aid training seminar.

He also leads First Aid training sessions for teachers, administrators, student assistants and maintenance employees throughout the Eastern School District.

Some of the other things Mr. Smith is involved with from a health and safety perspective includes volunteering for early morning bus duty and patrolling the parking lot to ensure student safety as they arrive at school.

He is the teacher/sponsor for the Bishops Students Against Drunk Driving Chapter. Over the years, he has organized various events such as staging a car wreck in front of the school, creating a handprint mural as a social contract to not drink and drive and has invited members of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to give presentations on drugs and alcohol. Mr. Smith is co chair of the Bishops College Occupational Health and Safety Committee, where he conducts safety meetings, maintains the school’s safety center, and carries out health and safety inspections. He is also the teacher/sponsor for his school’s SAFE Work NL’s – Who Wants to Save a Life? game show team.

Do you know someone who could be our next Health and Safety Educator Award recipient?

For more information on how you can nominate, visit: www.whscc.nl.ca or email the Commission’s Youth Co ordinator Colin Fewer at:

colin.fewer@whscc.nl.ca

OCCUPATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH: STRESS & DEPRESSION IN TODAY’S WORKPLACE The following essay by Bernard Kenny was awarded the 2012/13 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) Dick Martin Scholarship. Kenny studies at the College of the North Atlantic Campus in Corner Brook. This annual national award valued at $3,000, is open to all students enrolled in an occupational health and safety program at an accredited Canadian university or college.

In today’s workplace occupational mental health is a major concern, as employee stress and depression are increasingly prevalent. Coupled with the rising socio economic costs reflected in absenteeism, health claim costs and work life conflict, it is therefore imperative that the causes of workplace stress and depression be identified and addressed.

Looking first at workplace stress, defined by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) as “the physical and emotional responses that can happen when there is conflict between job demands and the amount of control an employee has over meeting those demands”, 57 per cent of respondents to a recent Carleton University survey of the work life experiences of 25,000 Canadians employed full time, reported high levels of stress (Duxbury & Higgins, 2012). This figure has risen from 54 per cent recorded by the authors in 1991. Across the country, workers are struggling to balance their work responsibilities alongside home demands of childcare and elder care.

The survey indicated 50 per cent of employees brought their work home to complete outside regular hours and were twice as likely to let work interfere with family responsibilities as vice versa. In addition to the stress of meeting job demands and achieving better work life balance, a third of those surveyed also reported experiencing depression. Depression is a stress related mood disorder and defined by the CMHA as grappling with feelings of severe despair over an extended period of time. This finding was further confirmed by an Ipsos Reid survey on depression in the workplace, which found that more than one in five (22 per cent) Canadian employees report they are currently suffering depression

(Ipsos Reid, 2012). As this is a follow up to their inaugural survey in 2007, this reflects an increase from 20 per cent.

While there is extensive occupational health and safety (OHS) experience in dealing with workplace physical injuries (e.g. accident reports are completed, investigations undertaken and workers' compensation claims submitted) standard protocols for identifying and handling mental health issues are less well developed. Where are employers to turn for help and information? There are professional organizations and in house measures employers can marshal to aid those who are mentally distressed and to act as a means of prevention.

As a starting point, familiarity and understanding of the local and provincial mental health systems and services are essential. Employers need to know how to access these services and obtain referrals for mental health programs. In addition, many on line resources are available.

For example, in a collaborative effort, the CMHA and the Mood Disorder Association of Ontario have developed a video based program titled “Working Through It” that strives to identify workers who may be dealing with mental health issues at work (CMHA & MDAO, 2012).

Once individuals struggling with workplace mental health issues have been identified and assistance provided, there remain the challenges of pin pointing changes in the working environment needed to reduce employee stress and depression. Some positive steps practitioners of OHS can recommend to employers: (1) Promote a positive mental health culture by emphasizing a commitment to it in their OHS policy.

(2) Establish an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering counselling services to workers suffering from work related or personal stresses. continued on page 18

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continued from page 17

(3) Become aware of the signals that indicate a worker is stressed. Some powerful indicators include: physical (e.g. high blood pressure), psychosocial (e.g. depression), cognitive (e.g. decreased attention) and behavioral (e.g. poor job performance) (CCOHS, 2012).

(4) Conduct a hazard and risk assessment: find root causes by surveying workers to identify stress sources (e.g. health and safety hazards, workload, lack of training and threats of violence).

(5) Develop proper education, training and safe work practices and procedures.

(6) Utilize job design, to examine not only how various job tasks are accomplished, but also to consider both the physical and mental abilities of employees.

In addition to employing the practical steps listed above, consideration of organizational culture is also essential to any discussion of workplace stress and depression.

Organizational culture, which refers to the unwritten rules and corporate norms that proclaim what is valued in an organization, plays a pivotal role in affecting change to reduce stress and thus improve employee mental health. It is also a determining factor in work life balance and absenteeism rates where there is clear evidence both are interconnected. The Carleton University study notes that employees reported work life issues have negatively impacted the amount of sleep they get and their energy levels; hardly a recipe for a productive

worker. In the past decade those absent due to emotional and mental fatigue have increased 12 per cent (absent approximately eight days in 2011).

Positive changes to the organizational culture of all types of employment will help bring personal benefits to workers and their families; this pertains to not only stress and depression, but also issues surrounding work life balance. In addition to these social benefits, improved workplaces also bring major financial benefits to organizations. For employers, the business value of a less stressed worker is reflected in an organization’s bottom line. The financial costs associated with stress are staggering, with Statistics Canada reporting the cost of work time lost to stress is $12 billion annually (ICS Canada, 2012). This figure rockets to $33 billion per annum when health claims, disability days and sick day costs are factored into the calculation (Drummond, 2009).

This eye popping, financial statistic buttresses the argument that a mentally healthier workplace is essential.

The path to arresting rates of stress and depression will only be found when employers actively pursue the reduction of high stress levels. By utilizing the aforementioned steps to alleviate stress and depression, availing of the resources through professional organizations experienced in this field and maintaining a sounder organizational culture, a healthier work environment can be achieved. These changes will also make it easier for workers to balance work and life demands and substantially help to foster employee well being.

FREE Safety Awareness Sessions, Workshops and Webinars

2013

Programs that give employees the skillsets they need to do their jobs safely. There is no charge for these sessions.

For a schedule of safety awareness sessions in your region go to: http://www.whscc.nl.ca/new_workshops.whscc Registration must be received no later than one week prior to the session. Sessions may be cancelled due to lack of registered participants. Notification of cancellation will be provided to registered participants one week prior to the scheduled session.

To register, call Heather Rogers at: 709-778-2926 or 1-800-563-9000, Fax: 709-778-1587 or email: workshops@whscc.nl.ca

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The dignity of labour was among the fundamental principles and values of the late Dick Martin, who as a Canadian trade unionist, activist and pioneer for workplace health and safety, worked tirelessly as an advocate (CLC, 2012). The Canadian Labour Congress notes that the dignity of labour means workers’ rights and good working conditions such as a safe, clean, healthy and stress free workplace. By using the resources, tools and changes to organizational culture outlined above, workplace stress and depression could be greatly reduced, resulting in tremendous personal, social and economic benefits. These are goals which I believe Dick Martin would have supported wholeheartedly.

Bibliography Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (2012, June 7). Workplace Stress General: OHS Answers. Retrieved November 17, 2012, from CCOHS:http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ psychosocial/stress.html Canadian Labour Congress. About Dick Martin.

Retrieved November 19, 2012, from Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: http://www.ccohs.ca/scholarship/ Canadian Mental Health Association and Mood Disorder Association of Ontario (2012, July 23). Working Through It. Retrieved November 18, 2012, from Workplace Stategies for Mental Health: http://www.gwlcentreformentalhealth.com/

Drummond, Don (2009, November 28). Canadian economist says mental illnesses cost country $33 billion.

Retrieved November 18, 2012, from Media dis&dat: http://media dis n dat.blogspot.ca/2009/11/ canadian economist says mental.html Duxbury, Dr. Linda and Dr. Christopher Higgins (2012, October 25). 2012 National Study on Balancing Work and Caregiving in Canada. Retrieved November 18, 2012, from Sprott School of Business: http://sprott.carleton.co/duxbury/ Great West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace (2012, May 8). Leadership and Management.

Retrieved November 18, 2012, from Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: http://www. workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/ ICS Canada (2010, January). The Newsletter of ICS Canada . Retrieved November 18, 2012, from ICS Canada News: http://www.icslearn.ca/ newsletter/archive/jan10/ counselling_skills.html Ipsos Reid (2012, October 9). More than one in five Canadian employees report depression. Retrieved November 17, 2012, from Canada Newswire: http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1048787/ more than one in five canadian employees report depression manager intervention improving but more support needed ipsos reid finds

We’re hearing you!

Through the procurement process for Hearing Aids for injured workers, which has been conducted through public tender since 2005, the Commission is maintaining a consistent price for hearing aids.

Hearing aids are reviewed and approved by a consulting audiologist before being added to a standing offer or exception list, to ensure the technology is current and appropriate for the injured workers served. There is a standard warranty period across all hearing aid manufacturers, as well as a guaranteed time and costs for repairs.

The Commission has been contracting hearing aid service providers since 2006 which ensures the consistency in qualifications and services provided. The overall fee for service has been standardized. Improved service areas and clinic regularity allows reduction in travel for injured workers and reduced travel reimbursement costs.

Client education has also been provided to assist injured workers in the care and maintenance of their hearing aids, subsequently reducing their dependence on hearing aid providers.

Hearing aid batteries have also been procured through public tender since 2006. Through this process, a continuous reduction in the cost of batteries and shipping costs have been achieved. Clients now receive batteries by mail and no longer have to travel to the hearing aid providers for batteries. Initially a four month supply of batteries was mailed to injured workers, but in 2008, this quantity was increased to a six month supply. In 2012, a decision was made to provide clients with a 12 month supply. This client service improvement now reduces the number of times the worker has to request batteries, and also reduces the cost of shipping.

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The common sense approach to safety The 10 steps I take to walk from my house to my car could easily lead to injury without a subconscious thought process. Always in a hurry to get to work, run to the supermarket, or take the kids to their many extra curricular activities – we always need safety to be top of mind when it comes to our personal well being.

In winter it is very easy to slip on steps or walkways if they are not properly cleared of snow and ice or not sanded or salted. Then there are the times when the potential for slips and falls increase because it has been raining.

Looking out for our personal safety is the baseline for protecting ourselves from hazards at home, at work and at play. From knowing how to properly dispose of a broken light bulb, to using household cleaners, to wearing appropriate sporting equipment or having your work station ergonomically set up. It’s all about maintaining a healthier you.

It’s been said that fluorescent bulbs are the brightest idea in household lighting, but if they break and are not disposed of properly, there is a small risk of mercury poisoning. Many of the household cleaners we use make things smell fresh and clean, but they can also be sources of air pollutants. What about the helmet you should be wearing while skating – without one, you are not being head smart and may, unfortunately, suffer a concussion or worse. Then, there are people who sit at a desk for the majority of the day, and go home experiencing pain in their wrists, arms, neck and or back because their workstation setup up is not conducive to their body structure.

There are hazards all around us, but it only takes a little common sense to ensure that safety is top of mind for ourselves and for others. Safety loves consistency. Formal safety procedures should be in place for those routine tasks that most of us perform day in and day out. But, when something unusual or unexpected happens, these rules are sometimes not enough to protect you.

Anytime there is a change in procedures, please take a moment to reflect on what new hazards exist and how to address them.

Kathy Dicks Peyton, Editor

Kathy Dicks-Peyton is the Manager of Communications and Event Planning with the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission

Give us your insight on safeworknews content, or topics for discussion relating to employer assessments, workers’ compensation, and workplace health and safety.

Send your comments to:

safeworknews c/o Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission 146 148 Forest Road P.O. Box 9000 or send us an email: St. John’s NL A1A 3B8 kpeyton@whscc.nl.ca

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NewsFlash A STRONG BACK MATTERS TO FISHERS BECAUSE…

BACK STRONG, BACK FISHING The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission launched the BACK STRONG, BACK FISHING initiative in the Burin Peninsula area the week of April 22, 2013, just prior to NAOSH week. WHSCC staff collaborated with the health care providers in the Burin Peninsula area in the development of this important initiative. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to promote healthy living of seasonal fish harvesters with the aim of back injury prevention.

The BACK STRONG, BACK FISHING initiative is directed towards seasonally employed fish harvesters.

Fish harvesters work on a seasonal basis in a very physically demanding job. The purpose of the initiative is to educate seasonal fish harvesters about maintaining a healthy back throughout the year with the goal of reducing back injuries. A BACK STRONG, BACK FISHING pamphlet has been developed which promotes: • The importance of maintaining a strong back in the off season; • Safety tips on how to maintain a safe work environment; • An at home exercise program that can be completed without specialized equipment; and • Proper lifting techniques.

You can live an active lifestyle when your back is healthy You can have a successful fishing season (free of injury) You can continue with commitments to family, recreational hobbies, household repairs, maintenance, etc.

Work can be hazardous given the unpredictable forces of nature. The stronger your core supporting muscles (pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen), the better your balance and stability.

Did you know that a minimum of 10 minutes walking, combined with a daily exercise program can prevent or reduce lower back pain? For those working in the fishing industry, a strong back matters. To download a copy of our Back Strong, Back Fishing safety tips pamphlet, visit: http://www.whscc.nl.ca/workers/backstrong.whscc

Is there a Back Protection Agent at your workplace?

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Back injuries account for more than 25% of all lost-time injuries in Newfoundland and Labrador. Overexertion, particularly of the back, is the most common cause of workplace accidents.

Put yourself into the Back Protection Agent picture by contacting the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission to find out how Back Protection Agents can visit your workplace. For details call 709-778-1552.

BECOME A BACK PROTECTION AGENT