Occupational health and safety

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. -This is a staggering number of WorkSafeBC orders issued against one employer," said HSA President Reid Johnson. Johnson, who has worked on psychiatric wards as a social worker, said unstable psychiatric patients are...

Six years ago, in 2005, David Bland, a vocational rehabilitation counsellor and HSA member from Richmond Mental Health, was murdered at his workplace by a former client. His tragic death served as a sombre reminder that more needs to be done to prevent incidents of violence in the workplace and to protect health care ands social services workers on the...

Union encourages flu shotsHSA encourages health professionals to get immunized against seasonal influenza. Keep your immunization record current and your employee health file up to date by receiving a flu shot at an employer-run clinic. Together with hand washing and safe coughing protocols (eg coughing into sleeve), follow regular safety protocols to avoid seasonal flu. Employer can require flu shots...

HSA is offering a 2-day OH&S steward workshop this fall:Date: November 8 & 9, 2010Location: HSA Office, 300 ... 5118 Joyce Street, VancouverOccupational health and safety issues are very important to HSA members, and OH&S stewards play a vital role in promoting a safe work environment and helping to prevent injuries. These workshops are participatory and discussion oriented. We encourage...

October 25 and 26, 2010Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel Spaces are filling up for this conference, designed for experienced safety stewards and advocates, to increase awareness on key issues related to safe working conditions for all members. Learn more about topics such as: • An update on violence prevention initiatives.• The relationship between worker and patient/client safety.• Information technology to support...

Over the past few days, VIHA has been working with health care unions to provide information and address concerns in preparation for receiving refugees requiring emergency medical care. Canadian officials confirmed today that 490 refugees are aboard a vessel approaching the BC coast. The old emergency department at Victoria General Hospital has been temporarily reopened to provide screening, triage, assessment...

October 25 and 26, 2010, Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel This conference is designed for experienced safety stewards and advocates increase awareness on key issues related to safe working conditions for all members. Learn more about topics such as: • An update on violence prevention initiatives.• The relationship between worker and patient/client safety.• Information technology to support OHS programs and initiatives.•...

On April 28 ... the National Day of Mourning for workers killed and injured on the job ... HSA President Reid Johnson and the unions Board of Directors will place a wreath at a ceremony in downtown Vancouver. All workers and their families are invited to pay tribute to workers who have been injured or killed on the job, or...

May 2 - 8, 2010 is National Occupational Health and Safety Week. The attached information from Worksafe BC provides a listing of resource materials to assist in any promotions you may consider, in support of this week.More information can be found at the WorkSafe BC website. Printer-friendly version

On June 4, 2010 WorkSafeBC's Health Care Services is hosting the 6th Annual Health Care Professional Conference at the West building of the new Vancouver Convention Centre — one of the citys most breathtaking venues. The conference, geared towards clinical and physical rehabilitation providers, as well as other health care professionals, promises a full day of top-notch presentations by field...