Ten years ago, a survey of BC ultrasound technologists found 91% of them had suffered work-related injuries at some point in their careers. Medical literature still says 80% of sonographers seek medical treatment for musculoskeletal injuries, 17% miss work due to the symptoms of their injuries, and 15% reduce their duties to recover.

The Health Sciences Association of BC teamed up with WorkSafeBC to investigate how to prevent these injuries and develop a range of solutions.

A ground-breaking partnership to seek solutions

Nominations for the 2012 David Bland Award are now open. Members will note that this award may now be awarded to a group of members as well as to an individual.  Here is a link to the 2012 David Bland Award.

For more information about this award please contact Marty Lovick, Senior LRO (OH&S) at 604.439.0994 x 560, 1.800.663.2017 x 560 or MLovick@hsabc.org.

The Report: February 2012 vol.33 num.1

HSA OVERCOMES YEARS OF WORKSAFE BC INDIFFERENCE TO HIGH INJURY RATE

BY MARTY LOVICK

IN JANUARY, HSA AND WORKSAFE BC began distribution of a publication that aims to reduce the high level of work-related injuries for ultrasonographers. Its a major achievement, and one which came only after years of effort by the Health Sciences Association.

HSA is offering the following 2-day OH&S steward training workshops at the HSA office:

Basic OH&S Steward Training dates:  Registration closes:
February 13 & 14, 2012                        February 3, 2012
March 26 & 27, 2012                             March 5, 2012

The Report: December 2011 vol.32 num.4

-HOW WILL I TAKE CARE OF MY FAMILY if I get sick, or become unable to work?"

Thats a question that hovers in the back of almost everyones mind. We assume that our health benefits will take care of us, and for the most part, they do.

The Report: December 2011 vol.32 num.4

SURVEY CONFIRMS MEMBERS WORRY INSUFFICIENT REST IS PUTTING THEIR SAFETY AT RISK

HSA MEMBERS WORKING ON CALL or call back say theyre suffering from fatigue thats so serious it sometimes jeopardizes their personal safety.

Union encourages flu shots
HSA 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 (e.g., coughing into sleeve), follow regular safety protocols to avoid seasonal flu.

The Report: September 2011 vol.32 num.3

SURVEY OF MEMBERS REVEAL SOME BELIEVE VIOLENCE IS PART OF THE JOB

BY MARTY LOVICK

-VIOLENCE", ACCORDING TO WORKSAFEBC regulation 4.27, is the attemped or actual exercise by a person, other than a worker, of any physical force so as to cause injury to a worker, and includes and threatening statements or behaviour which gives a worker reasonable cause to believe that he or she is at risk of injury.

The Report: September 2011 vol.32 num.3

STUDIES NOT CONCLUSIVE BUT HSA MEMBERS REPORT VARIETY OF SYMPTOMS

BY MARTY LOVICK

EVERY DAY, HELICOPTERS TAKE OFF AND LAND at worksites staffed by HSA members. The helicopters are a vital means of transport for the most critically sick and injured, but they are also a source of fumes which may be making staff themselves sick.

The BC Federation of Labour is offering a number of occupational health and safety courses throughout the province. 

Members may apply for reimbursement of course fees under the OH&S education budget.