Occupational health and safety
A recent article in The Report contained incomplete information about tax deductions. The potential for deducting for LTD premiums only applies if you are on an accepted LTD claim. A member who is on an accepted LTD claim may be able to claim on their tax returns for LTD premiums they have previously paid. Whether they are eligible to do...
Bending over microscopes, scanning with an ultrasound transducer, positioning patients, entering patient data: health and community social service professionals are at high risk of repetitive strain injuries. On February 29 -- Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day ... HSA encourages you to assess your work station and environment, as well as your daily work flow and workload. Are you taking your...
HSA is proud to support Pink Shirt Day in BC on February 29, and encourages members to show our solidarity by wearing pink on Wednesday. The Pink Shirt Day initiative, originating in support for bullied youth, has grown to encompass concerns regarding violence in society as a whole. In particular, awareness is growing about bullying in workplaces. HSA advocates for...
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...
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...
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...
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, 2012March 26 & 27, 2012 March 5, 2012 Occupational 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...
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. Following up on complaints that working on call and call backs can lead to getting insufficient time off between shifts...
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. For many years, however, disability management programs...
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 (e.g., coughing into sleeve), follow regular safety protocols to avoid seasonal flu. Employer can require flu shots...