Construction workers face a unique set of challenges that can take a serious toll on mental health. The construction industry is both physically and psychologically demanding. Issues such as physical hazards, job demands, job insecurity, lack of control over schedules, and the constant juggle between work and family. The industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is not immune to this issue and there is a critical need for conversations aimed at increasing understanding of what workplaces and system partners can do to support the mental health of workers and prevent further loss of life.
In this episode, DeeAnne Feltham-Scott is joined by Tammy McCabe, Mark Balsom and Corey Parsons, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force, for a discussion on the complex factors, limited employer and peer support, negative coping mechanisms, and deeply ingrained silence around mental health in the trades.
Manual Material Handling is something we all do throughout the day, whether at work, at home, or anywhere in between. Moving boxes, carrying groceries, gardening, or housework are common activities of daily life. The information presented in this episode applies to everyone. Tune in to hear WorkplaceNL colleagues Cheryl Osborne, MSI Advisor, Colleen Pittman, Health and Safety Advisor, and Kathleen Sullivan, Certification Training Specialist discuss the basics of manual material handling, share relatable stories, and review strategies for smart handling in everyday life.
True leadership on the frontline begins with strong advocacy for workers' health and safety, and an understanding of the roles we play in workplace health and safety. Kiel Willams, NL Power was awarded WorkplaceNL’s 2024 Safety Leadership Worker Award for being a trusted voice and leader in occupational health and safety. From identifying potential hazards to mentoring new employees, Kiel represents the meaning of leading with action.
Kiel is joined today by DeeAnne Feltham-Scott and Miranda Brazil, Manager, Safety of NL Power, as they explore the challenges of creating a safety-first culture in the field and how peer-driven initiatives can make a lasting impact on worker health and safety. Wherever you work, this episode highlights that safety leadership begins with each of us.
Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common occupational disease claim in Newfoundland and Labrador, but it is preventable. Employers must develop a hearing conservation program if their workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels to protect hearing health. DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant, WorkplaceNLis joined by Marta Evstigneev, Coordinator of Education, Canadian Hard of Hearing Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Aaron Jones, Industrial Hygienist, WorkplaceNL to describe hearing loss, explain the contributing factors to hearing loss and outline the elements of a hearing conservation program.
Worker Health and Safety (WHS) Representatives and Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Designates play an important role in developing a positive safety culture in the workplace. Their responsibility is to consult with the employer and workers to monitor the health and safety of the workplace in promoting occupational health and safety. They may participate in workplace inspections, provide advice to correct hazards and work with the omployer and workers to effectively resolve work refusals.
DeeAnne Feltham-Scott is joined by Kevin Fisher, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Health and Safety Association (NLOHSA) and Charmaine Bungay, Health and Safety Advisor, WorkplaceNL to discuss the vital connection between employers and workers in creating and maintaining healthy and safe working conditions.
In this inspiring episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Frank Ryan, who transformed his life from being an injured worker to achieving new heights of success. Frank shares his personal background, revealing the learning challenges he faced and how they shaped his resilience. Frank joins Jo-Ann Woodland, OHS Educational Consultant and Kayte Parnell, Case Manager to discuss his successful navigation of WorkplaceNL's Labour Market Re-entry Plan, which played a pivotal role in his recovery and reintegration into the workforce.
It’s hard to believe that the CSA Standard for psychological health and safety was published over a decade ago. It has been a topic of conversation in NL, as well as Canada and other countries. We are seeing the needle move forward on progressive actions, standards, and regulations to support the psychological well-being of workers.
The more work being done is leading to new and emerging best practices in the field. Cathy Barrett-Brinson, Sr. Health and Safety Advisor and Jordan Friesen, Founder and Principal Consultant of Mindset Mental Health Strategy joins DeeAnne Feltham-Scott to talk more about what psychological health and safety is, what is currently happening in the field and what the future holds.
PRIME, WorkplaceNL’s financial incentive program, is changing. New requirements for Path 1 (smaller) Employers are currently in place, while new requirements for Path 2 (larger) employers are being rolled out in 2026.
Sheri Philpott, Senior Health and Safety Advisor, joins DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant to review these changes. Learn more about how Path 1 and Path 2 employers can qualify for their PRIME refund.
The healthcare industry includes complex work environments, with work activities, professions, and workplace hazards in various work settings. These settings include, but are not limited to hospitals, clinics, client’s homes, and long-term care facilities. Each setting and facility can create challenges for workers, however with challenges come opportunities for improving workplace health and safety and patient care. Learn more with DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant and Gary Pardy, Provincial Director Employee Wellbeing, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.
Where the unexpected energization or start-up of machinery or equipment, or the unexpected release of an energy source could cause injury, the energy source shall be isolated and effectively controlled. Lockout devices secure an energy-isolating device in a position that prevents the energization of a machine, equipment, or process.
DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant, WorkplaceNL is joined by Dion Newman, Executive Director, Forestry Safety Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to discuss the fundamentals of LOTO.
Is your workplace OHS committee playing an active role in musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention? Are members competent in recognizing MSI risk factors associated with work? Committees should receive education to support employers and workers in finding and controlling these risk factors to prevent MSIs.
In this episode, Linda Sagmeister, Manager of Occupational Health and Safety Inspections, Digital Government and Service NL and Cheryl Osborne, Health and Safety Advisor, WorkplaceNL discusses how to formally and informally inspect workplaces with an ergonomics eye to spot and address early warning signs before MSIs develop.
Asbestos is a natural mineral made of fibers invisible to the naked eye. It is durable, fireproof and resistant to heat and chemicals. Asbestos may cause long-term health effects including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma when workers are repeatedly exposed to airborne levels above the occupational exposure limits. Employers, contractors, and owners must make every effort to minimize exposure of workers and other occupants to airborne asbestos fibres. DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant and Aaron Jones, Industrial Hygeinist, of Prevention Services, WorkplaceNL discuss working safely with asbestos.
The First Responders Warmline (1-709-237-4180) is staffed by first responders trained by Lifewise in the delivery of peer support. The warmline is available to provide mental health support to first responders, so they can continue to help and support others. A first responder is any person who is the first to arrive on the scene of an incident, that include but not limited to paramedics, firefighters, police officers, emergency search and rescue, military personnel and veterans, corrections personnel, nurses, social workers, frontline service providers, first aiders and anyone who identifies as a first responder.
DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant, WorkplaceNL is joined by Jocelyn Dunn, Supervisor and Stephen McDonald, Peer Supporter of Lifewise to discuss this valuable resource for all first responders when they need to reach out to a peer for mental health support and guidance.
Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act for occupational health and safety programs and committees came into effect March 1, 2024. These new requirements raise the worker threshold for occupational health and safety programs and committees from 10 or more to 20 or more workers at a worksite.
DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant and Jo-Ann Woodland, OHS Educational Consultant discusses these important changes in relation to managing workplace health and safety and PRIME.
An important part of occupational health is how work and the work environment can affect workers’ health. The provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act requires health surveillance when workers are exposed to particular workplace health hazards such as noise, silica, asbestos and lead. Health surveillance is a plan of repeated and ongoing health checks that can identify any health effects caused by work.
The physical benefits of regular movement and exercise in improving physical health have long been established. Healthcare professionals encourage us to stay active to improve and maintain good health. Exercise is also considered vital for maintaining mental fitness, and helps to reduce stress. Studies have shown that regular participation in aerobic activity decreases overall levels of tension, elevates and stabilizes emotions and moods, and improves sleep and self-esteem. Ryan Osborne, Kinesiologist and owner of Oz Coaching joins DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant to discuss how regular movement and exercise throughout the workday can help to manage daily stress.
Fatigue is a complex issue linked to many factors inside and outside the workplace. It can be a safety and health hazard for the fatigued person and a safety hazard for those who work around them. Fatigue is often caused by several interrelated factors which can be cumulative or build up over time to become hazardous. It is not just about lack of sleep, eating properly, working extended hours/shift work, or doing physically challenging work. We will explore all the factors that result in worker fatigue, and how employers and workers can manage it.
What we put into our bodies as fuel directly impacts our energy levels throughout the work day. Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet with healthy foods gives our bodies the energy we need to be productive, motivated and better able to manage daily stressors. The best way to ensure you are getting the nutrition your body needs is to your nutrition for the work day which includes whole foods, fruits, vegetables, fermented foods, healthy fats and protein. This may sound challenging for our busy lives, but you don’t have to make big changes to your diet to see how healthy food can help you manage your stress levels. DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant, Prevention Services is joined by Amanda Janes, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and owner of Concept Nutrition to discuss how fueling your body with healthy food can help you manage stress that we encounter daily.
A person’s job and workplace should not harm their mental health. Employers identify and control psychological health hazards while workers tell them what they need to maintain good mental health in their jobs. Many employers and workers recognize this shared responsibility and work together to create and foster a psychologically safe workplace. Understanding the issues of mental health and having open and honest conversations about job tasks that can impact worker's mental health begins with a supportive culture.
Cathy Barrett-Brinson, Senior Health and Safety Advisor, WorkplaceNL talks to Craig Smith, Fire Fighter, St. John's Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) about how they promote workers’ wellbeing and work together to control psychological risks and prevent harm.
Occupational health and safety legislation outlines general requirements for preparing and responding to workplace emergencies. An emergency response plan prepares workplaces to deal with unforeseen situations such as fires, chemical spills, explosions, floods, injury, illness and other crises. Colin Fewer, OHS Educational Consultant - Youth and Aaron Jones, Industrial Hygienist of WorkplaceNL discuss the importance of having procedures that employers and workers follow in an emergency to ensure workplace safety and minimize property damage.
