The bleak and dreary winter weather affects everyone’s mood. The winter cold and shorter days, however, are much harder on those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. It usually appears in late fall...
The devastation caused by the recent floods in Manitoba and the deadly thunderstorm in Ontario and Quebec highlights the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events. As our planet heats up, extreme weather events, such as floods, wildfires, heat waves, are expected to become more frequent. It is crucial that employers have an emergency...
Though provinces across Canada have lifted public health restrictions, the pandemic is not over yet. Given the threat posed by COVID-19 variants, it is important that workplaces continue to follow health and safety measures, such as respiratory hygiene, workplace screening, cleaning & disinfection, etc. COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing is a useful screening tool to help...
The New York City subway shooting may once again stir up the debate on gun safety policies in the U.S. While Canada’s laws on gun control and gun licensing are much stricter than those in the U.S., it is important for workplaces to have an emergency policy that lays down the protocols to follow in...
Some of your employees may be allergic to certain materials or foods, such as peanuts, gluten, latex, strong fragrances, dust, solvents, etc. Allergic reactions can vary from mild to life-threatening and may affect the skin, eyes and/or the respiratory system. Shortness of breath, excessive sneezing, watery eyes, skin irritation, swelling, rashes, and nausea are some...
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development ensures compliance with workplace health and safety standards. It does so by enforcing the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), the primary provincial legislation on workplace health and safety. To protect workers from risks and hazards in the workplace, the Occupational Health and Safety Act sets...
Job stress is a hazard that quietly chips away at the health and productivity of your employees. Chronic stress may lead to absenteeism, poor performance, conflict, mental health concerns, and high employee turnover. Clearly, it is bad for your business. And it is a threat that is easy to miss. Some amount of stress is...
Risk assessments are the backbone of a workplace health and safety program. They help you identify potential workplace hazards and develop appropriate safety controls. They also help you meet your legal obligation as an employer to take all reasonable precautions to provide a safe workplace for your employees. A well-structured risk assessment can prevent injuries...
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage the skin and cause sunburn, premature skin ageing, and skin cancer. It can also lead to eye damage and diseases, such as cataracts and photokeratitis. It becomes critical then that you take all reasonable precautions to protect your outdoor workers from exposure to UV radiation...
