Articles of the Month

Health and Safety

Did You Know... You Could Be In Danger?

"You just think it's never going to happen to you, but that idea will get you hurt. There was a conveyor belt that moved throughout the entire floor. I was walking over the belt...and I put my foot down in the wrong place...and I was caught in the machine where two belts collided. It was about a 30-minute process to get me out of the belt...one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. Three days later, I had an operation and my left leg was amputated below the knee," says Candace Carnahan, student, NB.

This summer, wherever you're employed, be aware of your health and safety in the workplace. It is your responsibility to know and comply with all workplace regulations.

Let these statistics be your wake up call... not YOUR accident!

• In 2004, 104 workers between 15 and 29 died in the workplace in Canada.
• Close to one third of all occupational injuries happen to workers between the ages of 15 and 29.
• More people are injured on the job than in traffic accidents.

By being aware and promoting awareness to others, you can help change the statistics. Remember: observation, learning, and experience are key to recognizing potential safety hazards in the workplace.

Health and safety awareness is important to you because...

• It could save your life!
• It could prevent you from getting injured.
• Something tragic could happen to you, even on your first day of work.
• You need to know what protection is available to you.

Did you know that you have 3 fundamental rights?

1. The right to know.
2. The right to participate.
3. The right to refuse unsafe work.

Take control and exercise your rights. Don't let ignorance and myths put you in danger! Take the necessary precautions: use all required/suggested safety equipment at your workplace including,

• Headwear
• Safety footwear
• Safety glasses and face protection
• Personal protective equipment - gloves, aprons, body suits etc...
• Hearing protection devices
• Respirators
• Emergency showers and eyewash stations

For more information, you can call 1 800 O-CANADA, or browse through the following national links:

• Canada Centre for Occupational Health and Safety:
  www.ccohs.ca

• The Government of Canada Labour Program:
  www.hrsdc.gc.ca

• Canada's National Occupational Health and Safety
  www.canoshweb.org/en