Canadian Health Network

When you think about it, most of us spend a lot of time at work—about half of the time we are awake. Whether we like to admit it or not, work can have a great impact on our health and general well-being, for better or for worse.

Work can be a source of great satisfaction—getting that project finished, landing the big client, or truly helping a customer—all of these can help us be happier and healthier. But work can also be a cause of frustration and stress, and for some people, depending on where they work and what they do, it can be hazardous to their health.

			Spotlight on Young Workers
			Almost 55,400 young people were seriously injured on the job in one recent year alone. These statistics mean injured young people (ages 15-24) represent one in every four injured workers in Canada. It is common for everyone to be unaware of potential hazards in their workplace. Something tragic could happen—even in your first month of work, no matter what your age is. Many of these tragedies shouldn't happen. If there is any doubt in your mind about the safety of the materials you are handling or the duties of your employment, you have the right and the responsibility to bring your concerns to your supervisor's attention. There are laws to help keep your workplace safe. Find out which laws apply in your area by contacting your local government office responsible for occupational health and safety.

The overall health and well-being of a workplace is achieved by a combination of programs and activities working together, such as:

• Traditional health promotion activities at work which encourage overall health and wellness, for example, programs on active living, stress management, heart health, and nutrition.
• Occupational health and safety programs which focus on preventing injuries or illnesses and eliminating hazards.
• Employee assistance programs (EAP) which can help employees with personal problems that affect the workplace.
• Organizational health—those management practices and strategies that focus on culture, relationships, and values within the workplace.

Creating a safe and healthy workplace involves everyone's participation. There are many ways you can improve your own health at work. Ten things you can do today include:

1. Simply put: Follow your company's safety rules.



2. Remember to stretch about once an hour. When you do, think like a cat. Lengthen your muscles and really enjoy the moment.



3. Forward a 'Friday Funny'. Share the best (clean!) e-mail joke you received all week on Friday mornings. Did you know that laughter has been shown to increase immunity?



4. Boost your energy. Take a walk at lunch, or at least step outside for a few minutes. Sunlight and fresh air (and the little bit of exercise) are a great refreshing break! Try eating a healthy snack mid-morning or mid-afternoon. And don't forget to get enough rest at night (write "sleep" on your daily schedule if you have to!)



5. Have a social side to your company Intranet or newsletter. Post recipes, want ads, and announce the accomplishments of co-workers and their families outside of work.



6. Learn how to properly adjust your chair. It may take a few minutes to master—and a few laughs when you press the wrong lever—but your body will thank you for it every day.



7. Ask for a fitness policy. While some companies can offer a full gym or fitness room, the policy can also be as simple as arranging to take an extra half hour at lunch twice a week to allow time to participate in an aerobic class, swim or a brisk walk.



8. Keep track of when you get aches and pains (including headaches) at work and when they go away. This record will help your safety officer or health professional determine what the problem is related to.



9. Be aware of how stress affects you. Take a time-out in a tense or high-pressure situation by getting up, walking around, or getting a drink of water. If you can't step away, a micro-break will help—count to 10 or at least take a breath before you respond. Any break will help change the momentum of the moment.



10. Don't forget to ask questions about how to make your job a safer one. If you are not sure about the safe way to do something, ask for help.

The more you are aware of the various hazards and challenges in a workplace, the better equipped you are to cope with them, and to prevent injury or illness. Each single, positive, step takes everyone closer to a having safe, healthy and happy workplace.

See below for some Internet resources in Canada!

Active Living
Health Promotion
Healthy Eating
Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke
Injury Prevention
Mental Health
Workplace Health

Healthy settings: Canadian case studies
Examines the relationship between settings and health by describing a selection of workplace and community 'healthy settings' programs from across Canada. Includes a literature review, a sample questionnaire, and references.
Source: Health Canada

How is working related to health?
Outlines how work can affect a person's health. Looks at the effects of unemployment, job status, social support at work, job stress, and control over one's work. Makes policy suggestions for reducing the negative effects of work on health.
Source: Canadian Health Network (CHN) From: FAQs: workplace health

OSH Answers
Information on various workplace health and safety topics such as ergonomics, diseases/disorders/injuries, health and safety committees, chemicals/materials, biological, personal protective equipment, health promotion/wellness, and legislation.
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

What rights and duties do I have under occupational health and safety laws in Canada?
Lists the rights of employees and duties of employers and governments under workplace health and safety law in Canada.
Source: Canadian Health Network (CHN) From: FAQs: workplace health

Workplace health strategies bureau: publications
Describes and links to resources on workplace health promotion, including health models developed for specific types of business.
Source: Health Canada

I'm young or new at my job. What are some things I should know to protect my health and work safely?
Source: Canadian Health Network (CHN) From: FAQs: workplace health

For Safety's Sake, Take the time to train new workers
Source: Farm Safety Association

WorkSmartOntario!
Source: The Ontario Ministry of Labour

New and youg workers
Source: Alberta Human Resources and Employment, Workplace Health and Safety

"Ready for Work?"
Source: Saskatchewan Labour

Safety and the Young Worker: Student Manual
Source: Workers Compensation Board of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut

JobSafeCanada.ca

"WorkSafe - Young Workers"
Source: The Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia

Young Worker Awareness Program
Source: The Workplace Safety & Insurance Board of Ontario