Forum07 Wrap Up

In September, CCOHS hosted its second national forum on occupational health and safety in Vancouver, BC. The theme of the tripartite discussion focused on emerging health and safety issues from changing workplaces.

Leading experts, as well as more than 200 representatives from employers, labour and government, gathered to address new issues such as gaps in worker protection, emerging technologies, and accountability and responsibility for occupational health and safety in the evolving workplace. Key topics raised included the importance of work-life balance, the influence of new technology, and the impacts of precarious employment.

"As a 23-year-old just entering the workforce, this event was a fantastic introduction to OH&S issues. It has opened my eyes to the many aspects of workplace health and safety affecting workers like me," said one participant. More comments

CCOHS President and CEO S. Len Hong said, "The Forum generated insightful dialogue around the issue of the changing work landscape and what it means to the health and safety of Canadian workers. No doubt workplaces will continue to evolve. Our policies, laws, strategies and programs must also evolve if we are to ensure that all workers are protected."

A summary report of Forum outcomes and highlights will be made available from the Forum07 website in the coming months.

View images from Forum07.

Healthy Workplace Week

Research indicates that healthy organizations are good for employees, the business and the bottom line. It has become an accepted fact that healthy organizations have a competitive advantage and incur fewer costs associated with absenteeism, recruitment and healthcare.

Most importantly, employees who feel empowered and valued at their workplace are more productive and loyal, less stressed, and have better health.

Canada celebrates the increasingly popular phenomenon of healthy workplaces every year with Health Workplace Week. From October 22-28, 2007, workplaces are encouraged to organize activities to increase awareness about the positive impact of workplace health.

The theme for Healthy Workplace Week 2007 is "It's All About Valuing People." So much stress these days, in the workplace and at home, is caused by our neglect of important relationships. It seems sometimes that we've forgotten how to value other people - and that's a dangerous trend, particularly in business organizations.

Most of us do value our colleagues and appreciate their contributions to organizational success. But sometimes stress and the pace of work erode relationships, undermining the way which we relate to one another and creating perceptions that some people are not valued as much as they should be.

Canada's Healthy Workplace Week is about celebrating success and accomplishment rather than focusing on failure. An important role is played by organizations that have found ways to adequately and consistently value their people - by sharing their lessons, we can all stand to benefit.

There is no limit to how your organization can participate. Start by visiting the Healthy Workplace Week website for practical activity ideas. In addition, the Canadian Health Network website extensive collection of reliable, non-commercial workplace health and safety information.

The key is to focus on what's already going well in your workplace and aim to do even better. Try some of the suggested ideas, or find your unique way of celebrating Health Workplace Week to give your organization a well-deserved pat on the back and promote good health.

Attend a free Healthy Workplace All Year Webinar, hosted by CCOHS, on October 22, at 1pm EDT. Learn more and register.

Visit the Healthy Workplace Week website.

Check out the Canadian Health Network's Workplace Health articles

Take our WHMIS Quiz

CCOHS receives hundreds of WHMIS questions annually - almost 20 years after it became law. A few issues are commonly misunderstood. Think you are a WHMIS expert? Take our WHMIS quiz!

Consumer products are exempt from WHMIS. True or False?

False. Consumer products are only partially exempt from the WHMIS requirements - MSDSs and WHMIS labels are not required for consumer products but the training requirements still apply. MSDSs are often available for consumer products and support safe handling, storage and first-aid.  Our advice - request and review MSDSs for consumer products.

MSDSs over 3 years are okay if the company is no longer in business or the product is discontinued. True or False?

False. If you continue to use products after a company is gone or it discontinues a product, you as an employer actually take on additional and serious obligations. If you have the product in your workplace you must act like the supplier and ensure all information on the MSDS and label reflect current knowledge on health, fire and reactivity hazards and their control measures. Our advice - replace discontinued products.

All hazardous materials (or WHMIS controlled products) are listed on the Ingredient Disclosure List. True or False?

False. Not all controlled products are listed on the Ingredient Disclosure List (IDL). IDL was developed as a tool to assist in the implementation of WHMIS and has never been updated - not once in 20 years. In addition, the criteria for including a chemical on the IDL were NOT the same as the criteria for classifying a substance or product according to the Controlled Products Regulations.

A certified WHMIS trainer must deliver your WHMIS training. True or False?

False. There is no certifying body for WHMIS trainers in Canada, but lots of trainers have knowledge, skills and experience. Employers are responsible for WHMIS training, and with Health and Safety Representatives or Committees, should evaluate and review WHMIS courses and their instructors. Remember WHMIS training has both general and worksite-specific components. Our advice - ensure the training offered meets the needs of your workplace.

MSDSs from the United States meet WHMIS requirements. True or False?

False. MSDSs that meet the US law (OSHA Hazard Communication Standard) do not necessarily meet Canadian requirements. WHMIS requirements must be followed for controlled products used in Canadian workplaces. Our advice - ask your US supplier for a WHMIS-compliant version of their MSDS.

Contact CCOHS' CHEMINFO specialists for references on these responses.

Learn more about CCOHS' comprehensive CHEMINFO service

Preventing Workplace Violence

It's Everyone's Fight

Be prepared when it comes to workplace violence - of any kind. Domestic violence, and its spillover into a work environment, is just one of the new situations addressed in the newly released 3rd edition of CCOHS' Violence in the Workplace Prevention Guide. Learn to recognize all potential forms of violence, and what you can do to develop an effective workplace violence prevention program. [More about...].

Looking for violence education? CCOHS offers three e-courses on the prevention of workplace violence.