CHAPTER 12 SAFETY AND HEALTH

Occupational Safety and Health

The area concerned with protecting employees from workplace injuries, illnesses, and hazards; regulated by federal, provincial, and territorial governments

Occupational Injury

Any cut, fracture, sprain, or amputation resulting from a workplace accident or exposure involving an accident in the work environment

Occupational Illness

Any abnormal condition or disorder, other than an occupational injury, caused by exposure to environmental factors associated with employment

Due Diligence

An employer's responsibility to establish a comprehensive safety system, provide supervision and training, and take precautions to protect workers' health and safety

Duties of Employers

Prove due diligence, provide safety training, discipline employees who fail to follow safety rules, report workplace injuries and illnesses to the Workers' Compensation Board, and assess workplace hazards

Duties of Workers

Comply with health and safety laws, report hazardous conditions or defective equipment, follow employer safety rules, and report unsafe working conditions to supervisors

Worker Rights

The right to request and receive information about workplace safety and health conditions

Joint Health and Safety Committee

A committee with employee and management representation that works to create a safe and healthy workplace

Purpose of Joint Health and Safety Committees

To establish a non-adversarial climate for creating safe and healthy workplaces

Ergonomics

Designing jobs for safe and efficient work while improving safety, comfort, and performance

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

Injuries to muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, and spinal discs caused by repeated stresses and strains

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

Another name for cumulative trauma disorders caused by repeated movements or stress

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A common example of a cumulative trauma disorder

Chemical Hazards

Workplace dangers resulting from exposure to harmful chemicals

Job Stress

Physical and mental strain caused by workplace demands and conditions

High Demand

Having too much work to do in too short a period of time

High Effort

Expending too much mental or physical energy for an extended period

Low Control

Having too little influence over how a job is performed on a day

Low Reward

Receiving inadequate feedback or recognition for work performed

Sources of Job Stress

High demand, high effort, low control, and low reward

Stress and Burnout

Negative effects of prolonged workplace stress

Recognized Job Stressors

Layoffs, organizational restructuring, disagreements with managers or coworkers, prejudice, inability to voice complaints, and poor working conditions

Stress Management Programs

Programs created by employers to help employees reduce the negative effects of job

Mindfulness

A stress management technique used to help employees cope with job

Workers' Compensation Board

Organization that receives reports of workplace injuries and occupational illnesses from employers

Workplace Health and Safety Legislation

Laws governing occupational health and safety that vary slightly across provinces, territories, and the federal jurisdictio