July 2022
Safety Spotlight
LIFTING SAFELY IN THE WORKPLACE
Incorrect lifting, handling, or carrying objects at work can result in painful, long-lasting injuries to muscles and joints called musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). The risk of injury increases when bending, twisting, manually handling loads that are too heavy, and when awkward postures are involved.

Any worker can be vulnerable to a lifting and twisting injury, but occupations more often affected are construction trades helpers and labourers, facility operation and maintenance managers, janitors and caretakers, retail salespeople, and some nursing professions.

Employers should have a safety plan to reduce the risks associated with manual handling of materials. For example:

  • Provide workers with suitable equipment; for example, use a mechanical lifting device for handling heavy or awkward loads.  
  • Allow for adjustments to reduce the weight of the load or raise the level of the load so that it is easier to lift.
  • Ensure that a worker does not take on manual lifting, holding, or moving of a load that is too heavy, too big, or too awkward to maneuver.  
  • Provide training for proper procedures for safely lifting, holding, and transporting heavy loads.

Visit WSCC's Safety Spotlight feature page for more information and resources on lifting safely.
Stakeholder Engagement Committee Representatives
BECOME A COMMITTEE MEMBER!
The WSCC is seeking input from individuals who have a passion for safety. Your feedback is needed to help ensure our policies, programs, and resources work for northern workplaces.

The WSCC is seeking new members to represent a wide variety of stakeholders, including workers, employers, and members of the general public, from across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, get in touch! Send your resume, along with a letter stating why you would like to participate in the Stakeholder Engagement Committee (SEC) to SEC@wscc.nt.ca

SEC members receive a quarterly honorarium of $275 ($1,100 per year) based on their level of participation. Terms are for two years.
Sun Safety When Working Outdoors
KNOW THE RISKS OF WORKING IN HOT TEMPERATURES 
If you have workers who spend time outdoors in the summer, it’s important for them to be aware of the risks of working in the heat.

What is heat illness?

There are five types of heat illness:

  1. Heat Stroke – The most serious of the heat illnesses. It is caused by body-heat overload.
  2. Heat Edema – Results in swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles.
  3. Heat Cramps – Results in painful cramps that occur in frequently used muscles (i.e. arms, legs, or stomach).
  4. Heat Exhaustion – Caused by excessive loss of water and salt.
  5. Heat Rash – Results in a red bumpy rash that is extremely itchy.

What are the symptoms of heat illness?

  • Dizziness or fainting;
  • Nausea or vomiting;
  • Headache;
  • Extreme thirst;
  • Heavy sweating;
  • Decreased urination, and dark yellow urine;
  • Red, hot, dry skin;
  • Convulsions;
  • Confusion;
  • Rapid breathing and heartbeat; and/or
  • Weakness.

What should I do for myself or others who are at risk of heat illness?

  • Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty.
  • Wear a hat and light-coloured clothing.
  • Watch out for signs of heat illness in others.
  • Rest in the shade.
  • Report any symptoms of heat illness immediately.

What should employers do to ensure workers are safe?

  • Train workers on the symptoms of heat illness and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
  • Provide workers with cool, fresh water to drink.
  • Provide a shaded area for workers to cool down.
  • Give workers time to get used to the heat, especially new workers.
  • Schedule outside work or rigorous work to be done during cooler times of the day.
  • Prepare a heat stress plan to prevent heat illness.

For more information, refer to our Code of Practice on Thermal Conditions.
Homeowners' Awareness
UNDER THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ACTS AND SAFETY ACTS
Home renovations and outdoor projects are well underway this summer. If you have repair workers, contractors or others who work full or part-time in your home, consult with the WSCC and the Workers’ Compensation Acts and Safety Acts to see whether you fall under the employer category.

For more information, take a look at our Homeowners’ Responsibilities brochure, and call us at 1-800-661-0792 if you have any questions.
Policy Changes
The Governance Council reviewed and approved the following policies and Governance Council (GC) Directives at its June 2022 meeting:

  • Governance Council Directive B-006, Governance Council Directors’ Code of Conduct
  • Policy 00.01, Policy Development (formerly titled: Policy 00.01, Policy Creation and Revision) 
  • Policy 00.07, Stakeholder Engagement for Policy Development (formerly titled: Policy 00.07, Stakeholder Engagement)
  • Policy 00.09, Partnerships

Please refer to the WSCC Policy Manual to view all WSCC policies, and the Governance Council Directives to view all governance directives.
WSCC Office Closures
WSCC’s Office in Iqaluit is closed for Nunavut Day on Monday, July 11, and will reopen on Tuesday, July 12.

To report a serious workplace injury or incident, call 1 (800) 661-0792.

To report unsafe work, use our online Report Unsafe Work service on WSCC Connect.
Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut,
5022 49th Street, 5th Floor, Centre Square Tower, Box 8888, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2R3 Canada