March 2018                                                                FRANÇAIS
PROPOSED SAFETY TicketS AND FINES
FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE oCCUPATIONAL hEALTH AND sAFETY rEGULATIONS


Based on feedback from WSCC stakeholders in 2016, the WSCC reviewed and revised the proposed system of ticketing for certain occupational health and safety violations. Once again, the WSCC is asking stakeholders for feedback on the list of offences, the amount of the fines, and the system in general.

Public meetings will take place at the following dates and locations:

Hay River April 4, 7:00-9:00pm Ptarmigan Inn - Alexandra Falls Room
Cambridge Bay
 April 9, 7:00-9:00pm Arctic Island Lodge
Yellowknife April 16, 6:30-8:30pm WSCC Offices - Centre Square Tower, 5th Floor
Inuvik April 19, 7:00-9:00pm Mackenzie Hotel - Permafrost Room
Iqaluit April 24, 7:00-9:00pm WSCC Offices - Qamutiq Building,
2nd Floor

The discussion paper will be available on wscc.nt.ca or wscc.nu.ca . Interested parties can provide their feedback at the public meetings, or by emailing lawfeedback@wscc.nt.ca or lawfeedback@wscc.nu.ca .

Want to find out more about our proposed tickets and fines, or have questions? Contact our Legal Counsel, Shirley Walsh at (867) 920-3895.

All responses are held in confidence. Submit your feedback by May 31, 2018.
DAY OF MOURNING: APRIL 28
REMEMBERING THOSE LIVES LOST

Day of Mourning
Each year, almost 1,000 Canadian workers die due to workplace accidents, diseases, or injuries.

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning. It is a day dedicated to remembering lives lost or injured in the workplace. It is also a day to renew our commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace to prevent further tragedy.

The Northern Territories Federation of Labour (NTFL) is hosting public ceremonies to remember and honour fallen workers. Ceremonies take place at the Legislative Assemblies in Yellowknife and Iqaluit on Saturday, April 28, at noon. All are welcome to attend.

As Day of Mourning falls on a Saturday this year, we invite you to recognize Day of Mourning in your workplace on Friday, April 27, before the public ceremony on Saturday, April 28. Display a Day of Mourning poster, wear black to show your support, and remember: workplace safety awareness can save lives.
SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS
Spring Sunshine Brings icy roads and sidewalks


As Northerners, we are accustomed to living with ice and snow, and we all know that slips, trips, and falls come when you least expect it. The snow and ice on winter roads and sidewalks are known to be slick and a leading cause of injury; however, warm spring weather can pose equally hazardous walking conditions. Warmer days followed by cooler nights cause the ice and snow to melt and refreeze, which can create slick and hazardous walking conditions.

In the first two months of 2018, slips, trips, and falls accounted for the most common cause of injury to employees in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Be aware and know the statistics; follow these tips for avoiding injury as the days get warmer:
  • While it is tempting to switch to spring footwear, don't be too eager; it is important to continue wearing appropriate footwear until the snow and ice are long gone!
     
  • Pay attention when crossing the road. Puddles may form over ice, which can be an unfortunate surprise, and may cause you to slip and fall.
     
  • Don't rush! Remember to continue to give yourself time to walk to and from destinations.
     
  • Take shorter strides; point your feet slightly outwards to improve your balance.
     
  • Always have one hand free to balance or break a fall.
     
  • Remember that melting snow can mean wet floors. Moving from snowy streets to indoor surfaces can pose greater risk of slips! Stay alert for slippery floor signs, and changes to surfaces.
No one wants to head into the warm spring months injured and unable to enjoy the returning sunshine. Take your time and pay attention to the conditions outside. Enjoy the warmer weather by staying injury-free!
POLICY CHANGES

The Governance Council reviewed and approved the following policies at its March 2018 meeting:
  • Policy 03.02, Entitlement
  • Policy 03.03, Arising Out of and During the Course of Employment
  • Policy 03.07, Calculation of Temporary Compensation
Please refer to the WSCC Policy Manual to view all WSCC policies or the Governance Council Directives to view all governance directives.
REMINDER: INUVIK OFFICE NUMBER

Effective  April 1, 2018 , the main phone line of WSCC's
Inuvik Office  will be  867-678-2311 .

To report a serious workplace injury or incident, please continue to call our toll-free number at 1-800-661-0792.
OFFICE CLOSURES
 EASTER LONG WEEKEND

WSCC's offices close 5:00 p.m., Thursday March 29 for the Easter long weekend, reopening 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2018.

To report a serious workplace injury or incident, call 1-800-661-0792.
This information will soon be available in Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun on our website.

wscc.nt.ca   /  1.800.661.0792   *   wscc.nu.ca  /  1.877.404.4407