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Debbie Molloy selected as new WSCC PRESIDENT & CEO
WSCC's Governance Council announced this month the appointment of
Debbie Molloy as the new President and Chief Executive Officer.
"Debbie Molloy has a fantastic blend of skills that will help drive the WSCC forward. She's a proven leader and I know her talents, passion, and vision will make a great addition to our organization," said Dave Tucker, Chair of the WSCC's Governance Council.
Molloy brings over 25 years of progressive executive leadership experience. She has extensive experience in health services and the energy sector, with a strong background in strategic planning, occupational health and safety, and organizational effectiveness. Molloy most recently served as the Vice-President of Corporate Services for Eastern Health, in St. John's, where she provided senior leadership to an organization with 13,000 employees, 750 physicians, 2,200 volunteers, 900 students and serving a population of 300,000.
"I'm excited to take on this important role to lead the WSCC as the organization continues to serve the workers and employers of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, while ensuring a financially sustainable system." said Molloy.
In accordance with the Workers' Compensation Act, Molloy was appointed by the Governance Council, following an extensive national search. The official start date of her five year term is Monday, August 12, 2019.
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New Resource Feature: orientation Guide for young and new workers
establishing a strong safety culture
Starting a first job is an exciting time, but new employees have a lot to learn. Employers who make time to provide a thorough orientation can set a solid foundation for a strong safety culture. To support employers in this critical training process, the WSCC has released Young and New Worker Safety Orientation: A resource for NT and NU Employers. This guide focuses on training employees who are entirely new to the workforce of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
The guide has sections that serve as a quick reference, as well as areas for further reading and exploration. It also highlights sections of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Safety Acts and OHS Regulations that are directly relevant to training, education, and orientation. You can use this guide as a starting point to build your new worker orientation program, or as a checklist to ensure that your existing orientation meets the needs of NT and NU legislation.
The essential features are:
- A removable safety orientation checklist that serves as a record of training for individual employees (also available as a separate PDF document);
- A list of terms and abbreviations for essential safety industry terminology;
- An outline of employer, supervisor, and worker responsibilities;
- A 4-step guide to orientation; and,
- Resources for further education and training.
You can download this document on our
website, or you can
contact us to receive a printed copy. You can also find a list of Young Worker Instructor and Student
Toolbox Talks on our website, which tackle specific safety subjects in several industries.
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4 Essential elements of an OHS program
For Small, medium, and large businesses
No matter the size of your business, an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Program is an essential part of your operation and the best way to ensure the safety of your workers.
OHS Regulations legally require employers with 20 or more workers to have an OHS Program. The WSCC has tools to support your business in setting up and maintaining a strong OHS Program. Here are four essential elements of any OHS program and resources to support your business in creating or maintaining them:
- A system for identifying and addressing hazards.
- Regular and ongoing training
- A system of reporting
- Whether a near miss, minor incident, or serious injury, reporting is not just part of a strong OHS program, but it is also your legal obligation as an employer. More information can be found on WSCC's Reporting Requirements page, where you can also find WSCC's Employer's Report of Incident Form. If you want to submit a report unsafe work, use WSCC Connect.
- Participation in the Internal Responsibility System (IRS)
- Workplace safety is a shared responsibility. As an employer or supervisor, it is your responsibility to have a strong OHS Program, but safety doesn't start and stop with you. Remember that your employees should take an active role in continually evaluating and updating your safety procedures. Encourage every level of employee to participate in the IRS, identify areas for improvement, and suggest solutions. Safety is everyone's responsibility.
For an overview of creating a safety program for your workplace, check out our Safety Program Tools and Develop an OHS Program on our website. A prevention team member is always willing to work with your business to develop a strong safety program for any workplace. Contact us today.
* WSCC wants to bring safety to your doorstep. You can request a Toolbox Talk from the list of topics found on our website, and have a safety officer come into your workplace and deliver a quick safety presentation to your staff. Request one today!
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safety Inspection Essentials
An effective safety and health inspection is one of the most important tools in prevention. Inspections help to preserve company assets, protect worker safety and health, and are required by legislation. They are an excellent, proactive way for employers to identify and record hazards so they can be eliminated or controlled before an injury or incident occurs.
WHY INSPECT?
Effective inspections help to prevent incidents, injuries and illnesses by identifying hazards at the worksite requiring elimination or control. They help to keep track of maintenance needs that arise, as well as those that occur regularly. Effective inspections help to better understand the activities workers are engaged in. They help us to determine root causes of hazards, recommend corrective actions, and to develop safe work procedures.
WHERE TO START
Employers need to develop their own guidelines to be followed when conducting inspections, which helps WSCC OHS Inspectors establish standards for the company's inspection. A checklist is a great place to start as they ensure inspections are consistent and comprehensive. Checklists should be specific to the site or item inspected. A template to get you started can be found on WSCC's website. Either the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) members or the OHS Representative will carry out the inspection. Workers and supervisors can also perform inspections, however they should be reviewed by management and/or designated safety personnel.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Safety hazards: missing or inappropriate guards for machinery, horseplay, unsafe practices or conditions, working at heights, failure to follow required procedures, worn out or damaged equipment or PPE;
- Physical hazards: vibration, noise, cold, heat, electricity, radiation;
- Chemical hazards: solids, liquids or gases; may be a waste by-product such as vapours, smoke or emulsion; all hazardous products should be in labeled containers; and, readily available Safety Data Sheets (SDSs);
- Biological hazards: Blood, bacteria, fungi, animal waste or remains, bug bites, plants;
- Ergonomic hazards: bad posture, excessive application of force, frequent material handling;
- Psychosocial hazards: unreasonable workload, violence and harassment, lack of control/ input, heavy production demands.
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OFFICE CLOSURES
WSCC's offices are closed for Labour Day on Monday September 2nd. The office will reopen on Tuesday, September 3rd at 8:30 AM.
To report a serious workplace injury or incident, call 1-800-661-0792.
To report unsafe work, use our Report Unsafe Work service on WSCC Connect.
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wscc.nt.ca / 1.800.661.0792 * wscc.nu.ca / 1.877.404.4407
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