Day of Mourning:
April 28th
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A DAY TO REMEMBER AND HONOUR THOSE LIVES LOST |
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The Day of Mourning honours all workers who have lost their lives as a result of workplace injuries or illnesses.
Together, we remember and we commit to workplace health and safety and preventing further tragedies. One life lost is too many.
Employers can show their support and commitment to a safe workplace by marking Day of Mourning this April 28th. |
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COVID-19 and Other Communicable Diseases |
INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS |
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As COVID-19 restrictions are easing, employers must be alert and flexible to change. The virus continues to create challenges in and out of the workplace and it is here to stay, similar to other communicable diseases like influenza.
What to do as restrictions ease?
Having a written plan to eliminate or minimize the risk of communicable diseases in the workplace has always been a requirement under workplace health and safety legislation and will continue to be.
- Make your exposure control plan part of your existing health and safety program.
- Continue to monitor your workplace and risk level of communicable diseases along with the guidance, orders and recommendations from Public Health. Adjust and update your plan as necessary.
- Like all health and safety efforts, clearly communicate the changes so everyone in the workplace is aware of their responsibilities.
WSCC has resources and checklists available to employers that can be downloaded and adapted for use in different workplaces. |
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Safety & Health Week: May 1-7 |
MAKING COMMUNITIES AND WORKPLACES SAFER TOGETHER |
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To mark this year’s Safety and Health Week, WSCC is focussing on how to prepare young workers to safely enter the workforce, know their rights as workers, and how they can build their resume with the WSCC Young Worker Safety Course.
Did you know – workers under 25 years of age are at greater risk for workplace injuries?
- Workplace safety is a learned skill – WSCC's Young Workers' Program has useful guidance and information for employers, young workers, parents, and educators to help keep young workers safe on the job.
WSCC Safety Professionals will be visiting schools and businesses across the NWT and Nunavut during the week, and are hosting industry-specific Zoom sessions for employers who frequently hire young workers. See below for your opportunity to join in! (All Zoom sessions start at 1pm MT/3pm ET.)
To register for a Zoom session, click on the link above, or email us here.
How are YOU celebrating Safety and Health Week?
Show your commitment to health and safety by sharing how you are celebrating Safety and Health Week 2022 on Facebook and Twitter and tagging @WSCCNTNU! Or you can email our team with photos or stories of how you celebrated the week. |
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Struck-by is the term that is used in workplace safety for different types of injuries that can happen when a worker is hit—or struck—by any falling, flying, rolling or stationary object. For example, a construction worker being hit by building materials or a tool, an item falling off a storage shelf, ice or snow falling off a roof, a worker being hit by a moving vehicle or caught in a piece of equipment.
In 2021, over 25% of all work-related injuries in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories were caused by “struck-by” incidents.
No matter what industry you work in, there are good practices and procedures that we can all proactively use to stay safe.
Struck-By injuries can be prevented:
- Awareness of surroundings and avoiding distractions is vital for those operating machinery, as well as those working around it
- Secure storage of loose items or items stored at a height
- Make sure all workers are properly trained to recognize job-specific hazards, and understand how to prevent them from causing injury to themselves or another person
- Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for your environment, such as safety glasses, proper footwear, high visibility clothing or a hard hat
Visit our Safety Spotlight feature page for more information and safety resources to help employers prevent injuries caused by being struck by an object while at work. |
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Stakeholder Engagement: April 15 - May 1 |
SAVE THE DATE! FUNDING OF TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS |
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WSCC will soon be seeking feedback on how we provide funding to workplace health and safety training organizations to help employers meet their training obligations under NWT and NU safety legislation.
The WSCC would like to know what employers think about how much funding should be provided and what WSCC’s role should be in the accountability or management of those funds. We also want to know what type of training your organization uses and any challenges in accessing training now.
This engagement will be open from April 15 to May 1, 2022. You can visit our webpage for more information and to read the Discussion Paper and Summary.
Virtual Discussion Forum dates:
- April 20th – 12:00 PM or 4:00 PM (EST) | 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM (MST)
- April 21st – 12:00 PM or 4:00 PM (EST) | 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM (MST)
- April 22nd – 12:00 PM or 4:00 PM (EST) | 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM (MST)
Contact us if you have questions or would like to schedule a one-on-one conversation to provide your feedback.
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New Operations & High Hazard Work Notification |
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If your business is planning any high hazard work, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHS Regulations) states that employers need to notify the Chief Safety Officer of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories as soon as reasonably possible.
High hazard work includes:
- Beginning a new operation in construction, manufacturing, or processing with 20 or more workers who will be working for six months or more;
- Digging an excavation, trench, or excavating a shaft that is more than 5 feet (1.52 meters), or that a worker will need to enter;
- Digging a tunnel that a worker will be required or permitted to enter.
If your business is planning any high hazard work over the coming months, please contact us today. |
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The Governance Council reviewed and approved the following policies and Governance Council Directives at its March 2022 meeting:
- Policy 04.14 - Return to Work
- Policy 05.01 - Vocational Rehabilitation Eligibility
- Policy 05.02 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Programs (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation Programs)
- Policy 05.05 - Vocational Rehabilitation Program Allowances and Grants (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation Allowances and Grants)
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WSCC Offices are closed for Easter Holidays on Friday, April 15, and will reopen on Tuesday, April 19 at 8:30 AM.
To report a serious workplace injury or incident, call 1-800-661-0792.
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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
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