June 2022
Safety Spotlight: Struck-By Moving Vehicles 
SLOW DOWN TO HELP KEEP WORKERS SAFE THIS SUMMER
Construction season has arrived and all employers should remember that building, renovation and maintenance projects can impact the safety of employees whether your company works in construction or not. There might be construction happening in or around your workplace or roadworks happening on the way to and from work.

The most serious struck-by injuries can occur when a worker is struck by a moving vehicle or large piece of equipment because of size and speed.

It is important to always pay attention to where we are stepping, stay aware of the surrounding area, and of course always pay attention to traffic whether on the work site, or going to and from the site.

Reminders
  • Drive safely – For every road construction project, there is usually one or more Traffic Control Person(s) directing the flow of traffic. Remind anyone driving for your company to drive safely in and around construction sites to protect the safety of the workers. If you employ Traffic Control Personal, check out WSCC’s Safety Bulletin with tips and an outline of worker and employer responsibilities.

  • If you have renovations or construction happening around your working environment, make sure your workers are aware of any new hazards in their workplace. Provide them with the training on how to recognize hazards, as well as inform them of the safety measures you have put in place to keep the workplace safe. Host regular safety meetings, and encourage workers to raise questions or concerns. 
Seasonal Changes and Fatigue
WHEN IS TIRED TOO TIRED?
As we navigate the longest and shortest days of the year, changing sleep, daily activity and work patterns can make us more tired. Fatigue is a form of impairment in the workplace that can lead to a higher risk of incidents and is often a contributing factor to workplace injuries and psychological safety issues. A person is impaired when they are not fit to do their job safely. It is important for workers and employers to know the signs of fatigue and to have a policy and plan in place to manage them.

Signs and symptoms include:
  • Poor decision making
  • Slow reaction times
  • Forgetfulness
  • Not being able to stay awake
  • Poor communication skills
  • Irritability 

When it comes to fatigue, open communication and regular check-ins with staff are essential. All concerns should be taken seriously.

WSCC has resources available online on how to manage fatigue in the workplace, including a sample impairment policy and an outline of employer and worker responsibilities.
WSCC Youth Safety Leadership Program
ARE YOU AN EMPLOYER OR SUPERVISOR OF YOUNG WORKERS? 
Launching in 2022, the Youth Safety Leadership Program will connect northern youth with opportunities to become community leaders in health and safety. This is an opportunity for young workers aged between 14 and 24 who reside in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories to build new skills that could lead to a career in workplace health and safety or to ensure a safer future in any industry.

Visit the Young Worker section of our website to start the application process.

Have questions? Contact us here.
WSCC Office Closures
WSCC Offices are closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Tuesday, June 21st, and for Canada Day on Friday, July 1st.

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