NEW: safe workplace program
improving safety across the north
The WSCC is developing a program to encourage businesses and employers to strengthen their safety programs and advance the safety culture in workplaces in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. This program is being built for employers, and creating an effective program means that we need employer feedback.
Tell us what you think
Read the Safe Workplace Discussion Paper Summary for information on the program, including the benefits of participating, proposed incentives, and how your business can become a designated Safe Workplace. You can also read the Safe Workplace Discussion Paper for a full overview of the program as well as information about different safety incentive programs across Canada. Tell us what you think of the program: For more information, email us or call 1(800) 661-0792.
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Inspections, directions, and compliance
 The WSCC and employers both have a role to play under Nunavut and NWT Safety Act(s) and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Employers need to provide a safe workplace for their employees, and the WSCC is responsible for ensuring employers meet their legal responsibilities. One way the WSCC ensures the safety of workplaces is through workplace inspections.
What to Expect
To ensure the safety of everyone at the worksite, a WSCC Inspector can issue directions if they observe a task or situation that is unsafe during a worksite visit. Directions cite the legislation that is not being complied with, and the corrective actions required.
If your workplace receives directions from the WSCC: - The employer representative and the WSCC Inspector will set an agreed deadline for compliance.
- If the deadline is missed, employers will receive a follow-up from the WSCC.
- The first notice will be issued 24 hours after the deadline has passed. During this time, you are able to submit a request for an extension, and/or a request for support in achieving compliance with the standards set out in the legislation.
- If the issue does not get resolved, a final notice will be issued 14 days after the deadline has passed. At this time, it is no longer possible to request an extension, but you can reach out to the WSCC for further information and support.
- If compliance is still not met 14 days after the Final Notice is sent out, a Stop Work Order may be issued or additional action may be initiated.
No one wants to see an unsafe workplace or the disruption of work, so it is important to be accountable to legislation for the safety of your workers in a timely manner. Throughout this process, we encourage businesses to maintain open communication with the WSCC. We are here to support you.
To learn more about the process, see our new information sheet. If you have any questions, contact the WSCC today.
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Desk ergonomics and Back injury prevention
The past year and a half has seen people working in a variety of locations and with different set-ups. Whether employees work at the office, work from home, or work from a temporary location, it is important to consider their work station set-up. To prevent back injuries, and other types of ergonomic injuries, make sure everyone has the best possible work station for their individual circumstances.
Desk ERgonomic Resources:
- Supervisor Ergonomic Review - It is very hard to do an ergonomic assessment on your own working station, but a supervisor can provide the needed support. Watch this video to see an example of a zoom ergonomic inspection. Whether in person or over zoom, the ergonomic assessment can follow the same format. The solutions don't need to be expensive to be effective, but it is important that employees have their personal needs considered.
- Infographic - The Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) created an infographic with tips, information, and statistics about preventing injury while working at a desk. Workers can use it as a visual reminder at their work station.
- Desk Stretches - No matter how perfectly a station is set-up, regular movement is the best method of prevention. Remind staff to get up and move at least once every hour: Get some water, grab something from the printer, or better yet, do some desk stretches! Use CCOHS's reference to guide workers through some desk stretches.
To learn more about your responsibilities under Nunavut and Northwest Territories safety legislation, see Section 85 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. To learn more about back injury prevention, and the tools and resources we have available to help train staff, visit our website today, or contact a WSCC Inspector for a site visit.
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New and updated toolbox talks and safety bulletins
The WSCC is continually adding and updating our safety resources. We have several new and updated items that can be incorporated into your safety program. These tools can be used to reinforce a strong safety culture in your organization.
Safety Bulletins
These tools are perfect to hang on your community or safety bulletin boards, or to send out to staff in an email. They are a quick outline of a safety topic, and contain the highlights that workers should consider for keeping themselves safe. The new and updated safety bulletins are:
TOOLBOX TALKS
One of the best ways to keep safety at the top of everyone's mind is having a quick 5-minute safety discussion before every work day, or before every new shift. These Toolbox Talks are a quick discussion guide that you can use to start these conversations. They are a great prompt, but remember to add your site-specific safety discussions. The updated toolbox talks are:
For more information on these and other topics, visit our website today.
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WSCC Offices are closed for the August Civic Holiday on Monday, August 2nd, and will reopen on Tuesday, August 3rd at 8:30 AM.
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.
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wscc.nt.ca / 1.800.661.0792 * wscc.nu.ca / 1.877.404.4407
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