March 2023

FRANÇAIS | ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ

Safety Spotlight

REDUCE THE RISKS OF SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

Since slips, trips, and falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, chances are you have experienced such an incident yourself.


As an individual, there are several ways to avoid painful injuries caused by slipping and tripping. One of the best solutions to reduce the risk is to always wear proper footwear that is adapted to your workplace conditions. When you have to work outside during winter, make sure that your boots are rated for cold conditions, as regular footwear will not provide enough traction. Cleats might be a good addition to proper footwear when working in icy conditions.


Here are other precautions you can take to reduce the risks of slipping and tripping:


  • Plan ahead during winter. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Pay attention to where you’re going and adjust the length of your stride.
  • Can you see where you’re going? Make sure your view is not blocked by objects you are carrying, take wide turns around corners to avoid collisions with coworkers, and use a flashlight or headlamp when entering dark spaces.
  • Use supports where you can! Maintain your balance by keeping one hand free, and when there’s a handrail, hold it.


Visit WSCC’s Safety Spotlight web page to learn more about slips, trips and falls prevention.

Hazard Alert: Overhead Snow and Ice


The coldest winter months are slowly fading away. While longer daylight and warmer temperatures have their benefits, changing conditions can result in new workplace hazards. Overhead accumulation of ice and snow is one example.


During the winter, snow collects on surfaces such as roof, window frames, or gutters. When weather gets milder, conditions become ideal for overhead snow and ice to shift, slide, and fall to the ground.


Large overhead accumulations can cause significant injuries and even death if they detach and fall onto a person. To reduce the risks of injuries, conduct frequent worksite inspections to identify hazards, and clear any snow or ice build-up before they become dangerous. Remember that workers climbing on a roof to remove snow or ice must be equipped with appropriate fall protection and PPE.


Visit WSCC’s website to learn more about Overhead Hazards and Fall Protection.

Hiring Summer Students?

START PLANNING FOR TRAINING!

Summer is still a few months away, but you might already be thinking about hiring young workers for extra help during summer break. If that’s the case, you should start planning for the workplace safety training they will receive.


WSCC has free young worker resources to make summer student safety training easier!

 

  • Young Worker Certificate Course: A free online training course that provides young workers with general workplace safety knowledge. It’s only 2 hours long, and young workers receive a certificate once they complete the course. Keep in mind that this course does not replace on-site specific safety training.
  • Young Workers Toolbox Talks: Each youth-focused Toolbox Talk presents a different topic, such as power tool safety, eye injury, or handling and lifting. For each topic, there is an accompanying Instructor Guide to help employers and trainers deliver the Toolbox Talk.
  • Young and New Worker Safety Orientation Guide: This is a useful tool for anyone training summer students, as it helps to build a new safety training program or evaluate your current one.


Remember, employers have a legal obligation to provide workplace safety training to new workers. Summer students are included in this rule. Make sure you provide the necessary training to ensure they spend a safe summer at work. Don’t hesitate to contact WSCC for any questions regarding workplace safety for young workers.

Safe Workplace Program

ARE YOU A SAFE WORKPLACE? 

Check out your Safe Workplace Dashboard to find out!


If you’re a registered employer with the WSCC, you recently submitted your Annual Payroll Report and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) questionnaire. The OHS questionnaire helps WSCC to determine your Safe Workplace program status.


Explore your Safe Workplace program status, learn more about your OHS legislative requirements, and download your Safe Workplace certificate and digital badge by visiting your Safe Workplace Dashboard.


If you do not currently meet the criteria of the program, don’t worry! You can update the OHS questionnaire as you develop your company’s safety program. Contact us and we can connect you with the resources you need to achieve Safe Workplace status.


We’re here to help: If you have any questions about the Safe Workplace program or need help with your Dashboard, contact the Safe Workplace team: SafeWorkplace@wscc.nt.ca, safeworkplace@wscc.nu.ca, or 1-833-315-2057.

Youth Video Contest 2023


Do you know a young person who takes workplace safety seriously? Invite them to participate in the 2023 edition of the WSCC’s Youth Video Contest! 


The contest is open to youth aged 14-19 from the Northwest Territories and Nunavut (with sponsorship from their school or youth organization). They have until March 31, 2023 to submit their under 2 minute video about staying safe at work. The first-place team receives $1,000, and their sponsoring school or organization also receives $1,000. Territorial winners move on to the national competition held by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) for a chance to double their winnings!


Visit the contest web page for more information!  

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