Contents:
OHS News
AMHSA News
Audit News
Upcoming Training
Upcoming Events
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Occupational Health & Safety News |
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Supporting First Responder Mental Health in Rural Alberta |
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AMHSA has launched a free, comprehensive mental health services program to support Alberta rural and remote fire and rescue service personnel.
In Alberta, firefighters represent a large percentage of psych related first responder WCB claims, with many attributed to post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). With funding provided by the Government of Alberta's Supporting Psychological Health in First Responders (SPHIFR) Stream 1 (Services) grant program, AMHSA aims to provide evidence-based training and tools to support rural and remote firefighters living with or at risk of post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI).
Employment as a fire or rescue services first responder comes with a variety of risks, the most obvious being extreme temperatures, dangerous situations, chemical exposure, and physical hazards. Psychological hazards may be less obvious but are no less harmful. Compared to other provinces, Alberta firefighters have the highest rate of mental health time-loss claims, at 48 per 100,000. Between 2015 and 2019, there were nearly 700 WCB-Alberta claims for first responders related to PTSI, totaling $104 million worth of related treatment and compensation.
AMHSA has partnered with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and TELUS Health to provide rural and remote Alberta firefighters with an innovative combination of evidence-based mental health content, training, and resources related to prevention and recovery from PTSI. This includes MHCC's The Working Mind First Responder (TWMFR) virtual training program, Alberta-based support resources, post-course booster training, and self-management tools that can be confidentially accessed through the Espri by TELUS Health mobile app. In addition to program delivery, AMHSA has partnered with the University of Calgary to measure program impact and effectiveness.
The program is being offered at no charge to 375 firefighters and leaders who work in fire stations registered in rural and remote municipalities across Alberta. More information, including a link to sign up, is available at: RuralFirstResponder.ca
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"As a first responder, municipal mayor, and Alberta Municipalities Director on the AMHSA Board of Directors, I support AMHSA in its leadership role of providing mental health services to Alberta fire services first responders living with or at risk of post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI). I encourage other municipal leaders to support the participation of its rural first responders in these sessions. First responder mental health is important now more than ever." - Tyler Gandam, AMHSA Board Director |
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WorkSafe BC has released a new report: The Effectiveness of Workplace Musculoskeletal Injury Risk Factors Screening Tools for Guiding Injury Prevention Interventions: A Systematic Review. Click here to view.
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Summer is on its way! If you or your employees work outdoors, managing sun exposure and heat stress is vital.
Applying sun safety at workplaces can be challenging. The purpose of Sun Safety at Work Canada is to raise awareness of the importance of sun safety and to help workplaces implement sun safety programs within their occupational health and safety management systems.
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OHS eNews for May is now available, and includes links to new resources and guides, Alberta wildfire status dashboard and updated wildfire resources, health and safety committees information, Canadian Mental Health Week, and a summary of reported incidents.
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WCB-Alberta Physiotherapy Services Changes |
WCB-Alberta has recently made changes to it’s Physiotherapy Services Model.
As part of the Industry Task Force (ITF) Association Executive, AMHSA participated in a Working Group with the Labour Coalition and WCB to produce a summary of the changes that came into effect April 1st.
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This edition includes information on mobile app premium payments, business owner personal coverage, OHS prevention initiatives, and updated resources.
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ITF published a April Update that covers the following topics: WCB Policy Development/Consultation, Value of a $0.01 WCB Premium Charge, Psychological Injury Working Group, Physiotherapy Services Working Group, Lost Time Claim Reporting, and upcoming ITF Association meetings.
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Office Ergonomics Webinar |
Join us May 19, 2022 at 2:00 pm MDT for our no cost monthly ergonomics webinar. This month's topic is office ergonomics!
With more employees returning to their offices, it is a good time for a review of office ergonomics. The session will review the recommended setup for office equipment including, desk, chair, monitors, keyboards and mice. In addition to proper setup, other health and comfort strategies will be addressed.
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AMHSA, through our participation on the Industry Task Force (ITF) Association Executive, sits as an Employer Representative on the WCB-Alberta Policy Consultation Advisory Group (PCAG).
The PCAG works with the WCB-Alberta Board of Directors to provides input and advice on policy priorities for the year.
Municipal stakeholders can provide feedback directly to WCB-Alberta via the below links. Stakeholders are also invited to provide AMHSA with specific feedback so that we have a solid understanding of municipal stakeholder views.
Policies soon to be reviewed:
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Effective Use of myWCB Webinar |
Thank you to WCB-Alberta for presenting the webinar Effective Use of myWCB on May 3, 2022. In this webinar, presenters shared how to use myWCB reports to better manage your employer accounts and improve your disability management program. Presenters also reviewed types of reports and other features available to employers through myWCB.
Missed the live event? Click here to watch the full webinar (registration required, municipal members only). |
Terri Filipski Memorial Scholarship Giveaway |
Click here for more information or to enter. The prize winner will be announced at the Alberta Cities Safety Council Meeting on June 7, 2022.
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New for 2022: AMHSA is implementing a new audit registration process this year!
This will include a short form to be completed during audit preparations with details about the audit and auditor, and then AMHSA will provide the tool to the lead auditor.
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The on-site data gathering suspension has been lifted, so audits can be conducted remotely or on-site (if auditor and employer agree it can be conducted safely).
The use of observational tours remains optional so there are several Excel audit tools available for download.
Employers now have access to a PDF file of their Certificate of Recognition! Access is provided through myWCB accounts - log in and click on “Reports and Invoices”. AMHSA is no longer receiving paper copies to mail to COR-holders. If you cannot print your COR, let us know.
Please see Auditor Resources for more details on 2022 audits, and to access the March Auditor Update and audit tools.
Deadline to request participation in the peer process for COR Certification is June 1, 2022 – send requests to Shannon@amhsa.net.
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Health & Safety Management Systems
September 20-21, 2022
October 11-12, 2022
Health & Safety Auditing
September 27-28, 2022
October 18-19, 2022
Audit Refresher
September 14, 2022
October 4, 2022
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Upcoming Disability Management Training |
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In partnership with Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences, AMHSA is offering several learning events related to disability management and successful return to work.
These courses emphasize the skills and knowledge required to return to work individuals who have incurred injuries or illnesses, and provide an introduction to the competencies that are required to introduce and administer disability management programs.
Scheduled courses include: Mental Health Issues, Rehabilitation, and Return to Work; Legislation and Disability Management; and Disability Management in Unionized Organizations. Each course is offered virtually and students will need a stable internet connection, camera, and microphone.
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Legislation and Disability Management |
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Participants will examine human rights laws and the requirement for accommodation as it applies to workers with disabilities. Other acts that impact on accommodation and disability will be considered including labor codes and, in some provinces, the requirements of workers’ compensation acts. Related acts such as safety, privacy and health information acts will be discussed. |
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Date: Thursday, July 14, 2022
Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (MST)
Format: Online
Cost: $250.00
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Mental Health Issues, Rehabilitation and Return to Work |
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A brief overview of mental health issues in the workplace is provided along with a more in-depth focus on stress and depression. Participants will explore symptoms, treatments and disability aspects of stress and depression and strategies for assisting individuals with stress- and depression-related illnesses to return to work. Disabilities that may have a mental health component and the biopsychosocial impact of disabilities will be considered. |
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Date: Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (MST)
Format: Online
Cost: $250.00
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Disability Management in Unionized Organizations |
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Various aspects of labour relations impact disability management, including the collective agreement and provincial labour relations act.
Memorandums of agreement and letters of intent used in establishing programs and joint committees will be examined. Dispute resolution in a union setting will be explored.
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Date: Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (MST)
Format: Online
Cost: $250.00
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Upcoming Psychological Safety Training |
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Psychological Health & Safety |
Register now and use code 50MNPHS for $50 off your registration.
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The Working Mind (TWM) is an evidence-based program designed to promote mental health and reduce the stigma around mental illness in the workplace.
Managers, supervisors, and team leads have a special role in any organization. Building on TWM for employees, the TWM managers course gives participants the practical knowledge to support their employees' mental health and well-being.
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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the support provided to a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis.
While we often know a lot about physical illness, there tends to be less knowledge about mental health or substance use problems. This lack of understanding leads to fear and negative attitudes towards individuals living with these problems. It prevents people from seeking help for themselves and from providing appropriate support to people around them.
Upcoming Course Dates:
- May 25, 2022
- August 24, 2022
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The Mental Health Commission of
Canada reports that
one in every
five Canadians
experiences a mental
health problem
within a given year.
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Upcoming Safety Council Meetings |
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AMHSA's safety councils include the Alberta Cities Safety Council (ACSC), Northern Alberta Safety Council (NASC) and Southern Alberta Safety Council (SASC).
Meetings are held several times a year and open to all municipal members. Agendas include updates from Alberta Labour, WCB-Alberta, and AMHSA, as well as an educational session or guest speaker.
Participants share recent highlights from their municipality including significant incidents, lost time claims, trends, projects, challenges and new initiatives, innovations, upcoming events, audits, etc.
Alberta Cities Safety Council (ACSC)
Date: June 7, 2022
Format: Hybrid, Location: TBD
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Your partner in Alberta OHS education for the past 30 years!
Vision: To be the recognized leader of municipal safety excellence and an innovative provider of education programs
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