The Signal: WorkplaceNL's Health and Safety Podcast

Construction workers face a unique set of challenges that can take a serious toll on mental health. The construction industry is both physically and psychologically demanding. Issues such as physical hazards, job demands, job insecurity, lack of control over schedules, and the constant juggle between work and family. The industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is not immune to this issue and there i...

Construction workers face a unique set of challenges that can take a serious toll on mental health. The construction industry is both physically and psychologically demanding. Issues such as physical hazards, job demands, job insecurity, lack of control over schedules, and the constant juggle between work and family. The industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is not immune to this issue and there i...

Manual Material Handling is something we all do throughout the day, whether at work, at home, or anywhere in between. Moving boxes, carrying groceries, gardening, or housework are common activities of daily life. The information presented in this episode applies to everyone. Tune in to hear WorkplaceNL colleagues Cheryl Osborne, MSI Advisor, Colleen Pittman, Health and Safety Advisor, and Kathleen...

True leadership on the frontline begins with strong advocacy for workers' health and safety, and an understanding of the roles we play in workplace health and safety. Kiel Willams, NL Power was awarded WorkplaceNL’s 2024 Safety Leadership Worker Award for being a trusted voice and leader in occupational health and safety. From identifying potential hazards to mentoring new employees, Kiel represen...

Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common occupational disease claim in Newfoundland and Labrador, but it is preventable. Employers must develop a hearing conservation program if their workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels to protect hearing health. DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant, WorkplaceNLis joined by Marta Evstigneev, Coordinator of Education, Canadian Hard of He...

Worker Health and Safety (WHS) Representatives and Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Designates play an important role in developing a positive safety culture in the workplace. Their responsibility is to consult with the employer and workers to monitor the health and safety of the workplace in promoting occupational health and safety. They may participate in workplace inspections, provide advice t...

It’s hard to believe that the CSA Standard for psychologicalhealth and safety was published over a decade ago. It has been a topic of conversation in NL, as well as Canada and other countries. We are seeing the needle move forward on progressive actions, standards, and regulations to support the psychological well-being of workers. The more work being done is leading to new andemerging best practi...

In this inspiring episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Frank Ryan, who transformed his life from being an injured worker to achieving new heights of success. Frank shares his personal background, revealing the learning challenges he faced and how they shaped his resilience. Frank joins Jo-Ann Woodland, OHS Educational Consultant and Kayte Parnell, Case Manager to discuss his successful...

PRIME, WorkplaceNL’s financial incentive program, is changing. New requirements for Path 1 (smaller) Employers are currently in place, while new requirements for Path 2 (larger) employers are being rolled out in 2026. Sheri Philpott, Senior Health and Safety Advisor, joins DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant to review these changes. Learn more about how Path 1 and Path 2 employers ca...

The healthcare industry includes complex work environments, with work activities, professions, and workplace hazards in various work settings. These settings include, but are not limited to hospitals, clinics, client’s homes, and long-term care facilities. Each setting and facility can create challenges for workers, however with challenges come opportunities for improving workplace health and safe...

Where the unexpected energization or start-up of machinery or equipment, or the unexpected release of an energy source could cause injury, the energy source shall be isolated and effectively controlled. Lockout devices secure an energy-isolating device in a position that prevents the energization of a machine, equipment, or process. DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant, WorkplaceNL is...

Is your workplace OHS committee playing an active role in musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention? Are members competent in recognizing MSI risk factors associated with work? Committees should receive education to support employers and workers in finding and controlling these risk factors to prevent MSIs.   In this episode, Linda Sagmeister, Manager of Occupational Health and Safety Inspections, D...

Asbestos is a natural mineral made of fibers invisible to the naked eye. It is durable, fireproof and resistant to heat and chemicals. Asbestos may cause long-term health effects including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma when workers are repeatedly exposed to airborne levels above the occupational exposure limits. Employers, contractors, and owners must make every effort to minimize expo...

The First Responders Warmline (1-709-237-4180) is staffed by first responders trained by Lifewise in the delivery of peer support. The warmline is available to provide mental health support to first responders, so they can continue to help and support others. A first responder is any person who is the first to arrive on the scene of an incident, that include but not limited to paramedics, firefigh...

Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act for occupational health and safety programs and committees came into effect March 1, 2024. These new requirements raise the worker threshold for occupational health and safety programs and committees from 10 or more to 20 or more workers at a worksite. DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant and Jo-Ann Woodland, OHS Educational Consult...

An important part of occupational health is how work and the work environment can affect workers’ health. The provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act requires health surveillance when workers are exposed to particular workplace health hazards such as noise, silica, asbestos and lead. Health surveillance is a plan of repeated and ongoing health checks that can identify any health effects caus...

The physical benefits of regular movement and exercise in improving physical health have long been established. Healthcare professionals encourage us to stay active to improve and maintain good health. Exercise is also considered vital for maintaining mental fitness, and helps to reduce stress. Studies have shown that regular participation in aerobic activity decreases overall levels of tension, e...

Fatigue is a complex issue linked to many factors inside and outside the workplace. It can be a safety and health hazard for the fatigued person and a safety hazard for those who work around them. Fatigue is often caused by several interrelated factors which can be cumulative or build up over time to become hazardous. It is not just about lack of sleep, eating properly, working extended hours/shif...

What we put into our bodies as fuel directly impacts our energy levels throughout the work day. Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet with healthy foods gives our bodies the energy we need to be productive, motivated and better able to manage daily stressors. The best way to ensure you are getting the nutrition your body needs is to your nutrition for the work day which includes whole foods,...

A person’s job and workplace should not harm their mental health. Employers identify and control psychological health hazards while workers tell them what they need to maintain good mental health in their jobs. Many employers and workers recognize this shared responsibility and work together to create and foster a psychologically safe workplace. Understanding the issues of mental health and having...

Occupational health and safety legislation outlines general requirements for preparing and responding to workplace emergencies.  An emergency response plan prepares workplaces to deal with unforeseen situations such as fires, chemical spills, explosions, floods, injury, illness and other crises. Colin Fewer, OHS Educational Consultant - Youth and Aaron Jones, Industrial Hygienist of WorkplaceNL di...

Do you sit for long periods? Is your computer setup making you uncomfortable? Join us as we discuss tips that you, as a worker, can do to achieve a more ergonomically friendly setup. This will help you feel more comfortable and productive at work, as well as reduce the risk of developing an MSI.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring workers know about the hazards in their work and how to work safely. Join us as we discuss how this responsibility relates to MSI prevention, and identifying MSI risk factors in the workplace.

Building a five-minute pre-activity warm-up into your routine can help prevent strain or sprain injury. In this episode, Dr. Mike Wahl joins us to discuss how a proper warm-up prepares your body to face the physical demands of work. Employers are responsible for helping keep workers healthy and implementing a warm-up program as part of the job may be an effective risk mitigation measure for muscul...

Given the shift in Canada's demographics, conversations about diversity and inclusion in the workplace have become more mainstream. With the number of immigrants steadily increasing every year, these conversations of inclusion have become even more critical to make sure organizations are changing to include all workers. The characteristics of an inclusive environment are one where everyone fee...