The Signal: WorkplaceNL's Health and Safety Podcast

Any injury that arises out of and in the course of a person's employment can be a potential worker's compensation claim. Employers and workers should know how to submit a claim, and what they should expect from the claim process. Join us as we discuss the lifecycle of a worker compensation claim and what employers and workers need to know.

Peer Support is an essential tool to have in your mental health toolbox for those experiencing mental health and addiction issues through sharing lived experiences. DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant, WorkplaceNL is joined by Meghan Riggs, Communications Officer, Lifewise, to discuss the basics of peer support and the process of becoming a trained peer supporter. Lifewise is the onl...

Workplace noise is one of the most common occupational health hazards in Newfoundland and Labrador. Workers who are exposed to noise that exceeds recommended levels without protection are placing themselves at risk for hearing loss. Brenda Greenslade, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Fish Harvesting Association, describes the prevalence of hearing loss in the fishing industry an...

We make every possible effort to prevent incidents and injuries in the workplace, but we need to be prepared in case things don't go as planned. Prompt and effective rescue from work at heights and in confined spaces is a legislated requirement for employers in Newfoundland and Labrador who conduct those activities. It is critical that employers are prepared to respond effectively and efficien...

Every provincially-regulated workplace in the province is required to have a Harassment Prevention Plan. There have been many questions from employers and workers on how to meet their legislative obligations in creating a workplace that is free from harassment. Lisa Kavanagh, WorkplaceNL and Linda Sagmeister, Occupational Health and Safety Division, Digital Government and Service NL,  answer...

Safety leadership and commitment is critical to the success of safety in the workplace.   In 2022, WorkplaceNL introduced the annual Safety Leadership Awards for Employers and Employees.  The Safety Leadership Awards recognize employers and workers who demonstrate leadership and a visible commitment to health and safety in workplaces in Newfoundland and Labrador. Labatt Brewery NL w...

The foundation of a psychologically healthy and safe workplace is respectful and clear communication that builds trust and meaningful interactions between employees. Workplaces should create a culture where everyone can feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns, including mental health in the workplace. The way we talk about mental health is powerful and can either prevent someone from tal...

Employers, supervisors, and workers must understand their respective roles and responsibilities to create a healthy and safe workplace.  Join Sheri Philpott and DeeAnne Feltham-Scott as they discuss Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) responsibilities, the internal responsibility system, and due diligence.  

Move Well – Work Well Week is an annual event in Newfoundland and Labrador to raise awareness of MSIs and find practical solutions for prevention in workplaces. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are painful disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, spinal discs, and related soft tissues. MSIs include repetitive strain and overexertion injuries like sprains, strains, and inflammation. Mov...

Chris Denine was 31 years old and working in building maintenance in Labrador in 2017 when he suffered a workplace injury. Since that time Chris has not been able to return to his pre-injury position, pre-injury employer, or pre-injury region. Following extensive rehabilitation, Chris participated in a Labour Market Re-entry screening, and eventually a full Labour Market Re-entry assessment. Chris...

Mental health is a concern for working Canadians. 70% report that work impacts their mental health, and 78% report that poor mental health is the primary reason for missing work. Canadian employees report workplace stress as the leading cause of their mental health concerns. Burnout is described as emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and being ineffective and unproductive in the workplace caused by pr...

Occupational health and safety committees (OHSC) are a group of employer and worker representatives who monitor worker health and safety in consultation with the employer. Join Jo-Ann Woodland and Valerie Ducey as they discuss practical ways to effectively engage members of the OHSC and the workplace to create a healthy and safe workplace. 

Serious injuries and fatalities are devastating to employees and workplaces and can have long-lasting effects. The Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations require employers to report serious injuries and fatalities to the OHS Division. Employers, supervisors, and workers must understand their respective roles and responsibilities to prevent serious injuries and...

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. The Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that one in every five Canadians experiences a mental health problem in any given year. We tend to know more about physical illness than we do about mental health or substance use problems. This lac...

Marked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy. The National Day of Mourning is not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health a...

The prevalence of harassment and violence in Canadian workplaces has led to changes in OHS legislation throughout the country, including Newfoundland and Labrador. There is growing evidence of the negative impacts these behaviours have on employees’ mental and physical health and safety, and the overall health of organizations and communities. Employers are responsible to find hazards that can lea...

Slips, trips and falls are common workplace injuries that can be prevented when properly controlled. Join us as we discuss provincial injury statistics, causes of slips, trips and falls; prevention strategies, and an important initiative aimed at the prevention of falls in the construction industry.

Mental health and physical health are equally important. As employers, there are many things that can be done to create a workplace that is psychologically healthy and safe for workers. And as workers who share the responsibility in workplace health and safety, there are also activities that can be done to support employers in creating a productive, efficient, and stress-reduced workplace.