Chapter 14, Occupational Health and Safety Challenges in Canada

Question 1

Analyze the responsibilities and rights of employees, supervisors, and employers under occupational health and safety legislation

Answer 1

Under occupational health and safety legislation:
Employers:
- Responsibilities: ensure a safe workplace and participate in health and safety committees
- Rights: Expect compliance and cooperation from employees

Supervisors:
- Responsibilities: communicate policies, address concerns, and provide guidance
- Rights: Expect employee cooperation and support

Employees:
- Responsibilities: Follow safety procedures report hazards, and protect themselves and others.
- Rights: To be informed, participate, and refuse unsafe work

Question 1

Explain WHMIS Legislation

Answer 1

WHMIS is a law in Canada to keep workers safe by giving them info about dangerous stuff at work. It needs labels on hazardous things, safety info sheets, and worker training.

Question 2

Analyze in detail three basic causes of accidents

Answer 2

• Chance Occurences: These are unpredictable incidents like lightning strikes causing a power outage
• Unsafe Conditions: Refers to hazardous physical conditions in the workplace that increase the risk of accidents. E.G. slippery floors
• Unsafe Acts: Actions or behaviors by employees that disregard safety protocols or take unnecessary risks. E.G. not wearing PPE.

Question 3

Describe how accidents at work can be prevented

Answer 3

One approach to preventing accidents is to reduce unsafe conditions by identifying and removing potential hazards. Another approach to improving safety is to reduce unsafe acts—for example, through selection and placement, education and training, positive reinforcement, top-management commitment, and monitoring work overload and stress.332

Question 4

Explain why employee wellness programs are becoming increasingly popular

Answer 4

Employee wellness programs aim to improve employees’ health and reduce costs for sickness and disability claims, workers’ compensation, and absenteeism. Wellness initiatives include physical fitness programs, smoking cessation programs, relaxation classes, and heart health monitoring.

Question 5

Discuss 6 major employee health issues at work and recommend how they should be handled.

Answer 5

Substance Abuse:
- Techniques: Discipline, counselling, referral to outside agencies.

Mental Health (Stress, Depression, Burnout, PTSD):
- Techniques: Breaks, counselling services, empowering employees.

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs):
- Techniques: Ergonomics, proper workstation setup.

Workplace Toxins:
- Techniques: Ventilation, protective gear, workers’ compensation.

Smoking:
- Techniques: Smoking cessation programs, government regulations.

Workplace Violence:
- Techniques: Enhanced security, thorough screening, violence training.

Implementing these strategies can promote a healthier and safer work environment for employees.