Creating a Culture of Well-being

Question 1

What is organizational culture?

Answer 1

collective understanding of beliefs and values that guide how employees act (‘personality’ of organization)

Question 2

What is the impact of organizational culture?

Answer 2

compass/guide for employee actions
dictates the focus of the organization
affects overall success of organization

Question 3

What is employee engagement?

Answer 3

commitment and dedication employee has towards organization (employees fully ‘on board’)

Question 4

what are some H&S concerns for employers?

Answer 4

occupational injury
occupational illness
industrial disease (specific)

Question 5

What are types of stress disabilities?

Answer 5

physical injury -> mental disability
mental stress -> physical disability
mental stress -> mental condition

Question 6

What responsibilities does the employer have to maintain good H&S? (8)

Answer 6

provide hazard free workplace
comply with laws/regulations
inform employees about H&S requirements
keep records
compile annual summary of injuries/illnesses
ensure supervisors familiar with work and hazards
report accidents to WCB
provide safety training

Question 7

What responsibilities does the worker have to maintain good H&S (4)

Answer 7

comply with laws and regulations
report hazardous conditions and defective equipment
follow H&S rules
refuse unsafe work

Question 8

What responsibilities does the supervisor have to maintain good H&S (4)

Answer 8

advise employees of potential hazards
ensure workers use safety equipment
provide written instructions
take every reasonable precaution to guarantee worker safety

Question 9

What responsibilities does the Joint H&S committees have to maintain good H&S

Answer 9

advise employer on H&S matters
make environment that values H&S (nonadversarial)
investigate incidents
train others in safety obligations

Question 10

What is in charge of H&S in quebec?

Answer 10

CSST (commission de la sante et de la securite du travail du quebec)

Question 11

What are the rights of the employer according to CSST?

Answer 11

to receive training and obtain info on occupational H&S

to seed out support/advice regarding prevention process

Question 12

What are employers obligations according to CSST? (7)

Answer 12

identify/control/eliminate hazards

• ensure safety of equipment, tools, work methods, make sure properly used
• inform about job related risks
• give training to ensure they perform tasks safely
• supervise work, ensure adherence to standards
• offer medical attention (first aid) on site
• develop prevention program

Question 13

What can worker’s compensation comprise of? (4)

Answer 13

cash payouts (perm disability)
wage loss payment (if absent/ill, cannot work and earn)
medical aid on site
vocational rehab

Question 14

What is the goal of workers compensation?

Answer 14

return employee to his/her original job

Question 15

What are ways to reduce worker compensation costs for a company?

Answer 15

1. perform audit to assess high risk areas
2. prevent injuries: proper ergonomic design and assess job candidates
3. quality medical care
4. effective communication between employer and injured worker
5. manage care of injured worker until they return
6. extensive worker training for H&S

Question 16

What are the purposes of a safety program? (3)

Answer 16

1. promote safety awareness
2. enforce safety rules
3. investigate accidents + keep records

Question 17

What is the most important role of a safety program? What are the key aspects?

Answer 17

promoting safety awareness

managers are good role models, employees willingly obey safety rules (actively involved)

Question 18

How should safety rules be enforced?

Answer 18

communicate specific expectations and standards to workers

specify penalties and apply consistently

Question 19

Records can have accidents expressed as ____ rates, calculated as: _____

Answer 19

incidence

injuries/illness x200 000/total hrs worked

Question 20

What are examples of H&S issues? (physical health) (5)

Answer 20

hazardous materials
indoor air quality
technology
cumulative trauma disorders (musculoskeletal)
communicable diseases

Question 21

_____ is the source of info for hazardous materials

Answer 21

WHMIS (workplace hazardous materials info sheet)

Question 22

H&S issues can be related to ____ health, __________, or ____ health

Answer 22

physical health
workplace security
psychological health

Question 23

What can be done to improve workplace security and reduce workplace violence? (8)

Answer 23

• establish violence policy and standards
• risk assessment
• control hazards through workplace design/practices
• inspect regularly
• include domestic violence issues in program
• educate employees
• develop safety plan, and personal safety plan (if reported)
• ## act on reports immediately

Question 24

What is workplace stress?

Answer 24

demand caused by physical, mental, or emotional factors that requires coping

Question 25

Examples of workplace stress causes: (8)

Answer 25

role overload (overworked)
role ambiguity (unclear expectations)
role conflict (incompatible)
poor work/life balance
lack resources, autonomy, communication, recognition
changes in org.
excess pressure
unstable job/income
conflict

Question 26

What 2 things can employers do to create a culture of wellbeing?

Answer 26

provide better health benefits

acknowledge relationship between physical/emotional health and performance

Question 27

What are tools to make a healthy work environment? (5)

Answer 27

health services
alternative approaches (relaxation, chiropracter…)
wellness programs (exercise, nutrition)
disability management
employee assistance programs (psychological)