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WorkSafeBC Updates
WorkSafe is
beginning to publish some support documentation for the new areas
introduced by Bill 14. The area of mental health recently saw
publication of a resource support document on the website.
The area of Bullying
and Harassment has a similar resource page.
The WorkSafe Board
has yet to approve a revised draft of the Bullying and Harassment
Policy. As soon as new policy is available BCPSEA will review and
revise our support materials for Districts. The Harassment Awareness
Training, March 11, 2013 and the Harassment Investigator Training, March
12-13 and 14-15, 2013 will be updated to include WorkSafeBC
implications. We will also update the on-line course for the
Awareness and Prevention of Harassment.
WorkSafeBC also
approved the release of the draft practise directions for Mental Disorder
claims. There is a sixty day window for input. The practise
direction endeavours to clarify some of the terms in the legislation and
policy, such as: what is a traumatic event, and how is the predominate
cause determined.
New
Videos on Slips, Trips, and Falls
WorkSafeBC
has prepared three video clips related to Slips, Trips, and Falls.
Slips, trips, and falls is the leading category for accidents causing
time loss in the Public Education Sector. These videos use a school
setting and circumstances that most school employees will be able to
relate to.
The
videos can be downloaded from the WorkSafeBC website and may be used to promote a discussion at either a site
Joint Health and Safety Committee meeting or a staff meeting.
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Slips, Trips, and Falls:
School
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Statistics
There were 497
time-loss claims due to slips, trips or falls accepted by WorkSafeBC in
2011 or 32% of all time-loss claims – the number one injury type for all
public schools workers. In 2011 this accounted for just under $3 million
in costs. That does not include injuries from slips, trips, and falls
that were medical treatment only claims.
Leading Causes
Many slip
injuries occur during the fall and winter season. This can, in part, be
attributed to rain, snow and mud being tracked into the school by
students and staff. Sand, bits of gravel and dirt are commonly
called “boulder dust” because they can act as miniature ball bearings
when caught between a hard floor surface and a smooth shoe sole. Dirty
shoe soles are dangerous. Slips commonly occur at entry points, when
changing direction or when “rushing” to complete a task or arrive at
another location.
OHS Regulation Part 8, Section 8.22
OHS Regulation Guidelines Part 8,
Section 8.22
Leading
Causes of Slips
Floor
areas where snow, water or other liquids are splashed or have been
tracked or spilled.
Floor
areas where boulder dust (playground dirt) or gravel have been tracked in
from outside.
- Discarded
and Dropped Articles
Stepping
on paper, pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, clothing or food left on the
floor.
Carrying
bulky objects or objects that obstruct vision; looking back or to the
side while continuing to walk ahead.
- Changes
in the type of Floor Surface
Stepping
from a rug onto a linoleum floor.
Stepping
from a concrete walkway onto a tiled floor.
Walking
around a corner, especially, a heavily used corner.
Shoes
with a low slip resistance e.g. “plastic” soles and heels.
Prevention
Watch where you
are going. Do not rush. Be ready to adjust to different floor
surfaces. Slow down and take small steps when encountering wet and
dry slippery surfaces — especially when going around corners.
Encourage students to use waste receptacles. When possible, ensure
that minor spills or dropped articles are cleaned up. Report any slippery
surfaces to custodial staff as soon as possible.
… and now about
footwear
- Always,
even in dry weather, wipe your feet on the floor mats when entering
the building. This will help to keep your shoes and the floor
free of boulder dust, dirt, mud and water.
- Wear
comfortable, slip resistant shoes.
- Select
shoes with a “large footprint”.
- Avoid
shoes with hard “plastic” soles and heels.
- Maintain
your shoes. If you wear elevated heels, do not allow the heels to
become worn.
Falls from a
height
Unstable
ladders or climbing on desks or chairs are the most common cause of
accidents involving falls from heights.
- Do
not climb on equipment that is not designed for reaching heights
- Use
a well maintained stepladder
- Remove
obstacles before hanging items
Ensure
that employees have received proper training in the correct use of fall
protection, equipment and procedures if he or she is required to work at
heights (i.e. on the roof).
WorkSafeBC possible job
action
WorkSafeBC and the
Compensation Employees’ Union are currently discussing an application for
essential services pursuant to the Labour Code. Once essential
services are determined both parties will be in a position to serve 72
hour notice. We have no idea at this time how this could affect
School Districts. Should job action occur BCPSEA will contact
Districts to discuss the implications.
Have a safe and happy
holiday
Here are some tips for a safe winter
break.
Best Wishes for a safe and
happy holiday from all of us at BCPSEA.
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