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 is a critical need for conversations aimed at increasing understanding of what workplaces and system partners can do to support the mental health of workers and prevent further loss of life.

In this episode, DeeAnne Feltham-Scott is joined by Tammy McCabe, Mark Balsom and Corey Parsons, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force, for a discussion on the complex factors, limited employer and peer support, negative coping mechanisms, and deeply ingrained silence around mental health in the trades.

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 is a critical need for conversations aimed at increasing understanding of what workplaces and system partners can do to support the mental health of workers and prevent further loss of life.

In this episode, DeeAnne Feltham-Scott is joined by Tammy McCabe, Mark Balsom and Corey Parsons, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force, for a discussion on the complex factors, limited employer and peer support, negative coping mechanisms, and deeply ingrained silence around mental health in the trades.

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 Sullivan, Certification Training Specialist discuss the basics of manual material handling, share relatable stories, and review strategies for smart handling in everyday life.  

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 represents the meaning of leading with action.

 Kiel is joined today by DeeAnne Feltham-Scott and Miranda Brazil, Manager, Safety of NL Power, as they explore the challenges of creating a safety-first culture in the field and how peer-driven initiatives can make a lasting impact on worker health and safety. Wherever you work, this episode highlights that safety leadership begins with each of us.

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 Hearing Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Aaron Jones, Industrial Hygienist, WorkplaceNL to describe hearing loss, explain the contributing factors to hearing loss and outline the elements of a hearing conservation program.

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 to correct hazards and work with the omployer and workers to effectively resolve work refusals.

DeeAnne Feltham-Scott is joined by Kevin Fisher, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Health and Safety Association (NLOHSA) and Charmaine Bungay, Health and Safety Advisor, WorkplaceNL to discuss the vital connection between employers and workers in creating and maintaining healthy and safe working conditions.

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 practices in the field. Cathy Barrett-Brinson, Sr. Health and Safety Advisor and Jordan Friesen, Founder and Principal Consultant of Mindset Mental Health Strategy joins DeeAnne Feltham-Scott to talk more about what psychological health and safety is, what is currently happening in the field and what the future holds.

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 navigation of WorkplaceNL's Labour Market Re-entry Plan, which played a pivotal role in his recovery and reintegration into the workforce.

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 can qualify for their PRIME refund.

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 safety and patient care. Learn more with DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant and Gary Pardy, Provincial Director Employee Wellbeing, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.