The Signal: WorkplaceNL's Health and Safety Podcast

Where the unexpected energization or start-up of machinery or equipment, or the unexpected release of an energy source could cause injury, the energy source

DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant,

Is your workplace OHS committee playing an active role in musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention? Are members competent in recognizing MSI risk factors associated with

In this episode, Linda Sagmeister, Manager of Occupational Health and Safety Inspections, Digital Government and Service NL and Cheryl Osborne, Health and Safety Advisor, WorkplaceNL discusses how to formally and informally inspect workplaces with an ergonomics eye to spot and address early warning signs before MSIs develop.

Asbestos is a natural mineral made of fibers invisible to

The First Responders Warmline (1-709-237-4180) is staffed by first responders trained by Lifewise in the delivery of peer support. The warmline is available to provide mental health support to first responders, so they can continue to help and support others. A first responder is any person who is the first to arrive on the scene of an incident, that include but not limited to paramedics, firefighters, police officers, emergency search and rescue, military personnel and veterans, corrections personnel, nurses, social workers, frontline service providers, first aiders and anyone who identifies as a first responder.

DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant, WorkplaceNL is joined by Jocelyn Dunn, Supervisor and Stephen McDonald, Peer Supporter of Lifewise to discuss this valuable resource for all first responders when they need to reach out to a peer for mental health support and guidance. 

Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act

DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant and Jo-Ann Woodland, OHS Educational Consultant discusses these important changes in relation to managing workplace health and safety and PRIME.

An important part of occupational health is how work and the work environment can affect workers’ health. The provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act requires health surveillance when workers are exposed to particular workplace health hazards such as noise, silica, asbestos and lead. Health surveillance is a plan of repeated and ongoing health checks that can identify any health effects caused by work.

The physical benefits of regular movement and exercise in improving physical health have long been established. Healthcare professionals encourage us to stay active to improve and maintain good health. Exercise is also considered vital for maintaining mental fitness, and helps to reduce stress. Studies have shown that regular participation in aerobic activity decreases overall levels of tension, elevates and stabilizes emotions and moods, and improves sleep and self-esteem. Ryan Osborne, Kinesiologist and owner of Oz Coaching joins DeeAnne Feltham-Scott, OHS Educational Consultant to discuss how regular movement and exercise throughout the workday can help to manage daily stress.

Fatigue is a complex issue linked to many factors inside and outside the workplace. It can be a safety and health hazard for the fatigued person and a safety hazard for those who work around them. Fatigue is often caused by several interrelated factors which can be cumulative or build up over time to become hazardous. It is not just about lack of sleep, eating properly, working extended hours/shift work, or doing physically challenging work. We will explore all the factors that result in worker fatigue, and how employers and workers can manage it.

What we put into our bodies as fuel directly impacts our energy levels throughout the work day. Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet with healthy foods gives our bodies the energy we need to be productive, motivated and better able to manage daily stressors. The best way to ensure you are getting the nutrition your body needs is to your nutrition for the work day which includes whole foods, fruits, vegetables, fermented foods, healthy fats and protein. This may sound challenging for our busy lives, but you don’t have to make big changes

A person’s job and workplace should not harm their mental health. Employers identify and control

Cathy Barrett-Brinson, Senior Health and Safety Advisor, WorkplaceNL talks to Craig Smith, Fire Fighter, St. John's Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) about how they promote workers’ wellbeing and work together to control psychological risks and prevent harm.