This article is adapted from a NIOSH nanotechnology bulletin.   Overview   Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale to produce new structures, materials and devices. This technology promises scientific advancement for many sectors such as medicine, consumer products, energy, materials and manufacturing. Nanotechnology is somewhat loosely defined, although in general[…]

  On January 13, OSHA released a white paper to support its case for the adoption of a federal Injury and Illness Prevention Program (I2P2) standard for all businesses – regardless of size or industry. First introduced in April 2010, the OSHA proposal of an I2P2 standard has since become a top focus for OSHA Administrator[…]

  WCB Alberta’s Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR) program promotes workplace health and safety through partnerships with employers, safety organizations, industry groups, educational organizations and labour organizations. For companies that develop a health and safety management system in accordance with established standards, PIR awards a Certificate of Recognition (COR), and COR-certified companies are then eligible for[…]

  It goes without saying that construction is a high-risk industry, but recent statistics show that the term “high-risk” might be deemed “extreme-risk” instead. In 2010 alone, WorkSafeBC saw some 14,405 claims from BC construction sites. Of these, 7,620 were health-care-only claims, 6,014 were short-term disability claims, and 739 were long-term disability claims. There were thirty-two[…]

  At one time or another, most people are exposed to hazardous chemicals in their course of their work, regardless of the industry or the nature of their position. From custodians to manufacturing workers to greenhouse workers, even to office workers, workers can come into contact with various chemicals that pay pose certain health hazards. Thousands[…]

  Every day, countless individuals face serious hazards when they report for duty as roadside workers. WorkSafeBC statistics show that in the past decade, 386 British Columbia roadside workers have been injured by motor vehicles – with 46% of those injuries deemed as serious, and another 3% resulting in fatalities. The bulk of these incidents have[…]

  We’ve all seen the commercials aimed at those who’ve come into contact with asbestos in the course of their work, and we’ve all seen the warning signs stating that asbestos is contained in building structures. The increasing spotlight on asbestos has many of us wondering “What is asbestos – and why is it so common[…]

  Hazard pictograms are a major component of the GHS (Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Classification and Labelling of Chemicals). The GHS includes two sets of pictograms: one set used for labelling containers and for workplace hazard warnings, and a second set used during the transport of dangerous goods (TDG).   The GHS pictogram is[…]

  The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has introduced a new national guideline, CSA Z1006 Management of Work in Confined Spaces, aimed at better protecting confined space workers from injury – or even death. Regardless of the industry, all workers who work in confined spaces – from miners to wine-makers to welders, even rescue team members[…]

  “Though a grass-roots initiative, The Community Against Preventable Injuries has become a province-wide, multi-partner organization designed to raise awareness, transform attitudes, and ultimately change behaviours. Its goal is to significantly reduce the number – and severity – of preventable injuries in BC.” This quote is taken directly from www.preventable.ca, the Community Against Preventable Injuries[…]