August 2015 - Highmark Safety

Work Related Injuries in Canada

August 12, 2015

In 2014 there were just under 170 workplace fatality claims in Alberta, and over 27,500 lost time claims due to workplace injury. These numbers may seem high, however as only half of all injured workers file claims for lost time, they are likely much higher.

Injuries by the Industry*

Just under 1 in 10 trades workers will be injured on the job in Canada.

7% of all kitchen staff will be injured.

13% of all machines, erectors and metal formers will be injured on the job.

6% of manufacturing assemblers will be injured on the job.

10% of all mechanics will be injured on the job.

Where on the Body are Canadians Injured*

28% of all workplace injuries in Canada are to the hand
29% of all injuries in the Trades are to the hand
16% of all workplace injuries are to the lower back

Costs of Workplace Injury for the Worker

Lost or reduced income
Medical expenses
Long term health problems
Burdens on the family
Difficultly finding new employment

Costs of Workplace Injury for the Employer

Medical costs
Lost Productivity
Damage to machinery
Replacement work training expenses
Tensions in labour relations

The costs of workplace injury range from financial burdens from reduced income, to strain on relationships as family members attempt to make up for lost income or take on a caregiver role for the injured worker. Injured workers may experience difficulty returning to the workplace as health problems from accidents can linger for years. Employers will experience difficulty finding replacement for injured workers while they are out recovering. Workplace injuries affect more than just the injured worker.

Highmark Safety have a range of experienced staff that can help keep your workplace safe and accident free.

Call us today to find out about a safety program that works for you.

*http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2006007/article/injuries-blessures/t/4149013-eng.htm

*http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2006007/article/injuries-blessures/t/4149014-eng.htm

http://work.alberta.ca/occupational-health-safety/781.html

http://work.alberta.ca/documents/2015-workplace-incident-fatalities.pdf

TORNADO SAFETY TIPS

August 10, 2015

TORNADO SAFETY TIPS
Central Alberta has recently experienced severe thunder storms producing large hail, funnel clouds and a tornado touched down just outside of the Calgary city limits. This alert has been developed to communicate information on warning signs and procedures in the event that severe weather develops.

Tornadoes are violent by nature. They are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground.

Know the difference:

Tornado Watch – Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives!

Tornado Warning – A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. If possible, go immediately under ground to a basement or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom).

Watch for tornado warning signs:

Dark, often greenish clouds – a phenomenon caused by hail
Large hail
Wall cloud – an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm
Roaring noise
Funnel cloud – a visible rotating extension of the cloud base
Cloud of debris

Get to the safest place:

The safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement or safe room.
If no underground shelter or safe room is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative.
If you are caught outdoors and cannot quickly walk to a shelter:
Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park. Now you have the following options as a last resort:
- Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible.

If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands