Research Action Alliance on the Consequences of Work Injury
posted by CUPE Local 1356 @ Monday, July 23, 2007
0 comments
Monday, July 23, 2007
Workers sometimes fear reprisals on safety issues
Cornwall Standard-Freeholder (On)
Friday, June 22, 2007
Page: 6
Section: Opinion
On average, in the last three years, claims reported to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board included 350,000 for occupational injuries and disease and 540 claims for fatalities. As outrageous these numbers are, they indicate that we have a long way to go for healthy and safe workplaces in this province. I believe that a contributing factor is the fear of reprisals that workers face from their employer and another is refusal of Ministry of Labour to prosecute employers for violating section 50 (Reprisals Prohibited) of the Act.
Reprisals by employers against workers who seek compliance with the existing Health and Safety Law have been prohibited since 1971. Despite this fact, the adverse effects to worker health and safety resulting from fear of reprisals continues to remain unaddressed by the Ministry of Labour. The ministry makes no attempt to conceal the fact that they refuse to enforce section 50 (reprisals prohibited) of the Act. In fact website information directed at young workers, clearly states that the MOL will not even make a determination in a complaint under section 50. In addition, to state in their website "worksmartontario" "that it probably isn't a good place to work if your employer reacts by punishing you" if you complain about hazards or exercise your right to refuse unsafe work, is not acceptable and must never be. No worker in this province should lose a job for trying to protect their health or safety.
In support of the fact that in the absence of effective reprisal protection, workers will accept workplace hazards, even putting their very lives at risk. There is no evidence more compelling than that recorded in the certified transcripts of testimony given by workers who worked at the Westray Mine in Nova Scotia prior to the disaster which killed 26 workers on May 9, 1992.
The minister of labour stated the following in the legislature on Feb. 12, 1987. "If Ontario workers are to exercise their rights under this act freely and fully, they must be free from the fear of harassment, intimidation and reprisal. Therefore, the government intends to establish a new office of investigations to help workers exercise this freedom."
Today, no such office exist and no evidence can be found of an employer convicted for violating section 50 of the Act. (Reprisals) Today, MOL inspectors are prohibited from issuing orders under the reprisal section of the Act. MOL still refuses to enforce the legislation prohibiting such reprisals.
Considering this injustice in law, I ask our MPP Jim Brownell, to bring this urgent matter to the legislature. The office of investigations must be established and employers must be prosecuted if they violate section 50 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Rolland Seguin,
Cornwall
© 2007 Osprey Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Page: 6
Section: Opinion
On average, in the last three years, claims reported to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board included 350,000 for occupational injuries and disease and 540 claims for fatalities. As outrageous these numbers are, they indicate that we have a long way to go for healthy and safe workplaces in this province. I believe that a contributing factor is the fear of reprisals that workers face from their employer and another is refusal of Ministry of Labour to prosecute employers for violating section 50 (Reprisals Prohibited) of the Act.
Reprisals by employers against workers who seek compliance with the existing Health and Safety Law have been prohibited since 1971. Despite this fact, the adverse effects to worker health and safety resulting from fear of reprisals continues to remain unaddressed by the Ministry of Labour. The ministry makes no attempt to conceal the fact that they refuse to enforce section 50 (reprisals prohibited) of the Act. In fact website information directed at young workers, clearly states that the MOL will not even make a determination in a complaint under section 50. In addition, to state in their website "worksmartontario" "that it probably isn't a good place to work if your employer reacts by punishing you" if you complain about hazards or exercise your right to refuse unsafe work, is not acceptable and must never be. No worker in this province should lose a job for trying to protect their health or safety.
In support of the fact that in the absence of effective reprisal protection, workers will accept workplace hazards, even putting their very lives at risk. There is no evidence more compelling than that recorded in the certified transcripts of testimony given by workers who worked at the Westray Mine in Nova Scotia prior to the disaster which killed 26 workers on May 9, 1992.
The minister of labour stated the following in the legislature on Feb. 12, 1987. "If Ontario workers are to exercise their rights under this act freely and fully, they must be free from the fear of harassment, intimidation and reprisal. Therefore, the government intends to establish a new office of investigations to help workers exercise this freedom."
Today, no such office exist and no evidence can be found of an employer convicted for violating section 50 of the Act. (Reprisals) Today, MOL inspectors are prohibited from issuing orders under the reprisal section of the Act. MOL still refuses to enforce the legislation prohibiting such reprisals.
Considering this injustice in law, I ask our MPP Jim Brownell, to bring this urgent matter to the legislature. The office of investigations must be established and employers must be prosecuted if they violate section 50 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Rolland Seguin,
Cornwall
© 2007 Osprey Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.
posted by CUPE Local 1356 @ Monday, July 23, 2007
0 comments
Workers' safety is number one concern
Date: June 1, 2007
Source: Cornwall Seaway News
Page: 14
Dear Editor,
I am pleased to respond to Roland Seguin’s letter, which appeared in the Seaway News on May 25, 2007 on the subject of Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) reprisals.
The health and safety of Ontario workers is a key priority of our government and the Ministry of Labour. Our Ministry continues to take strong, aggressive action to ensure that when Ontarians go off to work they come home safe and sound.
Under the OHSA workers have three basic rights:
• The right to participate. Workers have the right to be part of the process of identifying and resolving workplace health and safety concerns.
• The right to know. Workers have the right to know about any potential hazards to which they may be exposed.
• The right to refuse. Workers have the right to refuse work that they believe is dangerous to either their own health and safety or that of another worker. The OHSA describes the exact process for refusing dangerous work and the responsibilities of the employer in responding to
such a refusal.
Section 50 of the OHSA protects workers from reprisal by employers for exercising their rights under the act. If workers believe they have been the subject of a reprisal for exercising their rights under the OHSA, they can make a complaint to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).
The OLRB is a respected, independent tribunal mandated to mediate and adjudicate a variety of labour and employment related matters.
If workers are unionized, they also have the option of filing a grievance under the collective agreement.
These means of resolving disputes related to reprisal allegations are well suited to deal with all of the issues, which often can be complex. The OLRB has broad powers to remedy an unlawful reprisal, including reinstatement if the worker’s employment has been terminated.
Our government is working to reduce workplace injuries by 20 percent through a comprehensive, integrated health and safety strategy using education, training, legislation/regulation and enforcement. Our goal is that by 2008, there will be 20,000 fewer lost-time injuries than would have otherwise occurred, and that this level will be maintained. Lost-time injuries are claims by workers who have lost wages by missing work as a result of a temporary or permanent work injury.
This strategy is being carried forward by our high-risk workplace initiative and the targeted inspection of priority firms. Importantly, this strategy is working. There have been 30,340 fewer lost-time injuries than would have otherwise occurred.
The health and safety of Ontario workers is our number
one concern. Creating safe, healthy workplaces benefits all Ontarians and the Ministry of Labour is playing its part.
Steve Peters, Minister of Labour
Source: Cornwall Seaway News
Page: 14
Dear Editor,
I am pleased to respond to Roland Seguin’s letter, which appeared in the Seaway News on May 25, 2007 on the subject of Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) reprisals.
The health and safety of Ontario workers is a key priority of our government and the Ministry of Labour. Our Ministry continues to take strong, aggressive action to ensure that when Ontarians go off to work they come home safe and sound.
Under the OHSA workers have three basic rights:
• The right to participate. Workers have the right to be part of the process of identifying and resolving workplace health and safety concerns.
• The right to know. Workers have the right to know about any potential hazards to which they may be exposed.
• The right to refuse. Workers have the right to refuse work that they believe is dangerous to either their own health and safety or that of another worker. The OHSA describes the exact process for refusing dangerous work and the responsibilities of the employer in responding to
such a refusal.
Section 50 of the OHSA protects workers from reprisal by employers for exercising their rights under the act. If workers believe they have been the subject of a reprisal for exercising their rights under the OHSA, they can make a complaint to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).
The OLRB is a respected, independent tribunal mandated to mediate and adjudicate a variety of labour and employment related matters.
If workers are unionized, they also have the option of filing a grievance under the collective agreement.
These means of resolving disputes related to reprisal allegations are well suited to deal with all of the issues, which often can be complex. The OLRB has broad powers to remedy an unlawful reprisal, including reinstatement if the worker’s employment has been terminated.
Our government is working to reduce workplace injuries by 20 percent through a comprehensive, integrated health and safety strategy using education, training, legislation/regulation and enforcement. Our goal is that by 2008, there will be 20,000 fewer lost-time injuries than would have otherwise occurred, and that this level will be maintained. Lost-time injuries are claims by workers who have lost wages by missing work as a result of a temporary or permanent work injury.
This strategy is being carried forward by our high-risk workplace initiative and the targeted inspection of priority firms. Importantly, this strategy is working. There have been 30,340 fewer lost-time injuries than would have otherwise occurred.
The health and safety of Ontario workers is our number
one concern. Creating safe, healthy workplaces benefits all Ontarians and the Ministry of Labour is playing its part.
Steve Peters, Minister of Labour
posted by CUPE Local 1356 @ Monday, July 23, 2007
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Big Cost Increase Is Predicted to Treat Ground Zero Workers
The New York Times
July 18, 2007
Big Cost Increase Is Predicted to Treat Ground Zero Workers
By ANTHONY DePALMA
New federal planning documents suggest that the money needed to treat ailing ground zero workers could soar to $20 million a month by the end of this year, up from about $6 million a month now.
The documents, prepared by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, present one of the most comprehensive cost estimates of ground zero health issues. They project that costs will rise because the number of recovery workers getting sick is increasing, and their illnesses are becoming more severe.
July 18, 2007
Big Cost Increase Is Predicted to Treat Ground Zero Workers
By ANTHONY DePALMA
New federal planning documents suggest that the money needed to treat ailing ground zero workers could soar to $20 million a month by the end of this year, up from about $6 million a month now.
The documents, prepared by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, present one of the most comprehensive cost estimates of ground zero health issues. They project that costs will rise because the number of recovery workers getting sick is increasing, and their illnesses are becoming more severe.
posted by CUPE Local 1356 @ Monday, July 23, 2007
0 comments
Thursday, July 19, 2007
23 children visit an Ontario ER daily due to playground injuries
Number of admissions for head injuries declines, though overall number of playground injuries resulting in visits to hospital remains stable
July 18, 2007—Ontario emergency departments received 8,734 visits due to playground injuries in 2004–2005, up slightly from 8,698 in 2002–2003, according to new data released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). The vast majority (97%) of these injuries occurred in children aged 19 years and under, representing 23 visits every day to Ontario emergency departments. As expected, summer is the high season for playground injuries, with 44% occurring in June, July or August.
“Over the past few years, we have witnessed a number of initiatives aimed at reducing the number of playground injuries,” says Margaret Keresteci, Manager of Clinical Registries at CIHI. “While we have not seen a decrease in the overall numbers, the good news today is that in general the more debilitating injuries, such as head injuries, are on the decline. This may be due to changes in the design of playgrounds, such as height restrictions on playground equipment, as well as removing hard surfaces beneath the structures to soften the landing for potential falls.”
For those visiting the emergency department after a playground injury in 2004–2005, the largest proportion (51%), were seen for orthopedic injuries, mainly fractures of the upper limbs (such as a broken arm, wrist or elbow), followed by head injuries (22%). Similarly, for admissions to hospital (of at least one night) the most commonly reported injury was an upper arm fracture (80%). Head injuries sustained in Ontario playgrounds that required admission to hospital decreased substantially from 131 in 2002–2003 to 37 in 2004–2005.
Children aged five to nine most at riskIn 2004–2005, children aged five to nine years of age had the highest number of visits to an emergency department due to playground injuries among all age groups, with 4,744 (representing 54% of all visits) and the highest number of hospital stays of at least one night, with 335 (or 61% of overall cases). Children aged 10 to 14 had the second-highest proportion of emergency department visits for playground injuries (2,018 or 23%). Children under the age of five had the third-highest number of visits (1,469 or 17%), and the second-highest number of hospitalizations for playground injuries in Ontario, with 111 hospital stays of at least one night.
“These data show that kids are getting injured every day in Ontario and some of them are ending up in hospital with serious injuries,” says Allyson Hewitt, executive director, Safe Kids Canada. “We definitely want to see kids in playgrounds, exploring and developing their skills and muscles—it is so important for them to be able to do that. But we want their parents and caregivers to be aware of some of the risks and to understand how to prevent them. Safer playgrounds and close supervision are key to preventing injuries, and with it kids can play all summer.”
Hospitalization trendsThe number of people admitted to a hospital for at least one night for this type of injury decreased from 590 in 2002–2003 to 553 in 2004–2005 (6%). However, when examining trends over a longer period, the number of hospitalizations for playground injuries remained relatively stable, fluctuating from a low of 420 in 1998 to a high of 644 in 1999.
Regional variationsIn 2004–2005, the number of visits to emergency departments because of playground injuries varied considerably from one part of Ontario to another. The southeast region (Kingston and Brockville areas) had the highest rate of playground injuries in Ontario, with 438 ED visits per 100,000 population under 20 years of age, followed by the southwest (London and Windsor areas) with 430 per 100,000, while Mississauga Halton (Mississauga and Oakville) had the lowest rates, with 130 visits per 100, 000 population.
“Our new data tell us that there are regional variations in the number of children requiring care at a hospital after sustaining playground injuries, with visits to emergency or admission to hospital being more common in some areas. Some of the factors that may help explain these differences are availability of playground equipment or tendency for children to use the equipment. Further analysis would be required at the regional level to better understand the specific local issues relating to injuries that occur in playgrounds,” says Keresteci.
The northwest region (including Thunder Bay and Kenora) recorded the highest rate of hospitalizations (at least one night in hospital) with 23 per 100,000, followed by North Simcoe Muskoka (Barrie and Huntsville), with 20 per 100,000. The central region (including North York and Newmarket) had the lowest rate at 12 per 100,000.
Ontario Trauma Registry
Managed by CIHI, the Ontario Trauma Registry (OTR) is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and provides data on hospitalizations and deaths resulting from injury. The goal of the OTR is to help reduce injury admissions and deaths in the province by identifying, describing and quantifying the nature and scope of injury in Ontario. The information is used by policy-makers, researchers, coroners, trauma-care providers and injury-prevention specialists to develop and monitor injury prevention and treatment programs.
National Ambulatory Care Reporting SystemThe National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS) includes data for all hospital-based and community-based ambulatory care, including emergency departments, day surgery and outpatient clinics. The province of Ontario is taking a leadership role in the collection on a province-wide basis of this information, which is used by policy-makers, researchers and ambulatory-care providers to support the study of clinical outcomes and health status of Canadians. The goal of NACRS is to assist with the evaluation of the management of ambulatory care services in Canadian health care facilities and to facilitate provincial and national comparative reporting.
About CIHIThe Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI’s goal: to provide timely, accurate at and comparable information. CIHI’s data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.
posted by CUPE Local 1356 @ Thursday, July 19, 2007
0 comments
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Workers sometimes fear reprisals on safety issues
Workers sometimes fear reprisals on safety issues
On average, in the last three years, claims reported to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board included 350,000 for occupational injuries and disease and 540 claims for fatalities. As outrageous these numbers are, they indicate that we have a long way to go for healthy and safe workplaces in this province. I believe that a contributing factor is the fear of reprisals that workers face from their employer and another is refusal of Ministry of Labour to prosecute employers for violating section 50 (Reprisals Prohibited) of the Act.
Reprisals by employers against workers who seek compliance with the existing Health and Safety Law have been prohibited since 1971. Despite this fact, the adverse effects to worker health and safety resulting from fear of reprisals continues to remain unaddressed by the Ministry of Labour. The ministry makes no attempt to conceal the fact that they refuse to enforce section 50 (reprisals prohibited) of the Act. In fact website information directed at young workers, clearly states that the MOL will not even make a determination in a complaint under section 50. In addition, to state in their website "worksmartontario" "that it probably isn't a good place to work if your employer reacts by punishing you" if you complain about hazards or exercise your right to refuse unsafe work, is not acceptable and must never be. No worker in this province should lose a job for trying to protect their health or safety.
In support of the fact that in the absence of effective reprisal protection, workers will accept workplace hazards, even putting their very lives at risk. There is no evidence more compelling than that recorded in the certified transcripts of testimony given by workers who worked at the Westray Mine in Nova Scotia prior to the disaster which killed 26 workers on May 9, 1992.
The minister of labour stated the following in the legislature on Feb. 12, 1987. "If Ontario workers are to exercise their rights under this act freely and fully, they must be free from the fear of harassment, intimidation and reprisal. Therefore, the government intends to establish a new office of investigations to help workers exercise this freedom."
Today, no such office exist and no evidence can be found of an employer convicted for violating section 50 of the Act. (Reprisals) Today, MOL inspectors are prohibited from issuing orders under the reprisal section of the Act. MOL still refuses to enforce the legislation prohibiting such reprisals.
Considering this injustice in law, I ask our MPP Jim Brownell, to bring this urgent matter to the legislature. The office of investigations must be established and employers must be prosecuted if they violate section 50 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Cornwall Standard-Freeholder (On)
Friday, June 22, 2007
Page: 6
Section: Opinion
On average, in the last three years, claims reported to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board included 350,000 for occupational injuries and disease and 540 claims for fatalities. As outrageous these numbers are, they indicate that we have a long way to go for healthy and safe workplaces in this province. I believe that a contributing factor is the fear of reprisals that workers face from their employer and another is refusal of Ministry of Labour to prosecute employers for violating section 50 (Reprisals Prohibited) of the Act.
Reprisals by employers against workers who seek compliance with the existing Health and Safety Law have been prohibited since 1971. Despite this fact, the adverse effects to worker health and safety resulting from fear of reprisals continues to remain unaddressed by the Ministry of Labour. The ministry makes no attempt to conceal the fact that they refuse to enforce section 50 (reprisals prohibited) of the Act. In fact website information directed at young workers, clearly states that the MOL will not even make a determination in a complaint under section 50. In addition, to state in their website "worksmartontario" "that it probably isn't a good place to work if your employer reacts by punishing you" if you complain about hazards or exercise your right to refuse unsafe work, is not acceptable and must never be. No worker in this province should lose a job for trying to protect their health or safety.
In support of the fact that in the absence of effective reprisal protection, workers will accept workplace hazards, even putting their very lives at risk. There is no evidence more compelling than that recorded in the certified transcripts of testimony given by workers who worked at the Westray Mine in Nova Scotia prior to the disaster which killed 26 workers on May 9, 1992.
The minister of labour stated the following in the legislature on Feb. 12, 1987. "If Ontario workers are to exercise their rights under this act freely and fully, they must be free from the fear of harassment, intimidation and reprisal. Therefore, the government intends to establish a new office of investigations to help workers exercise this freedom."
Today, no such office exist and no evidence can be found of an employer convicted for violating section 50 of the Act. (Reprisals) Today, MOL inspectors are prohibited from issuing orders under the reprisal section of the Act. MOL still refuses to enforce the legislation prohibiting such reprisals.
Considering this injustice in law, I ask our MPP Jim Brownell, to bring this urgent matter to the legislature. The office of investigations must be established and employers must be prosecuted if they violate section 50 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Rolland Seguin,
Cornwall
© 2007 Osprey Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.
posted by Ilpo @ Tuesday, July 17, 2007
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Thursday, July 05, 2007
Fast Facts news from CUPE
FastFacts in your inbox!
Did you know you can get FastFacts by e-mail? To sign up for this service, please send an e-mail to clandry_at_cupe.ca. Make sure to include your name, Local number, e-mail address and province.
Did you know you can get FastFacts by e-mail? To sign up for this service, please send an e-mail to clandry_at_cupe.ca. Make sure to include your name, Local number, e-mail address and province.
posted by CUPE Local 1356 @ Thursday, July 05, 2007
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