Lakeland Occupational Health & Safety Group Orillia
25 Hunter Valley Rd, L3V 0Y7 Orillia, ON, Canada

Is working from home your new reality? Whether you’re feeling isolated or can’t find a moment of quiet, you might benefit from these tips! https://www.https://www./publicservice/covid-19/mental-health-tips.html

The month of March 2020 is Nutrition Month. Dietitians of Canada is using this month to promote healthy eating habits to Canadians. Want some guidance on healthy eating or help finding a local dietitian? Visit www.dietitians.ca for more info!

Did you know one of the causes of asthma is irritants in the workplace?!? Reduce your risk factors of developing the disease or triggering the symptoms from occupational exposure. www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

Today is World Cancer Day, as led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Around the world today, events are being held to raise awareness and create change. Interested? Follow the link for more information. www.worldcancerday.org

The WSIB is offering minimum rebates of $1,000 for small businesses as part of their new Health and Safety program. This program is to help show businesses the steps to take in order to achieve excellence in health and safety. For more information, follow the link below: https://www.wsib.ca//wsibs-health-and-safety-excellence-pr

Its been known that new and young workers have the highest risk of injury on the job. The Institute for Work & Health recently completed a review on this issue, but we are still not 100% clear on the underlying reasons for the injury rates. www.iwh.on.ca//review-confirms-prevention-systems-message-

Do you know your rights? As a worker in Ontario, you have the right to KNOW about potential hazards, the right to PARTICIPATE in maintaining a safe work place and the right to REFUSE unsafe work. Poster from the Workers Health and Safety Centre:

It's that time of the year again! Driving in the winter can be extremely hazardous, so make sure you are minimizing your risk and arriving safety at your destination. www.cos-mag.com/personal-proce//9-tips-for-winter-driving/

Are you following safe-work practices when on an elevated lift? Know the hazards and work safe!

Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend, and we get an extra hour of sleep! Don't forget to turn your clocks back on Sunday.

Working at Heights safety training works! The Institute for Work and Health has found that WAH training has led to changes in safety practices and a 20% decline in falls!! www.lakelandsafetygroup.com/news/

From October through to the end of December this year, the Ministry of Labour is conducting inspection blitzes on musculoskeletal disorders and respiratory hazards in the Construction, Health Care, Industrial and Mining sectors. www.lakelandsafetygroup.com/news

Happy Thanksgiving from Lakeland Occupational H&S Group! However you spend this long weekend, we hope it's a happy one for you and your loved ones.

Ensure you're working in a safe and healthy environment! Regular workplace inspections ensure potential hazards are identified and correct action taken. Stay safe!

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome: daily exposure to hand and arm vibration by workers who use vibrating tools can cause circulatory disturbances, sensory and motor disturbances and musculoskeletal disturbances. Know how to avoid the risk! www.ohcow.on.ca/hand-arm-vibration-syndrome-havs-3.html

Friday is National Injury Prevention Day! Parachute is a charitable organization that works to help Canadians prevent serious injuries in all aspects of their lives. Check out the information and tools they offer! www.parachutecanada.org//what-is-national-injury-preventio)

Today is International Self-Care Day!! It's a great day to think about what you can do for yourself and your community to improve the lifestyles of yourself and your loved ones. Treat yourself to better health! http://isfglobal.org/practi/the-seven-pillars-of-self-care/

Did you know that motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death while on the job? If you find yourself behind the wheel for your job, are you practicing safe driving habits? Check out this infographic from CCOHS!

It's Canadian men's health week! Remind the men in your life to take care of themselves and work towards living the happiest and healthiest lift they can! menshealthfoundation.ca/menshealthweek/2018/

Are you at risk of developing Work-Related Contact Dermititis? Know the preventative measures you can take and what to do if your are suffering from this. Click on the link below to access resources from CREOD. creod.on.ca/occupational-skin-disease/

Curious about injury statistics from previous years? We always are! The statistics from 2018 aren't yet available, but you can still check out our infographic about 2017!

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Injuries can develop when the same muscles are used repetitively, or for a long time without adequate rest. Ontario has recently updated its MSD guideline to provide current information and tools to workplaces in order to address the hazards of MSDs. View it and the video here: www.msdprevention.com/Quick-Start-Guide.htm

Do you work with asbestos? Do you know the risks?

The final deadline for the transition to WHMIS 2015 is less than a month away! Will your workplace be ready for December 1?!?!

Workplace stress can have a major impact on performance. The idea of "mental hygiene" is beginning to filter into the modern workplace. www.cos-mag.com//34523-managing-cognitive-hygiene-can-hel/

COPD's primary cause is tobacco smoke - but your workplace can put you at risk as well, from dusts and chemicals. This disease develops slowly and gradually worsens. Are you at risk? www.who.int///chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)

How much sleep are you getting?!?

The good news? WSIBs Health and Safety Index scored Ontario an increase of 1.6% in 2018 over last year. The Construction industry had the biggest improvement, with a decrease in the number of severe injuries and an increase of prevention activities. Keep it up! www.wsib.on.ca

This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week in Canada. This annual campaign was established in 1992 and is coordinated by the CAMIMH with the purpose of educating Canadians on the realities of mental illness. To learn more, visit their website: http://www.camimh.ca/mental-illness-awareness-w/about-miaw/

Is mould a workplace concern for you? The inhalation of mould spores can present a serious health hazard to workers, and can grow almost anywhere where moisture is present. www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/biol_hazards/iaq_mold.html

Dropped or falling tools can present a significant risk when working at height. Over 27,000 workplace incidents involving dropped objects are reported in Canada each year. Learn how to secure tools at heights. wsps.ca//Dropped-tools-can-kill-Here-s-how-to-secure-tools

This Saturday is WORLD FIRST AID DAY each year, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in more than 100 countries organize events to raise public awareness of how first aid can save lives. For more information, visit: www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/health/first-aid-saves-lives

Silica is the second most common mineral in the earths crust, and the inhalation of its dust can lead to silicosis, a debilitating lung disease. Exposure to dust containing silica is of particular concern to construction workers. Are your workers trained in the hazards of silica? https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english//pubs/silica/index.php... image credit: Sapia Builders

Are you taking risks when working off an Elevated Lift Platform? Work smart!

Exposed to diesel exhaust? Do you have concerns? Check out this webinar from the OHCOW. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-RMmsYqR-0&feature=youtu.be

The WSIB has a new online tool! You can now find and compare the health and safety statistics of businesses across Ontario, including things like the number, types and seriousness of injuries in any Ontario business. How does your workplace compare? https://compass.wsib.on.ca/?lang=en

It's hot out there! Heat-related illnesses are cause for concern, and with the temperatures out there, knowing how to recognize the warning signs of heat stress and how to beat the heat is important! ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/heat_health.html