In 2002 and into 2003, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) silently made its way into Toronto. Within weeks of seeing the first case, Toronto-area hospitals and healthcare providers were dealing with a full-blown pandemic. In the months following the outbreak,…
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was not designed with women in mind, because it was thought that it didn’t have to be: women typically didn’t work in industries where PPE was required. However, that is no longer the case. More women…
In Canada, drug addiction is considered a disability under human rights legislation, such as the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, persons who suffer from drug addictions are protected from discrimination on the job. Clear as mud, right? Not so…
Over the past year, there has been a spotlight on workplace violence, harassment, and sexual harassment. Allegations have run rampant in the media, sports, entertainment, and politics. We continue to hear reports of toxic cultures deeply entrenched in large Canadian…
When it comes to fragrance, the range is vast. From delightfully light, fruity scents, to heavy musks, the variations are endless. So too, are people’s preferences for certain scents. However, preference is moot when it comes to allergies. For some,…
Sometimes, even the most well-oiled JHSC may disagree. Disagreements may include: What constitutes a hazard How to control a hazard Whether or not a recommendation is required The nature of the recommendation Responsibility for implementing the recommended control Disagreeing can…
Right now, Canadian workplaces are experiencing a wellness revolution. Employers have come to recognize the value of human capital and the effect that wellness has on workers. The theory goes, “If we look after them, they’ll look after us.” It…
To err is human, or so the saying goes. But, is it true? The advent of automation has brought automation as a safety control to the attention of many health and safety managers. How does automation impact health and safety?…
Open office plans are trendy. Proponents often point to the collaborative effects and aesthetic appeal. Since open offices are so trendy and popping up everywhere, they must be great! However, there is a serious downside to open office layouts, and…