News briefs: OHS news from across Canada and around the world

WHSCC opinion survey results released • WSIB Funding Review issues green paper • Carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in all health-care facilities

WHSCC opinion survey results released

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.
— The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC) has announced the results of its 2010 employer and injured worker opinion surveys. Employer opinions on overall satisfaction, effectiveness and fairness have increased steadily since 2002. In 2010, 71 per cent of employers rated the commission as effective in providing services while 70 per cent were mostly or completely satisfied with their overall experience with the commission. More than 80 per cent agreed the commission was fair to employers. Results of the injured worker survey indicated 72 per cent of injured workers rated the commission as effective in providing services and 58 per cent were mostly or completely satisfied with their overall experience with the commission. About 65 per cent agreed the commission was fair to employers. The survey sampled 500 individuals at random. 

WSIB Funding Review issues green paper

TORONTO — In September 2010, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario (WSIB) announced a comprehensive independent funding review chaired by Harry Arthurs, former dean of Osgoode Hall law school and president emeritus of York University, both in Toronto. As part of the WSIB Funding Review, public consultations will be held in major centres across Ontario to gather public input, particularly from employers, workers and labour organizations on a range of issues relating to the WSIB’s financial future. To facilitate the public consultations, the WSIB Funding Review released Funding Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance System: A Green Paper for Public Discussion. The 22-page green paper explains the financial issues confronting the WSIB in simple and accessible language and outlines how to make submissions to the independent WSIB Funding Review.  

Carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in all health-care facilities

REGINA —
The Ministry of Health has ordered carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in all health-care facilities in Saskatchewan. In response to a carbon monoxide build-up incident on Dec. 26, 2010, that was a factor in the death of two Humboldt, Sask., long-term care facility residents, the Ministry of Health has directed the province’s health regions to implement preventive safety measures. “The ministry has directed health regions to immediately develop plans for the appropriate installation of carbon monoxide detectors in every health facility in the province,” said Minister of Health Don McMorris. “We want to ensure they have the procedures and equipment in place to prevent and detect unsafe exposure to this deadly gas.” Health region facility managers are required to buy and install standard residential carbon monoxide detectors. They are also required to seek expert advice about the type, number, location and integration of carbon monoxide monitors needed in their buildings. In addition, they must develop long-term plans to ensure  users of the facilities can be protected from exposure to any leaking gas.

To read the full story, login below.

Not a subscriber?

Start your subscription today!