Safety Bulletins

Product Recall Advisories

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) - Recalls

Health Canada - Advisories

 

WSCC Safety Bulletins

Detailed recordkeeping is essential for all training programs. Good records make tracking a worker’s training simple and efficient, and will help prompt supervisors when refreshers or annual training are needed. Training records are reviewed during… more

On October 12, 2021 Iqaluit City Council declared a state of local emergency due to the possibility of petroleum hydrocarbons at the Iqaluit water treatment plant. The Government of Nunavut is advising Iqalummiut not to consume tap water for… more

De-energization is removing energy from machinery or equipment. Lockout is the use of lock(s) to make machinery or equipment inoperable, or to isolate an energy source in accordance with a written procedure.

Northern winters can bring extreme cold, which often means lead-acid car batteries need charging, and sometimes a boost. When a battery is charging, dangerous explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen can form. If ventilation is poor, the hydrogen… more

Employers have always been responsible for ensuring their workers are able to perform work safely. This has not changed with the legalization of recreational cannabis. Impairment (also known as unfit for duty/work) due to cannabis use can have… more

Employers will need to update their first aid kits to meet the requirements of the amended OHS Regulations and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z1220-17.

On January 1, 2021, changes to Part 5 First Aid of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut will go into effect.

COVID-19 can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets containing the virus. To work safely, find out what level of protection you need.

Respiratory viruses like influenza and the common cold circulate regularly. They spread by coughing, sneezing, shaking hands with a sick person, or touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Using safe work… more

Mental and/or physical exhaustion can cause fatigue and lead to unstable decision-making and poor body ergonomics. Impairment (also known as unfit for duty/work) due to fatigue at any worksite can have severe consequences for not only the… more

Individuals do not often consider prescription or over-the-counter medication as something that could affect their ability to perform their work safely. Medication and the effects of illness can greatly impact whether or not an individual is fit to… more

The term impairment refers to a variety of conditions and/or substances that impact a worker’s normal ability to work safely. Impairment can come from fatigue, stress, illness, or the use of alcohol, illicit drugs, prescribed and over-the-counter… more

Impairment (also known as unfit for duty/work) resulting from alcohol use can have severe consequences for not only the impaired worker, but also their co-workers, supervisor, and employer. Employers must ensure that all of their employees are able… more

The return of the midnight sun means that many of us will take advantage of the great outdoors between now and the end of August. Whether you work outdoors or simply enjoy the sun for recreational purposes, you need to consider your health and… more

Bullying usually involves repeated events or a pattern of behaviour that is meant to threaten, offend, insult, or embarrass a particular person or group of people. Sometimes bullying can also involve negative physical contact. Workplace bullying… more

The adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) into WHMIS harmonized Canada’s chemical hazard communication system with those of other countries. 

Synthetic web slings are lightweight and flexible flat rigging usually made of nylon or polyester. They are affordable, non-sparking, and offer good protection from damaging machined parts. It is very important that synthetic web slings are… more

Sprain and strain injuries are the leading cause of time loss injuries for workers across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Grinders, or tools that use abrasive/grinding wheels and discs, are commonly found on many worksites and in our homes. To use them safely, it is important to note that rotating grinding wheels and cutting discs can break, causing the potential for… more

Workers face an increased risk when they work on roadways. Employers must develop and implement a written Traffic Control Plan that protects workers from traffic hazards, while upholding the applicable standards of the Northwest Territories’ Public… more

Slips, trips, and falls remain a major cause of injury in the workplace. Risk is higher from autumn to spring, with most incidents occurring in winter. During winter months, WSCC manages an average of one claim per day. At least one incident during… more

The adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in WHMIS harmonized Canada’s chemical hazard communication system with those of other countries. This is a guide to WHMIS 2015 components.

The label is the worker’s first source of information about the product’s hazards. In WHMIS 2015, the labels of hazardous workplace products must display the information elements shown below:

The label is the workers’s first source of information about the hazards of a product. In WHMIS 2015, the labels of hazardous products must display the information elements shown below: 

For earplugs to protect you from high noise levels, you must insert them correctly.

Safe Ladder Set-up and Use Select the right ladder for the job. Inspect the ladder before use; look for broken rungs and cracks. Use a ladder best suited for the landscape, like those with non-slip feet or spikes. Setup ladders away from doors… more

Employers and workers must comply with the Safety Acts and applicable regulations when removing mould-contaminated materials from the workplace.

Hearing loss can result from exposure to sound levels at or above 85 decibels (dBA) for extended periods of time.

Safe Scaffolding Set-up: Train all workers on safe scaffold installation. Use proper fall protection. Carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe set-up.

Traffic Control Persons (TCPs), or Designated Signallers, give clear instructions to anyone (motorist, cyclists, and pedestrians) moving through a work zone.

Workers face increased risks when working alone. The severity of the risks depends on location; type of work; public interaction; and consequences of potential emergencies, accidents or injuries.

Employers who use elevated work platforms, often attached to self-propelled ‘zoom-boom’ type mobile equipment, must make sure these platforms meet the safety standard for this type of equipment. Platforms that do not meet this standard increase the… more

Every year in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, workers suffer serious injuries because of falls from heights. A serious or fatal injury could occur if a worker falls from a height of 3 metres or more. Falls are a particularly serious problem… more

Every year in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, workers suffer serious injuries. Anyone who lacks training and experience is at risk of getting injured. Young Workers rely on their supervisors for training and guidance. It is key for the… more

Asbestos is a hazardous material. Asbestos fibres are extremely fine and can remain suspended in the air for hours; exposure to asbestos occurs when workers inhale air containing asbestos fibres.

External Bulletins & Alerts

Who is at risk from wildfire smoke exposure?  Not everyone exposed to wildfire smoke will be affected in the same way. Individuals at increased risk for adverse health effects include: people with existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions,… more

Be ready for the flu and other infectious diseases in the workplace.

Falls from height are a leading cause of injury for commercial drivers. Jumping from cabs and trailer decks can result in serious injuries.

On August 31, 2015, a contract mechanic was using the shop bay crane to position a drive chain in the drive case. When he used the crane control to move the chain the free end of the cable sling hooked the edge of the drive case. The cable end shot… more

Inspection notice for GFP products featuring a possible unsafe condition due to a supplier defect in a specific style of swivel snaphook supplied to Guardian between 8/26/2011 and 6/25/2012.

Friday Nightshift 7th May 2010, D Crew

Sunday February 12, 2012 @ 7:30 am an Emeco field mechanic was completing his weekly service vehicle inspection. He grabbed the fire extinguisher mounted in his truck and noticed that the powder contents had settled at the bottom of the canister. He… more

A pressurized fire extinguisher mounted to a Dozer ruptured and exploded due to loose mounting. The friction from the bracket strap rubbing against the fire extinguisher resulted in fatigue cracking of the fire extinguisher canister.

On February 28, 2012, a contract rigger at the CLEU-2 T/A was injured when a carry deck crane outrigger was lowered onto his right foot. The contractor was examined at a local hospital where x-rays revealed two fractures to the foot. The incident is… more

On September 6, 2013 during the routine maintenance of frac equipment, a vacuum truck operator was sucking out the chemical totes at the blender. During this task one of the hoses became plugged. The vacuum truck operator took the suction hose with… more

Knives can be a useful tool in our work place. However, knives are often used as ‘all purpose’ tools and can result in injuries.

A three person Hydro crew (pipefitters) were tasked to lower a 20-pound propane cylinder from a deck approximately 60 feet above grade using a rope and a propane cylinder sling. A quick release knot was used to secure the rope to the propane… more

Provide a simple ‘rule-of-thumb’ method for identifying which GNWT structures are potentially at risk of developing snow overloading during any one winter, applicable to every community in the NWT, and applicable to GNWT-operated buildings.

Signs and symptoms of an insect bite/sting result from the injection of venom or other substances into your skin. The sting sometimes triggers allergic reaction. Severity of your reaction depends on your sensitivity to the venom or substance and… more

On September 27th, worker was installing ground wire. While stripping the insulation covering off the wire, the knife blade slipped, cutting through the worker’s leather glove. This resulted in a laceration to the base of the thumb. The worker… more