Occupational Health and Safety

February is widely recognized as the month of love—Ahem, Valentine’s Day.

While it’s heartwarming to feel your heart skip a beat for someone special, it’s important to ensure those feelings come from love and not underlying heart issues. Heart disease refers to various conditions that affect heart function, some present at birth and others developing over time due to lifestyle factors. Prioritizing heart health is key to reducing risks and living your best life.

Protect your heart by eating well, staying active, managing stress, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, limiting alcohol and tobacco, and getting regular health screenings.

Cardiac arrest—a potential symptom of a heart attack or stroke—occurs when the heart’s electrical activity malfunctions, often without warning. Immediate action, including calling 911, performing early CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED), can increase survival rates by 75% or more. Every second counts in an emergency, so getting first aid certified, learning CPR, and being prepared can make all the difference.

All CTR sites are equipped with an AED. Click the button below for AED training.

What is a Job Hazard Assessment?

A Job Hazard Assessment (JHA) is a structured process used to evaluate job tasks, identify potential hazards, and implement effective control measures.

Job tasks are itemized, and hazards are categorized into four groups: Physical, Psychological, Biological, and Chemical.

Each task is assigned a risk rating based on likelihood, exposure, and consequences, helping determine the appropriate safety measures.

These controls may include Administrative Procedures, Codes of Practice, Best Practices, Maintenance Policies, and Safe Work Procedures.

A JHA is a detailed document, which ensures a safe and informed workplace by outlining the responsibilities of all worksite parties. To maintain safety, all workers must be aware of potential hazards and follow the recommended control measures.

Under Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation, employers are required to conduct and document hazard assessments, as outlined in Part 7(2) of the OHS Act.

All job categories have been carefully reviewed by position representatives on the Joint Health and Safety Worksite Committee.

The next divisional Joint Health and Safety Worksite Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2025.

Occupational Health and Safety information can be found on MyCTR. This includes Job Hazard Assessments for all job categories employed by CTR.

Every site has a designated OHS representative, whose information is posted on the staff bulletin board.

These representatives will be your point of contact for any health and safety concerns you may have.

This ensures a safer workplace and keeps us aligned with OHS regulations.

Across Canada there are laws in place to protect workers on the job. This occupational health and safety legislation outlines three important rights to all workers to ensure they have the knowledge they need to be safe on the job and the freedom to participate in health and safety activities in their workplace.

These rights are:

• The right to know about workplace hazards
• The right to participate in workplace health and safety; and,
• The right to refuse dangerous or unsafe work

In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Management System, all sites actively participate in the inspection program as scheduled. Employees are encouraged to take part, as participation in workplace health and safety is a fundamental right. Any deficiencies identified during inspections are promptly addressed, unsafe conditions are immediately corrected, and equipment is consistently maintained and inspected.

Our Certificate of Recognition (COR) Audit for Occupational Health and Safety will take place this spring, with more details to follow.

Health and Safety Audits consist of three key components: a review of documentation, such as inspection records, site visits, and staff interviews.

Click the button below for your chance to win this month's newsletter prize. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, February 18.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL INCIDENTS (NO MATTER HOW SMALL) AND POTENTIALLY SERIOUS INCIDENTS MUST BE REPORTED TO YOUR ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM AND THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COORDINATOR WITHIN 24 HOURS.

Reported Incidents/Potential Serious Incidents Year to Date Reporting:

• 6 Contact with an object
• 1 Harmful Substance
• 1 Human, animal or insect bite
• 7 Muscle Strain or Back Injury
• 7 Other
• 3 Physical contact with a human - accidental
• 4 Physical contact with a human - intentional
• 10 Slip, trip or fall
• 1 Vehicle accident

All reported incidents have been investigated to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep you safe at work. We encourage the reporting of “near misses,” as they have a potential to cause a serious incident. Please ensure you advise your Health and Safety Coordinator/Administration Team or site reps of all incidents. Click here for investigation outcomes.

It is our goal to educate staff, through newsletters, on the Occupational Health and Safety Program.

All incidents are entered into Public School Works and reviewed at the divisional Joint Health and Safety Worksite Committee meetings.
Remember, most work-related injuries and illnesses are predictable and preventable.

Email: kgeorge@redeemer.ab.ca

Website: www.redeemer.ab.ca
Location: St. Thomas Centre #10. 220 N. Railway Street, Okotoks
Phone: 403-899-8509
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