Hot Spots September 2006 - Vol. 8
Know Your Hazards – Worksite inspections Regulation 3.5-3.8
Who does inspections? Union stewards on Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committees have the responsibility with the employer representatives to perform worksite/workplace inspections. When are they done? [Printable PDF format: 76 kb] More...

Hot Spots May 2006 - Volume 7
Danger: Radiation Exposure from Fluoroscopy and X-rays
Ionizing radiation is extremely dangerous and potentially lethal. There is a significant risk of thyroid and breast cancer for nurses assisting with procedures that use fluoroscopy and x-rays. Staff must use proper protective equipment at all times.[Printable PDF format: 68 kb] More...

Hot Spots July 2005 - Volume 6
Decontaminating persons exposed to hazardous substances
In a recent incident a patient was brought in to an emergency department in an agricultural region who had drank and poured paraquat on himself. Paraquat is an herbicide widely used in agriculture. It is highly toxic.[Printable PDF format: 75 kb] More...

Hot Spots December 2004 - Volume 5
In Sickness and in Health - using the Auditor General’s report to push for healthier workplaces
In a hard-hitting report, BC’s Auditor General has given Health Authorities a failing grade when it comes to creating healthy work environments for their employees.[Printable PDF format: 23 kb] More...

Hot Spots October 2004 - Volume 4
Auditor General’s Report 2004/2005 expressed deep concern for the lack of attention to work environment and workplace stress.
This report provides strong direction to the Health Authorities and the Government to improve workplace health. The report examines the cost to the health care system from under managing the workplace environment. [Printable PDF format:20 kb] More...

Hot Spots September 2004 - Volume 3
Organizations, Executives and Managers now held criminally accountable for serious injury or death to workers
On March 31, 2004, changes to the Criminal Code came into effect that hold organizations and their employees accountable.[Printable PDF format: 20 kb] More...

Hot Spots July 2004 - Volume 2
“Cost Effective” Cleaning: Is it Health Effective?
The race to the bottom for cleaning services is coming at a significant cost to patients and nurses. Outsourced services have resulted in poor quality of housekeeping, laundry service and infection control which puts patients and nurses at significant risk ...[Printable PDF format:31 kb] More...