NS Workplace Safety Action Plan Online Survey-Have Your Say

Our province’s health and community services sectors play a critical role in the health and well-being of Nova Scotians, and combined are the largest industry sector in the province.

Because of the size of these sectors, the high rate of work-related injuries and illnesses, and the risk and impact on quality care outcomes, stakeholders, including employers and unions, are coming together to help bring about change.

Led by AWARE-NS, the Departments of Health and Wellness, Labour and Advanced Education, and Community Services, the Nova Scotia Health Authority, IWK Health Centre, and WCB Nova Scotia are working together to develop a five-year action plan to improve the occupational health and safety outcomes specifically for publicly-funded home care, long-term care, and community services.

Did you know that workers in these sectors are more likely to be injured on the job than any other type of worker? Accounting for 20 per cent of total assessable payroll, the health and community service sectors account for almost 30 per cent of time-loss claims to WCB Nova Scotia. That means three out of ten time-loss claims originate in these sectors.

Nova Scotia needs its care workers healthy and on the job. Knowing that these work environments are very complex, we need to hear from you to better understand what causes injuries, and how we can work together to identify opportunities to prevent injuries from occurring.

Consultation sessions with front-line care workers and managers/supervisors were held in November and December, and now a survey tool is being rolled out to gather more feedback. Maybe you weren’t able to participate in person, or maybe you attended a session but didn’t feel comfortable voicing your thoughts. There is still time to participate and have your say!

Please encourage and promote this brief, 10 minute survey among your colleagues, employees, and in your workplace. We all share the same vision for a safer system – for workers, and for clients. Through education, collaboration, and a willingness to look at things differently, change is possible.

Sincerely,

Susan Dempsey