|
Welcome to Health, Safety and Risk Management's Workplace Well-Being Newsletter. This communication will be sent on a quarterly basis to all McMaster Employees, to help you stay connected on all things Health, Safety, and Well-being related.
|
|
|
|
Safety and Health Week
Our team is excited to promote Safety and Health Week also known as NAOSH Week. We will be offering a number of virtual sessions May 3rd to 7th for the broader McMaster community in recognition of this important week. This year is McMaster's 25th year recognizing and celebrating this week!
Safety and Health Week or NAOSH week is a continent-wide annual event spanning the countries of Canada, United States and Mexico. The goal of this annual event is to focus the attention of employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of health and safety to reduce injuries and illnesses in the workplace, at home and in the community. We invite you to show your commitment and support by taking part in our initiatives offered this week.
Health and Safety Award of Excellence
This year we have received several nominations for the Health and Safety Award of Excellence. Nominations are now closed. This award will be presented to an individual and/or group from our McMaster community who has done an outstanding job of promoting health, safety and wellness in the workplace. The award recipient(s) will be announced via video message by our President and Vice-Chancellor David Farrar during Safety and Health Week.
Safety and Health Week - Virtual Session Details and Registration Information
Dr. Peter Keir - Ergonomic Tips
When: Monday May 3rd, 1:00 p.m.- 1:45 p.m.
Register for Ergonomic Tips
As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, many have adjusted to a “new normal” of working remotely. For that reason, more than ever it is essential to have a safe and comfortable home workstation. Incorporating ergonomics into your home workstation set-up both reduces the likelihood of a musculoskeletal injury and improves efficiency and productivity. Dr. Peter Keir, Professor & Associate Chair, Graduate Studies, Department of Kinesiology, will review the importance of ergonomics, risks associated with poor body position when sitting for prolonged periods, and best practices for setting up your home workstation.
Dr. Allan Rosenfeld - Things I've Learned about Myself During the Pandemic
When: Tuesday May 4th, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Register for Things I've Learned about Myself During the Pandemic
We have been in the pandemic for 13 months now and Dr. Rosenfeld, McMaster's Occupational Health Consultant will outline many changes that he's noted both in himself and others during the course of the pandemic and various lockdowns.
Please join and listen to this entertaining presentation on how we each learn to cope during the pandemic and the importance of support and resiliency.
Dr. Karen Mossman (VPR) - COVID vaccines: How Do They Work and What Should I Know?
When: Wednesday May 5th, 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.
Register for COVID Vaccines: How Do They Work and What Should I Know?
COVID vaccines have dominated the media lately, with questions about safety and efficacy. As vaccine rollout continues, it is important to understand how vaccines work, how they are generated, how they are tested for safety and how efficacious they are, particularly given that in Canada, the “second shot” has been delayed beyond what is typical. Here, Dr. Karen Mossman will give an overview on COVID vaccines and where we currently are in the process.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Roger Couldrey and Dane DeMan Discuss COVID-19 and Safety at McMaster
When: Thursday May 6th, 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Register for CCOHS
Join Vice-President (Administration), Roger Couldrey and EOHSS Team Lead, Dane DeMan as they co-host with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) to discuss health and safety during COVID-19, lessons learned and how we keep the importance of safety top of mind as we move past the pandemic. **This webinar will be hosted by CCOHS and broadcasted nationally. Registration for this event will give you access to other virtual events offered by CCOHS during Safety and Health Week.**
Hospitality Services - Chef David's Jambalaya Dish
When: Friday May 7th, 11:00 a.m.- 11:45 a.m.
Register for Chef David's Jambalaya Dish
Don’t miss out on our final session for Safety and Health Week and join Hospitality Service’s Chef, David Fisher. Chef David will be walking us through how to prepare a delicious dish of jambalaya with some meatless options. Chef David will be reviewing some important safety tips, including knife, cutting board safety and cooking with oil. Also learn more about a new initiative from Hospitality Services! **Looking for ways to spice up your meals at home? Hospitality can help with their pre-packaged meals full of fresh ingredients you will need and recipes to prepare at home.
|
|
Mental Health Week: May 3-9
Each May, Canadian workplaces, schools and communities work to promote and support mental health. The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week is understanding our emotions. Join us for these Mental Health Week virtual sessions:
Values Based Self Care
When: May 4th, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Register for values-based self-care
Taking care of ourselves has become one of the most important, yet most challenging tasks we face in today’s landscape. With increasing work and family demands, we often forgot to look after ourselves. As part of Mental Health Week, this session will look at methods to practice self-care that leverage the values that are most important to us. Participants will learn four key pillars of value-based self-care, and how to implement them in a way that works best for them.
Anxiety, Depression and COVID-19: Supporting Yourself and Others
When: May 6th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Register for Anxiety, Depression and COVID-19
This session will help participants understand anxiety and depression and equip them with strategies for regulating their own emotions and tips for supporting others who may be experiencing difficulties.
Learn more about these and other upcoming sessions and register on our HR Events page.
|
|
Risk Management Manual Updates (RMM)
The following RMM Programs have been updated and approved by Senior Management:
- RMM 100 Workplace and Environmental Health and Safety Policy
- RMM 506 Battery Disposal and Recycling Program
For a full listing of RMMs please visit our website.
|
|
|
Day of Mourning
The National Day of Mourning is observed annually on April 28th to remember those who have died, or were injured or made ill, from their work. On this day, we honour the many families and friends who have been deeply affected by these tragedies. As well, we acknowledge the sacrifices of frontline and essential workers who have died or become ill serving during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage the McMaster community to pause at 11am on April 28th for a moment of silence.
|
|
Employee and Family Assistance Program
If you are looking for additional resources for you and/or your family during this difficult time visit the Homewood Health website.
|
|
|
What's Happening This Month
Welcome Back Dave Tucker
After a few years abroad, Dave Tucker, formerly of the International Atomic Energy Agency, will be returning to McMaster to take up the position as AVP Research, Nuclear.
Dave has a long history with McMaster, beginning as a student and then returning to spend almost 20 years as Director of Risk Management and finally as Senior Health Physicist. His background and knowledge will be a tremendous asset to McMaster in this new role.
As AVP Research, Nuclear, Dave will help McMaster expand its role and global importance in the nuclear industry. From medical isotopes to innovative technologies and groundbreaking research, our nuclear facilities have moved to the forefront of international recognition. With Dave’s help and expertise, McMaster is well positioned to be a leader in bringing nuclear solutions to change the lives of future generations.
|
|
|
|
|
