Canadian Occupational Safety

6 www.cos-mag.com Canadian Occupational Safety WORKPLACE NEWS Nearly two-thirds of truck drivers in pain: Survey A lmost 60 per cent of truck drivers report experiencing musculoskeletal (MSD) pain and discomfort on the job, according to a recent study. "Given the fact that MSDs account for nearly one-half of all work-related illnesses and the transportation sector makes up a significant portion of that, understanding the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders is important," said the lead author of the study, Sonja Senthanar, a doctoral candidate in the School of Public Health and Health Systems at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, truck driving is the second most common occupation in Canada, employing nearly one in 35 males between the ages of 20 and 64. Public health researchers at the University of Waterloo surveyed 107 male truck drivers passing through two popular highway stops in southern Ontario and found that 57 per cent had experienced musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, especially low back pain. They found an association between this pain and discomfort and specific risk factors, including organizational safety climate, level of risk associated with the job, exhaustion from work tasks, being married and having higher education levels — the latter two likely associated with an increased awareness of symptoms. A number of large Canadian carriers have already adopted programs that take a holistic approach to worker health and safety, which include reducing vibration exposures through improved seating, modifying workloads and physical tasks, as well as promoting the overall wellness of drivers by encouraging physical activity and healthy eating. Nova Scotia strengthens apprenticeship system A mendments made to Nova Scotia's Apprenticeship and Trades Qualification Act make for a stronger trades system and increase apprentice safety. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency now has additional tools and authority to enforce certification requirements in the compulsory certified trades. "It's important to ensure industry has access to the skills it needs to contribute to a vibrant economy," said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis. "These changes will better protect the skills and safety of those who work in the skilled trades and support youth in connecting with opportunities here at home." Enforcement officers will be able to inspect employers at any time work is being performed. Associations who register apprentices on behalf of employers and dispatch workers to job sites will be subject to enforce- ment provisions. The changes also clarify the authority of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency when issuing compliance or stop work orders and make it an offence to breach an order issued by an enforcement officer. The maximum penalty has been raised from $5,000 to $10,000 for the first offence and from $10,000 to $50,000 for a second offence. Employers are required to aid the enforcement officer in carrying out their duties. "Strong enforcement levels the play- ing field for those companies who comply with the law and will ensure a safer work environment for all apprentices," said Duncan Williams, president, Construction Association of Nova Scotia. "We are glad to see these changes come into effect." The agency will be able to issue administrative penalties when deal- ing with repeat non-compliance behaviour. Manitoba harmonizes safety regulations with other provinces M anitoba has become the first prov- ince to harmonize occupational safety and health regulations in several key areas to increase labour mobil- ity while maintaining protections for workers. "This past July, I welcomed a com- mitment made by all provinces and territories to take meaningful action to address common regulatory hurdles and reduce trade barriers within their control," said Premier Brian Pallister. "Manitoba is leading the charge. The changes we are implementing will remove obstacles to interprovincial trade and make it easier for individuals to work across Canada." The amendments to the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation include: • updating first-aid kits and first-aid certifications in accordance with the newly developed CSA standard as part of a national system for workplace first aid • extending baseline hearing test requirements from within 70 days of hire to up to six months, and replace annual hearing reports with requirements to report every two years • clarifying existing requirements for the provision and use of several types of personal protective equipment, including high-visibility safety apparel, hearing protection, life jackets and personal flota- tion devices • ensuring a secondary air supply is carried on the person or within arm's reach for workers working in dangerous atmospheres. The changes meet harmonization recommendations of the Occupational Safety and Health of the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation, a cross-jurisdictional advisory and consultative body respecting shared issues relating to occupa- tional safety and health. These changes will enable alignment with accepted practices and requirements in other provinces and break down barriers, the premier said. Manitoba and Nova Scotia have agreed to lead further work by provincial trade ministers on reducing internal trade barriers and red tape in OHS, transportation, agriculture and business registration.

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