Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine is the premier workplace health and safety publication in Canada. We cover a wide range of topics ranging from office to heavy industry, and from general safety management to specific workplace hazards.
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22 Canadian Occupational Safety www.cos-mag.com CANADA'S SAFEST EMPLOYERS Gold: Morguard Investments Category: Wellness SILVER: • PowerStream • Fairmont Royal York Variety keeps employees healthy T hrough their wellness program, the 1,400 employees of Mor- guard Investments can take advantage of a range of initiatives that help keep them fi t and healthy. They can order ergonomic items for their work stations. They can join a national fi tness club at a discounted membership fee. And the new lunch- time cooking classes show them how to prepare healthy meals. But it is the initiatives aimed at promoting mental well-being that may be most valued among employees, says Nancy Rusk, vice-president of human resources at the Mississauga, Ont.-based real estate ownership, investment and manage- ment company. "We try to give employees tools to help build emotional resilience and to manage life events that may affect their ability to function as productive employees and as productive human beings," she says. Many workers turn to the com- pany's employee assistance program (EAP), which provides referrals, information and in-person counsel- ling on such issues as parenting and child care, fi nancial matters, addic- tion, senior care and workplace stress management. On Morguard's wellness intranet site, workers can read articles on reducing stress through techniques such as meditation and yoga. The company offers fl exible hours and allows staff to leave early on Fridays in the summer. "One of the most precious things you can give employees is time, and they are grateful for it," Rusk says. Mental well-being is essential to the happiness and productivity of employ- ees, and companies must take a holistic approach to wellness, says Suman Bhasker, national manager of occupa- tional health, safety and security. "The scope of looking after employ- ees has really changed — we need to look at all factors," he says. All aspects of health are addressed at the annual wellness fair, where employees spend time talking to representatives of police and fire departments, fi tness companies and fi nancial services. Morguard conducts blood pressure, bone density and cho- lesterol screenings for employees and also runs lunch-and-learns on issues such as heart health, strokes and cancer. There is an on-site cafeteria and workers can select healthy snacks from vending machines. Addition- ally, a nutritionist is often available for consultation. The company also participates in Smart Commute, a pro- gram that encourages walking, cycling and carpooling to work. Bhasker believes the wellness pro- gram's success is a result of its variety. It is shaped according to issues impor- tant to employees. "The program is very broad in nature; it hits many different interest areas and so it promotes participation." Risks change over time, says John May, director of risk management and insurance, and Morguard must be able to meet these risks as they change. "Tomorrow, there will be a chal- lenge. We don't know what that is yet, but we need to be in a position that we can adapt and meet employees' needs." "So keeping our residents safe means keeping our staff safe." To that end, she changed some poli- cies and blended others. "CapitalCare really cares about the safety and well-being of both its staff and its residents," adds Courtney Banman, unit clerk. "A safe work envi- ronment for employees is a safe home environment for residents." Belke also brought best practices in ergonomics to the organization, which is headquartered in Edmon- ton, since residents depend on staff to turn, move and lift them in beds and wheelchairs. The top risks for staff are neck, shoulder and back injuries, then slips and falls. According to Belke, staff are protect- ing their backs better now thanks to training and consistent safety practices, so those injuries are declining. Results show that the safety lead- ership initiatives are paying off for everyone. Between 2008 and 2012, the lost-time claim rate dropped 40 per cent and the disabling injury rate (combined lost time and modifi ed work) dropped 29 per cent. In addition, workers' com- pensation board premium rate rebates have been consistently more than double the minimum. Ongoing initiatives to keep safety top of mind are also contributing to the lower injury rates. Among these are training for managers and OHS committee members that includes safe resident handling. Ongoing communications through various print and electronic vehicles are also an important factor to keep everyone updated on safety, wellness and mental health. A staff intranet, regular monthly emails, display boards with topics for staff to discuss, and in-person meetings all keep the safety conversation going. "Safety should be a continuous pro- cess," says Belke. "And we believe that there's always room for improvement." SILVER: • Haztech Fire and Safety • Shepherd's Care Foundation continued from page 21 AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE! desjardins.com 1-888-311-1616 Congratulations to this year's winners of Canada's Safest Employers Award! Employer D salutes creativity and innovation in occupational health and safety! Employer D, scalable solutions from Desjardins for payroll, human resources and occupational health and safety management.