December 2, 2011

The holiday period is around the corner. It’s time to take a look at our actions over the last year. We should collectively review to see if we have really been model workers regarding occupational health and safety in our workplaces.

For example, the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires all workers to declare risk situations that exist in their work environment. Have we protected our occupational health and safety by declaring such situations? The Act also provides for the reassignment of the pregnant or breastfeeding worker who submits a medical certificate to her employer that indicates the working conditions that include hazards for her or her unborn or breastfeeding child. Did we make sure this certificate was completed properly? If yes, did we respect it and have it enforced or did we instead choose not to so as not to upset our colleagues or simply because the proposed assignment didn’t suit us? As a colleague, did we support one of our peers when she exercised her right as a worker or did we say that this worker was abusing the system or “that she was faking”? Those are good questions to ask ourselves, don’t you think?

We often criticize the fact that the employer does nothing concerning the occupational health and safety in our institution. But, what share of the responsibility are we really taking? How does the saying go? God helps those who help themselves?

Let’s assume our responsibilities as workers in 2012. Individually, take control of our occupational health and safety. Make sure our rights are respected. Support those who try to do this. Act in such a way as to uphold the letter and the spirit of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Would that be the nicest gift to give ourselves?

Do you know ?