January 2, 2011

Together, let’s go over the precarious nature of our OHS gains.

Knowing the tough roads that our predecessors travelled in order to improve health and safety in our workplaces is something to keep in mind, but it is not the essential fact. What is fundamental to know is that we have rights as workers and, we are responsible for making sure they are respected so that the hard fought gains we obtained are not lost.

Although we are far removed from the age of industrialization when men, women and children were forced to work extremely long hours in wretched conditions nevertheless, some employers sometimes neglect their obligations regarding our health and our safety at work. We become, in a manner of speaking, a party to the lack of recognition of our rights in OHS by not reacting when faced with such an attitude.

Within the context of the Occupational Health and Safety Week, which took place last October, we proposed part 2 of our theme, For a Violence-Free Workplace: Moving out of the Shadow. Indeed, GET OUT OF THE SHADOW! Denouce the dangerous situations that we live with every day. Be informed of our rights in OHS matters. Also show solidarity with our colleagues who try to have these rights respected.

If today we neglect to maintain the safety net built with concrete actions over the years, who knows what tomorrow will hold for us as regards protection of our health and safety at work? Will the netting be strong enough to protect us while performing our duties? It is up to us to see to it now!

Prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and so is respecting our rights!

Do you know ?

When you have an employment injury, the employer can temporarily assign you to work while waiting for you to become able to perform your job or a suitable job even if your injury is not consolidated. However, to be valid, this assignment proposed by the employer must be approved by your treating physician. You can contest the assignment endorsed by your physician if you disagree with him. Find out from your local union team.

The FIQ offers its members a free service of representation when they are fighting a dispute concerning a decision rendered by the CSST. Do not hesitate to contact your local union team if you find yourself in this situation.

Your local union team can answer your questions on occupational health and safety as well as offer you the necessary assistance so that your case makes good progress at the CSST

Did you know that the CSST reimburses 100% of the medications and treatments prescribed for your employment injury? Your local union team can be a useful source of information for you on occupational health and safety issues.