Promoting U through Safety & Health

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Do you have a plan? Watch as we challenge young workers to tell us what to do in an emergency at work.

[promotingusafetyhealth]

What would you do if there was a fire in your workplace? Which door do you exit? Should you exit, then call the fire department? What about your co-workers, how will you know who made it out of the fire? Emergencies create chaos. There is a reason why emergency management professionals, like fire fighters, police officers, and rescuers require so much training to do their jobs! Get to know your workplace's emergency action plans so YOU know what to do in the event of an emergency!

[promotingusafetyhealth]

An emergency at work can shut down business operations, cause physical damage, or threaten employees, customers, or the public. Acting quickly in an emergency at work can sometimes mean the difference between life and death, so it's important you know what to do BEFORE the emergency occurs. Knowing your workplace's emergency action plans and practicing drills when they occur is critical to thinking straight in times of chaos. If you don't know what to do, ask your boss for the emergency action plans at your worksite!

[promotingusafetyhealth]

Everyone has the right to a safe and healthy work environment. That includes a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. If someone in your workplace can't get with the program, speak up, document, and report the individual.

[promotingusafetyhealth]

What does nutrition have to do with workplace management? Management's role is to make an organization function effciently, like a well-oiled machine. You're the boss of your body, so focus on foods that will keep you rising to the top, like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and plenty protein.

[promotingusafetyhealth]

Who says safety can't be cool? Meet the Safest Young Worker, who knows that behaviors on and off the job can influence your safety at work.

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For anyone in SoCal or the Southwest, excessive heat warnings have been issued for Phoenix, LA, Las Vegas and record temperatures have already been recorded. Stay safe this week and make sure you’re aware of the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion!

[promotingusafetyhealth]

Many young workers have jobs that require them to be outside, even when it is really hot. Heat is a hazard to safety and health. This helpul infographic shows you how to identify heat stroke or heat exhaustion and tells you what to do if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms. SPEAK UP if you need a break, water, or are starting to fell sick because of the heat.

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Some hazards in the workplace can't be avoided. When this is the case, employers are REQUIRED to provide personal protective equipment like gloves, masks, protective eyewear, hearing protection, or helmets. Your responsibility is to wear the recommended personal protective equipment EVERY TIME you engage in the task. Keep yourself safe and be a good example for others in your workplace. Getting hurt isn’t in your job description. Use personal protective equipment and encourage others to do the same. mass.gov/youngworkers

[promotingusafetyhealth]

Starting a summer job? Young workers are often asked to work alone at night. Unfortunately, this is prime time for workplace violence to occur. So how do you protect yourself? 1. Speak up! Tell your supervisor that you don't feel comfortable closing by yourself. 2. Become familar with your workplace's emergency action plans, so you know what to do in an emergency. 3. Check out the laws in your home state. Some states prohibit young workers from closing on their own.There are also restrictions on how late you can work if you are under 18. Getting hurt isn’t in your job description. Know your rights as a worker and speak up if you see a hazard. For more information visit mass.gov/youngworkers.

[positive-affirmation]

10 Ways to Look After Your Mental Wellbeing (with added kitties)

1. Talk about your feelings

Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.

2. Keep active

Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and can help you concentrate, sleep, and look and feel better. Exercise keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy, and is also a significant benefit towards improving your mental health.

3. Eat well

Your brain needs a mix of nutrients in order to stay healthy and function well, just like the other organs in your body. A diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health.

4. Drink sensibly

We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary.

When the drink wears off, you feel worse because of the way the alcohol has affected your brain and the rest of your body. Drinking is not a good way to manage difficult feelings.

5. Keep in touch

There’s nothing better than catching up with someone face to face, but that’s not always possible. You can also give them a call, drop them a note, or chat to them online instead. Keep the lines of communication open: it’s good for you!

6. Ask for help

None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things don’t go to plan.

If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear.

Local services are there to help you.

7. Take a break

A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health.

It could be a five-minute pause from cleaning your kitchen, a half-hour lunch break at work, or a weekend exploring somewhere new. A few minutes can be enough to de-stress you. Give yourself some ‘me time’.

8. Do something you’re good at

What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past?

Enjoying yourself can help beat stress. Doing an activity you enjoy probably means you’re good at it, and achieving something boosts your self-esteem.

9. Accept who you are

We’re all different. It’s much healthier to accept that you’re unique than to wish you were more like someone else. Feeling good about yourself boosts your confidence to learn new skills, visit new places and make new friends. Good self-esteem helps you cope when life takes a difficult turn.

10. Care for others

‘Friends are really important… We help each other whenever we can, so it’s a two-way street, and supporting them uplifts me.’

Caring for others is often an important part of keeping up relationships with people close to you. It can even bring you closer together.

(Source: mentalhealth.org.uk)

[promotingusafetyhealth]

Cats don't lie! What's true in life is true in the workplace too. Following the examples of these felines can put you on track for a happy, healthy and productive workday. Get out there and have a great day right meow!

[promotingusafetyhealth]

Oregon Young Employee Safety crowns the 2016 Video Contest winners! Check out the videos, and somebody get me one of these clone machines!

[deptoflaborandindustries]

Show me the money: What to do if your boss doesn’t pay you

March 24, 2015 By Kyra Ingraham

You’ve put in a long day of work and you’re just waiting for that hard-earned paycheck. But it never arrives – your employer refuses to pay you.

It’s a situation all too familiar for many hardworking Washingtonians. And one that we can help with. Each year we receive roughly 4,500 worker complaints.

What you can do Businesses are required to pay employees at least once a month, on regularly scheduled paydays. If this doesn’t happen, employees can file a Worker Rights Complaint online or fill out a Worker Rights Complaint form. (You can either download the complaint form or visit your nearest L&I office to fill it out in person.)

When filing a complaint, make sure you include as much information as possible – including the hours worked and wages you believe you’ve earned.

What happens after we get your complaint If we determine you have a legitimate wage complaint, we’ll open an investigation into the situation. Here’s how an investigation works:

Once an investigation is started, an Industrial Relations Agent will contact both you and your employer, and collect records such as paystubs, witness statements and time cards.

If the evidence gathered doesn’t substantiate the claim, the agent will close the complaint with a letter, called a Determination of Compliance.

If the evidence substantiates the complaint, or if the employer fails to respond to the agent’s inquiries, we’ll issue a citation and start procedures to collect the wages owed. (We can’t guarantee collection.)

Either side has 30 days to appeal the decision.

Investigations are usually completed within 60 days. You can withdraw the complaint for any reason during the investigation. If your employer pays the claimed wages or fulfills a negotiated settlement agreement with you, the Worker Rights Complaint will be closed.

What about lawsuits? You can also choose to pursue your own lawsuit instead of going through L&I. However once you have gone through the L&I process and we’ve made a judgment, you can’t sue your employer again through the courts for those same wages.

More information To learn more, visit the filing a Workplace Rights Complaint page on our website.

[promotingusafetyhealth]

Water is free and good for you. Did you know that being dehydrated can decrease your physical and mental performance? Eating plenty of fruits and veggies and drinking a glass of water with each meal will help you stay alert and ready for whatever the day throws at you.

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Healthy Lunch Ideas

[promotingusafetyhealth]

Eating a nutritious meal for lunch can mean the difference between being a superstar employee or a super slug! Fruits and veggies should make up at least half of every meal. Include healthy protein and some fat to keep you satisfied and alert.

[ottawahealth]

Does your workplace influence how you eat?

Author: Sonia Jean-Philippe, registered dietitian

At your workplace think of…

What food is available in the cafeteria and vending machines?

What foods are served at meetings and conferences?

What restaurants do you choose for lunch outings with colleagues?

Would you consider these healthy choices? Foods available at work influence what you eat and how much food you eat.

Ottawa Public Health has established a healthy eating policy to support its employees. This policy guides food served at meetings and events. One of the goals is to help create a healthy food environment. For example, at our recent all staff meeting, the following foods were provided: whole grain bagels with low fat cream cheese, platters of fresh fruit, coffee and tea.

Keep reading

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Where we work can play a role in our health. Workplace policies, like providing healthier food options at the worksite, is a great start to improving employee health.

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Emergencies at work and at home can take us off guard. Knowing what to do in an emergency can make a difference in the outcome. Have you ever used a fire extinguisher?

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Know your hazards and know how to protect yourself in your workplace! Stay safe at work.