OSH Answers Fact Sheets

What is meant by diversity, equity, and inclusion? Diversity, equity, and inclusion promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, especially populations that have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination because of their background, identity, disability, or other characteristics or circumstances.   Understanding diversity, equity, and inclusion includes acknowledging the existence of biases, prejudices, and systemic barriers that can exist. It...

What are wildland fires? Wildland fires are any fires that occur in forests, brush, shrubs, and grasslands. They are a natural part of the ecosystem and help maintain forest diversity and health. They may also include prescribed burns and cultural fires.  What causes wildland fires? Wildland fires are most often started by lightning strikes or by human activity. Between early April and late October, many regions of Canada enter wildland fire season. Hundreds of fires may be burning at one...

What is Ebola? Ebola virus disease (EVD) is caused by a virus in the family "Filoviridae". Viruses in this family are very large and have several long filaments or tails. Five Ebola virus species have been identified. Four of them are known to cause diseases in humans. Unlike small viruses, such as influenza virus, Ebola virus cannot easily pass from person to person in the air and cannot survive for very long on surfaces outside of the body. Ebola virus causes a severe disease...

What are concussions? A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused when the brain is shaken in the skull. A blow to the head, a blow to another part of the body that jolts the head, or any forceful movement of the brain can result in a concussion. Concussions can be challenging to detect because they are not typically visible on routine diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or Computed Tomography (CT) scans.   What are some hazards that can cause a...