Podcasts - Health and Safety To Go!

CCOHS produces FREE monthly podcasts designed to keep you current with information, tips and insights into the health, safety and well-being of working Canadians. We call it "Health and Safety To Go" because you download and listen to the podcasts at your own convenience. Subscribe on iTunes so that you don't miss a single episode!


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Musculoskeletal Disorders and Mental Health  New

17:46 min.
Dr. Heather O’Reilly (nee Johnston) from McMaster University discusses the connection between musculoskeletal disorders and psychological factors, and what workplaces and workers can do to limit risks for injuries.
RELEASED: February 01 2024
FILE SIZE: 10 MB

Cold Feet Prevention: Steps to Stay Safe and Warm When Working Outdoors

6:58 min
With all the walking, standing, and working workers do on their feet, they can be exposed to potential injury. In winter, cold weather afflictions like frostbite, chilblains, and trench foot can cause painful and sometimes serious consequences. Tune in to this CCOHS podcast to earn more about the harm that working in cold weather can cause feet, and how to put protections in place.
RELEASED: January 09 2024
FILE SIZE: 3.7 MB

Top Picks for Travel Tips

7:23 min.
Despite the season or destination, safety should always be a critical part of your travel plans. From planning and preparation all the way to hotel precautions and communication procedures, we’ll review timely and relevant tips for a safe and healthy trip.
RELEASED: November 16 2023
FILE SIZE: 3.8 MB

Breaking the Cycle of Workplace Bullying

11:10 min.
Despite growing national conversation on violence and harassment in the workplace, bullying continues to affect many workers. CUPE’s National Health and Safety Representative, Dr. Andréane Chénier, discusses how some organizations are approaching the issue.
RELEASED: September 18 2023
FILE SIZE: 6.2 MB

Creating Safe Workplaces for International Workers

8:22 min.
International workers are an integral part of the Canadian economy. There are a number of factors that make them uniquely vulnerable, from language barriers to fears around work permits and job security that may prevent them from speaking up about unsafe conditions. Francy Munoz from the C.A.R.E. for International Workers program discusses ways to improve workplace safety for international workers.
RELEASED: August 11 2023
FILE SIZE: 5.1 MB

Keeping Up with WHMIS

6:04 min.
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System has been updated. In this episode we discuss the latest changes to WHMIS and how they benefit workers and suppliers.
RELEASED: July 07 2023
FILE SIZE: 4 MB

The Gender Gap in Personal Protective Equipment

13:23 min.
There are consequences to a one-size-fits-all approach to personal protective equipment. In this episode, occupational and public health consultant Anya Keefe discusses the lack of representation and the need to consider gender and sex in the production and availability of personal protective equipment.
RELEASED: July 07 2023
FILE SIZE: 7.5 MB

Creating Inclusive Workplaces for Trans and Non-Binary Workers

14:52 min.
There are many ways employers can make the workplace safer and more inclusive for trans and non-binary employees, from educating workers on trans issues and human rights, to ensuring access to gender-neutral washrooms. In this episode, diversity and inclusion champion Dani Gomez-Ortega discusses why inclusive workplaces matter, roles and responsibilities, and the huge impact kindness can make.
RELEASED: June 13 2023
FILE SIZE: 8.6 MB

Tips to Navigate the Brave New Workplace

11:39 min.
Implementing small changes can have a profound effect on employee well-being. Leadership expert Dr. Julian Barling shares the most important factors for creating a productive, healthy, and safe workplace. Dr. Barling will speak more about navigating the brave new workplace at CCOHS Forum, taking place September 26-27 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
RELEASED: May 09 2023
FILE SIZE: 6.7 MB

Day of Mourning: Donna Van Bruggen's Story

18:29 min.
“He had big hands, big feet, and a great big heart.” Donna Van Bruggen’s life was forever changed the day her son David didn’t come home from work. Hear her powerful story, and how getting involved with Threads of Life has helped her process her grief.
RELEASED: April 12 2023
FILE SIZE: 9.9 MB

Workplace Impacts from Climate Change

6:41 min.
Canada is warming at roughly twice the rate of the rest of the world, and the effects are being felt in workplaces across the country. Hear from a geoscientist and climate change expert on which industries are most affected and how employers and workers can adapt.
RELEASED: March 09 2023
FILE SIZE: 3.6 MB

Four Tips for Improving Workplace Safety With Plain Language

5:03 min.
Are jargon and acronyms used everywhere in your workplace? Create a safer and more inclusive environment by using plain language. Here are four tips to get started.
RELEASED: January 27 2023
FILE SIZE: 3 MB

Working Safely in the Cold

6:34 min.
There’s a lot more to working safely in the cold than bundling up in layers. In the latest CCOHS podcast: what workers and employers need to know.
RELEASED: December 13 2022
FILE SIZE: 3.5 MB

Carer-Friendly Workplaces

17:57 min.
The number of workers in Canada who are also caregivers is on the rise. Nora Spinks, internationally recognized work-family consultant and researcher, shares how to create supportive work environments.
RELEASED: November 16 2022
FILE SIZE: 9.9 MB

Take a Stand on Ergonomic Hazards

6:41 min.
Preventing any ergonomic injury starts with identifying the hazards and risk factors. Here’s what to look out for when it comes to standing on the job.
RELEASED: October 21 2022
FILE SIZE: 3.5 MB

Indigenous Perspectives on Health and Safety

9:59 min.
In First Nations communities, several factors are considered before undertaking new health and safety initiatives. Jeff Robert, an Indigenous human resources practitioner, shares his insights in this episode.
RELEASED: September 21 2022
FILE SIZE: 5.5 MB

Understanding the Three Basic Rights of Workers

6:13 min.
Every person employed in Canada has the right to a safe work environment. In this episode we discuss the three basic rights of all workers in Canada.
RELEASED: August 16 2022
FILE SIZE: 3 MB

Disconnecting from Work

5:51 min.
Being able to fully disconnect from work is key to a healthy, happy, and productive workplace. In this episode, we discuss what employers and workers can each do to help.
RELEASED: July 19 2022
FILE SIZE: 3 MB

Identifying and Monitoring Trends in Occupational Disease

8:07 min.
Tracking patterns and trends in occupational disease in different industries can help target prevention efforts. We talk with Paul Demers from the Occupational Cancer Research Centre about the Occupational Disease Surveillance System (ODSS) and what the data reveals.
RELEASED: June 14 2022
FILE SIZE: 5 MB

Safety Tips for Landscapers

5:50 min.
With landscaping season ramping up, here are some tips for working safely.
RELEASED: May 16 2022
FILE SIZE: 3.6 MB

Day of Mourning: Eugene Gutierrez' Story

12:16 min.
Eugene Gutierrez joins CCOHS to talk about the day his father Bot didn't come home from work, the importance of workplace safety, and how Threads of Life supports families affected by workplace tragedies.
RELEASED: April 14 2022
FILE SIZE: 8.7 MB

Chemical Hazard Assessment and Prioritization

8:15 min.
Small and medium-sized workplaces rely on safety data sheets for understanding the hazards associated with the chemicals they are using. But what if you have more questions about the chemicals? In this episode, we talk to Dr. Thomas Tenkate from Ryerson University about chemical safety management and a new free tool that can help workplaces more effectively assess and understand chemical hazards.
RELEASED: March 09 2022
FILE SIZE: 5.5 MB

Sitting at Work

6:10 min.
Work that involves sitting is not without risk of injury. In fact, varicose veins, stiff necks, and numbness in the legs are reported more frequently among seated employees than those doing heavier tasks. Limited mobility contributes to injuries in the parts of the body that move us: the muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. In this episode, we discuss how to recognize and prevent injuries while sitting at work.
RELEASED: February 22 2022
FILE SIZE: 3.8 MB

Silica Control in the Workplace

8:30 min.
Workers in mining, construction, masonry, and glass and ceramic production are at higher risk of silica exposure, which can cause lung cancer. We discuss how employers can reduce these exposures, including a new silica control tool pilot program in Ontario, with Kimberly O’Connell from the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers.
RELEASED: January 18 2022
FILE SIZE: 5.1 MB

COVID-19 Vaccines and the Workplace

4:56 min.
Vaccines are an important part of a layered approach to workplace safety during COVID-19. We discuss the benefits and challenges.
RELEASED: December 14 2021
FILE SIZE: 2.7 MB

Keeping Workers Safe from Radon

6:03 min.
Radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer among workers in Canada. Dr. Cheryl Peters of CAREX Canada discusses the testing process, a common misconception people have, and how employers can keep workers safe from radon.
RELEASED: November 22 2021
FILE SIZE: 4.3 MB

Navigating the New Normal

8:24 min.
As the pandemic continues to change the way we work, people may be feeling uncertain, stressed, and anxious. Employers have the opportunity and the responsibility to lead with workers’ mental health in mind. Dr. Donna Ferguson, a clinical psychologist in the Work Stress and Health Program at the Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, discusses how we can navigate the new normal.
RELEASED: October 20 2021
FILE SIZE: 5.5 MB

Return to Work: Setting Up a Hybrid Workplace

6:54 min.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers got used to new remote work environments. With workplaces bringing people back in, it’s important to consider possible options. Learn more about hybrid workplaces and how to decide whether this model is right for your organization.
RELEASED: September 15 2021
FILE SIZE: 4 MB

Eye-Opening Tips to Prevent Digital Eye Strain

5:38 min.
A recent study reported that Canadians spend about 11 hours a day looking at a screen. Extended computer or digital device use can lead to a number of eye and vision problems, headaches, back pain, and sleep issues. Learn more about giving your eyes the break they need.
RELEASED: August 12 2021
FILE SIZE: 3.3 MB

Workplace Refreshers to Prevent Dehydration

7:02 min.
No matter the season or type of work, if staff don't drink enough fluids to replace what is lost in the day, they can become dehydrated. Just a small drop can cause a loss of energy, with severe dehydration being a medical emergency. Learn more about keeping workers safe, including tips for recognition and prevention.
RELEASED: July 07 2021
FILE SIZE: 3.6 MB

Substance Use on the Jobsite: Challenges and Support Measures

11:56 min.
Construction workers and those working in jobs with many physical demands may experience injury or pain at a higher rate. Without proper guidance, those who use opioids or other substances to manage this pain may be at an increased risk for experiencing harms. Listen to our podcast conversation with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction to learn more about the use of opioids, cannabis and alcohol on the jobsite; the challenges faced by workers and employers; and how workplaces can support their employees’ health and safety.
RELEASED: June 17 2021
FILE SIZE: 7.7 MB

Supporting Workers After a Traumatic Brain Injury

18:02 min.
Brain injuries can be among the most serious of workplace injuries. To get a better understanding of the impacts on employees, employers, and how to support staff as they return to work, listen to this podcast with researchers from the University of Toronto’s Acquired Brain Injury & Society Team.
RELEASED: June 04 2021
FILE SIZE: 11 MB

Unpacking the Basics of Workplace Health and Safety Programs

8:12 min.
Workplaces have a duty to protect employees on the job, and part of that commitment includes having a current health and safety program in place. Learn more about the basics of a program, what’s required by law, and how to ensure it’s making a positive impact on your workers.
RELEASED: May 06 2021
FILE SIZE: 4.6 MB

Compassionate Workplaces

10:55 min.
An organization’s key asset is their workers, so ensuring that employees are physically and mentally healthy and able to perform their duties to the best of their ability is the right thing to do. To help achieve this, employers can create a compassionate workplace: one where workers feel safe to share and discuss their concerns, and one that fosters a caring culture of support in which everyone benefits. Learn more about the importance of compassionate workplaces and how to create one in our interview with Jeff Moat, Chief Executive Officer of Pallium Canada.
RELEASED: April 19 2021
FILE SIZE: 6.7 MB

Women Leaders in Health and Safety

22:38 min.
While many companies are committed to gender equality, a gap still exists between men and women in leadership roles. Learn more as we chat with leaders Lee-Anne Lyon-Bartley and Janet Mannella about their journeys in the field of health and safety.
RELEASED: March 26 2021
FILE SIZE: 14.5 MB

Understanding Canada's New Federal Harassment and Violence Legislation

21:30 min.
This month’s new podcast features a conversation on Canada’s new workplace harassment and violence legislation for federally regulated workplaces. Join Kathaleen Nicholson, Senior Policy Analyst, and Ana-Maria Iliescu-Stieghelbauer, Policy Officer, from Employment and Social Development Canada; and Amy Campbell, CCOHS Health and Safety Program Manager, as they unpack some of the major components of the legislation including supports for workers and tips for employers as they take action to protect their employees.
RELEASED: February 23 2021
FILE SIZE: 13.7 MB

Recognizing and Preventing Workplace Harassment and Violence

10:18 min.
While the signs of workplace harassment and violence aren’t always as clear as we need them to be, there are several preventative and supportive steps that a workplace can take to ensure that workers know how to recognize and report incidents if they happen.
RELEASED: January 21 2021
FILE SIZE: 6.2 MB

The Importance of Recharging Over the Holidays

7:14 min.
When workers take the time to recharge, they’re making their mental heath a priority – something that’s especially important over the holiday season. Join us in this month’s conversation with Sonya Tonkovich, Canadian Registered Safety Professional, as we learn about the importance of taking our earned breaks, and the contract of connecting for work versus connecting for ourselves. Sonya also shares tips on reconnecting with ourselves, guiding us through a moment of meditation.
RELEASED: December 16 2020
FILE SIZE: 4.4 MB

Emotional intelligence: What it is and Why it Matters

10:11 min.
It’s not a new term but it’s getting attention as more people explore its ways to help improve their day-to-day lives. This podcast features a conversation discussing emotional intelligence in the workplace. Sue Freeman, Emotional Intelligence Coach and Experiential Psychotherapist, discusses emotional intelligence, why it matters in the workplace, and how we can develop our own emotional quotient (EQ).
RELEASED: November 27 2020
FILE SIZE: 5.7 MB

Workplace Inspections During the COVID-19 Pandemic

4:03 min.
The COVID-19 global pandemic has created new challenges for workplaces and workplace inspections are changing to adapt to the new reality and the risk posed to workers. Amy Campbell, Health and Safety Program Manager at CCOHS, discusses how workplace inspections have changed during the current pandemic.
RELEASED: July 10 2020
FILE SIZE: 2.4 MB

Maintaining Our Health When Working Remotely

4:14 min.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged employers to equip their workers with the tools they need in order to do their jobs safely at home, and it’s important that this focus includes both mental and physical health. Learn more about what employers and workers can do.
RELEASED: May 05 2020
FILE SIZE: 2.3 MB

Socially Bridge the Physical Distance

3:24 min.
The COVID-19 global pandemic is a challenging time. Preparation, positivity and patience go a long way to protecting our collective health as we all navigate through this unprecedented event together. However, feeling anxious along the way is understandable. Here are some tips to help maintain connections and stay mentally well.
RELEASED: May 05 2020
FILE SIZE: 1.8 MB

Keeping Workers Safe When Working From Heights

5:12 min.
There’s no escaping the fact that working at heights is risky. Every year, workers die or are injured as a result of falling from ladders, scaffolds, roofs or other elevations. In this episode, CCOHS shares steps employers and workers can take to minimize the risk, and help prevent falls and the injuries that go along with them.
RELEASED: March 26 2020
FILE SIZE: 4.2 MB

The Hazards of Nanomaterials and How to Control Exposure

9:55 min.
Nanomaterials have many useful properties; however, the same properties that make them desirable in manufacturing present unique potential safety hazards when workers are exposed to them. In this episode, Todd Irick from the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers’ Nanotechnology and Health Network explains why nanotechnology is a health and safety concern in the workplace and how exposure to nanomaterials can be controlled.
RELEASED: March 09 2020
FILE SIZE: 7.2 MB

Carer-Inclusive Standard for Workplaces: Bridging the Gap Between Caregiving and Work

14:37 min.
The Carer-inclusive and accommodating organizations standard was created to help employers support workers in Canada who provide care and assistance to family or friends living with ongoing conditions, while working at the same time. In this episode Dr. Allison Williams, chair of the committee that created the standard, discusses how workplaces can support the growing numbers of carer-workers.
RELEASED: February 26 2020
FILE SIZE: 10.7 MB

Tips to Help Raise the Awareness in RSI Day

3:26 min.
International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day is February 29th. As the only non-repetitive day of the year, it’s the ideal date to devote to raising awareness of repetitive strain injuries. Listen for tips to help identify the risk factors and avoid the patterns that can lead to these injuries.
RELEASED: January 29 2020
FILE SIZE: 2.8 MB

Don't Rush into Winter Driving

3:41 min.
Harsh winter conditions can appear out of nowhere. When they do, many drivers may get caught off-guard. No matter how many winters you’ve driven through, it’s always a good idea to take some time to prepare before heading out into the elements, keeping in mind some safe driving advice.
RELEASED: December 11 2019
FILE SIZE: 3.2 MB

A Closer Look at Nonvisible Disabilities

5:29 min.
According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, 1 in 5 Canadians between 25-64 years of age have at least one disability. That means there are about 4 million adults experiencing limitations - including physical, chronic pain, cognitive, and mental health issues - many of which are not immediately apparent to others. Accommodating workers with these nonvisible disabilities is not just a legal requirement, but it also makes good business sense.
RELEASED: November 27 2019
FILE SIZE: 4.7 MB

Supporting Workers with a Comprehensive Return to Work Program

5:56 min.
Sonya Tonkovich from CCOHS shares tips on what should be included in a comprehensive return to work program, and how organizations can support workers returning to work from both physical and mental health related leaves.
RELEASED: October 24 2019
FILE SIZE: 4.91 MB

Artificial Intelligence: Managing the Positive and Negative Implications for Workers

12:39 min.
The spread of artificial intelligence (AI) into science, society, and the workplace is a revolutionary change that will have profound impacts on not only jobs but also the well-being of workers. Bill Wilkerson, Executive Chairman of Mental Health International, authored a recently published report entitled One Human One Not: Mental Health in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. In this episode Bill shares his views and findings from the report and recommends that AI be managed carefully to prevent it from becoming a major intruder into the mental health and well-being of workers and families.
RELEASED: September 20 2019
FILE SIZE: 9.3 MB

Minimizing the Risks: Health and Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

4:51 min.
From working long days, driving long distances, and the pressures of meeting delivery deadlines, truck drivers work under unique conditions that present many health and safety challenges. In this episode, CCOHS shares steps that both employers and workers can take to minimize the health and safety risks that come with long-haul trucking.
RELEASED: August 19 2019
FILE SIZE: 4.0 MB

Harassment in the Workplace

7:32 min.
Gossip, intimidation, and offensive behaviour. These are just a few examples of harassment. Do they exist in your workplace? Are you or a co-worker the victim? Listen to this interview with Jan Chappel, CCOHS Senior Technical Specialist, and discover tips and advice as you learn more about harassment in the workplace.
RELEASED: July 31 2019
FILE SIZE: 5.7 MB

Occupational Disease and Prevention with Valerie Wolfe

6:02 min.
Valerie Wolfe is the Regional Executive Director of Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), who, in collaboration with CCOHS, has developed and launched the Prevent Occupational Disease website. In this interview she discusses occupational disease and prevention.
RELEASED: June 26 2019
FILE SIZE: 4.8 MB

Peer-to-Peer Support and Mental Health in the Workplace: An Interview with Steve Tizzard

8:33 min.
Steve Tizzard, Radio Operator on the Hibernia Platform in the North Atlantic Ocean, shares his experience working in isolation, away from family and friends, and what catapulted him to champion a mental health peer-to-peer support program in his workplace.
RELEASED: May 03 2019
FILE SIZE: 7.8 MB

Day of Mourning: Lisa Kadosa's Story

9:48 min.
Threads of Life speaker Lisa Kadosa shares her family's story of how a workplace tragedy impacted their lives and what she's doing now to spread awareness about prevention.
RELEASED: April 16 2019
FILE SIZE: 9.0 MB

Confined Spaces: No Small Danger

5:05 min.
Toxic air, flammable vapours and the only way out is through a small opening - this situation is just one of many scenarios that describe what it's like to work in a confined space. While hazards can be found in every type of workspace, confined spaces have the potential to be even more hazardous. In this podcast, CCOHS shares tips to identify and control the hazards and risks when working in confined spaces.
RELEASED: March 25 2019
FILE SIZE: 4.7 MB

Bullying in the Workplace: 6 Tips for Prevention

4:28 min.
Bullying in the workplace is recognized as a serious problem that can cause undue stress, anxiety, and low morale among workers. In this episode, CCOHS lists types of bullying behaviour, the psychological impacts it can have, and provides tips for prevention.
RELEASED: February 22 2019
FILE SIZE: 4 MB

Eight Tips to Make Your Health and Safety Committee Meetings Effective

3:09 min.
The success of a joint health and safety committee depends partly on how well the committee meetings are organized and conducted. CCOHS shares 8 tips to help make your health and safety committee meetings effective.
RELEASED: January 23 2019
FILE SIZE: 3 MB

Carbon Monoxide: Odorless, Colourless, and Deadly

7:00 min.
Every year in Canada, hundreds of workers experience carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Many survive, but others are not so fortunate. During the winter months, this odorless, colourless, deadly gas creeps back into the spotlight. The heightened concern is due in part to the increased use of furnaces, space heaters and generators, as we try to escape the cold, but also because of the use of fuel burning tools indoors. Understand the hazards of carbon monoxide and how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
RELEASED: November 29 2018
FILE SIZE: 6.5 MB

Accommodating Scent Sensitivities in the Workplace

4:13 min.
Help your co-workers to breathe easy by maintaining a fragrance-free workplace. This podcast discusses the issues of scents sensitivities in the workplace and provides information on how fragrances can impact the health of your co-workers.
RELEASED: October 05 2018
FILE SIZE: 4 MB

Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace

12:45 min.
Emma Ashurst, Senior Occupational Health and Safety Specialist at CCOHS, explains the steps to take when implementing strategies to strengthen the overall mental health of a workplace. From conducting a hazard analysis for mental health to implementing policies, this episode offers tips to encourage positive mental health.
RELEASED: September 28 2018
FILE SIZE: 11.7 MB

Elements of a Workplace Impairment Policy

4:15 min.
Jan Chappel, Senior Technical Specialist at CCOHS, explains what should be covered in an impairment policy and how employers should respond if they suspect someone is impaired in their workplace.
RELEASED: August 29 2018
FILE SIZE: 4 MB

Protection from Pesky Summer Pests

4:39 min.
Unpleasant encounters with ticks and mosquitos can lead to diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus. This podcast episode provides helpful information outdoor workers can use to protect themselves from these pesky summer pests.
RELEASED: July 17 2018
FILE SIZE: 4.3 MB

Lightning Safety: Keeping Safe When Working Outdoors

7:00 min.
Whether you fear lightning or consider it a natural wonder, it's a very real hazard that requires caution. CCOHS shares tips on what safety measures to take when faced with a lightning storm while working outdoors.
RELEASED: June 26 2018
FILE SIZE: 6.4 MB

New and Young Worker Orientation

8:00 min.
Employee orientation is the process of introducing any new worker to the organization, their supervisors, co-workers, jobs, and especially to health and safety. In this podcast we focus on what employers can do to help their new and young workers start a new job on the right foot and stay safe at work.
RELEASED: May 22 2018
FILE SIZE: 7.5 MB

Day of Mourning: Charmaine Salter's Story

8:26 min.
Threads of Life speaker Charmaine Salter talks one-on-one with CCOHS to share her family's personal story of how their lives were forever changed by a workplace tragedy.
RELEASED: April 25 2018
FILE SIZE: 7.9 MB

Avoiding Harm on the Farm

5:21 min.
Farming is a way of life for many Canadian families - and one of the most hazardous occupations. In this podcast episode, CCOHS shares tips on how to work safely with tractors and other farming equipment.
RELEASED: March 12 2018
FILE SIZE: 4.9 MB

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

8:22 min.
What is hand arm vibration syndrome and how can it be prevented? Find out in this episode with CCOHS' special guest, Michelle Tew, Occupational Health Nurse at the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers.
RELEASED: February 23 2018
FILE SIZE: 7.8 MB

Staying a Step Ahead of Cold Feet Trouble

6:24 min.
With all the walking, standing, and working we do on our feet, we expose them to potential injury. In winter, there are cold weather afflictions that can have painful and sometimes serious consequences. Learn more about the harm that working in cold weather can cause your feet.
RELEASED: January 15 2018
FILE SIZE: 6 MB

Keeping Your Holiday Healthy: Tips from CCOHS

4:12 min.
CCOHS offers advice and shares tips on how to prevent stress throughout the holidays.
RELEASED: December 15 2017
FILE SIZE: 3.8 MB

Impairment in the Workplace: What You Need to Know

6:28 min.
Jan Chappel, Senior Technical Specialist at CCOHS, addresses workplace impairment; what it is, why workplaces need to be concerned about it, and what employers can do right now to prepare before the sale and use of recreational cannabis becomes legal in Canada in 2018.
RELEASED: November 17 2017
FILE SIZE: 6 MB

Staying Safe When Working Alone

5:24 min.
Working as a gas station attendant, conducting a home inspection, or visiting a home care patient, these situations can put workers in a potentially dangerous environment. But for many, this is a necessary part of the job. In this podcast episode, CCOHS provides tips on how to stay safe when working alone or off-site.
RELEASED: October 17 2017
FILE SIZE: 5 MB

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Preventing Workplace Injuries

5:07 min.
Falls from slips and trips are common workplace occurrences that can result in serious injuries and disabilities. CCOHS explains how to prevent workplace injuries that are the result of slips, trips, or falls from the same level.
RELEASED: August 15 2017
FILE SIZE: 4.8 MB

Safe Mowing Tips

4:35 min.
Whether you use them as part of your job, or when at home, mowers may seem simple enough to operate but there are serious hazards that come with operating any power tool. CCOHS offers tips for the safe use of power mowers.
RELEASED: July 20 2017
FILE SIZE: 4.2 MB

Brain Injury Awareness: An Interview with Dr. Angela Colantonio

7:30 min.
June is Brain Injury Awareness Month. In conversation with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Dr. Angela Colantonio, Director of the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto, discusses brain injuries common in the workplace, how they affect men and women differently, workplace accommodation, and factors to consider for people returning to work after suffering a brain injury.
RELEASED: June 09 2017
FILE SIZE: 7 MB

Keeping Both Young and New Workers Safe This Summer

8:13 min.
CCOHS offers advice and tips about keeping young and new workers safe on the job.
RELEASED: May 26 2017
FILE SIZE: 7.7 MB

Day of Mourning: Elaine Keunen's Story

4:23 min.
Threads of Life speaker Elaine Keunen shares her family's personal story of how their lives were forever changed by a workplace tragedy. In conversation with CCOHS, Elaine shares her own experience regarding the importance of supporting affected families and making sure that young workers are safe on the job.
RELEASED: April 13 2017
FILE SIZE: 4.1 MB

Understanding Workplace Concussions

6:00 min.
Concussions can occur anywhere, including in the workplace. Statistics reveal that there has been an increase in the number of time loss claims for work-related concussions. This podcast provides tips and information to help understand concussions and how to manage them in the workplace.
RELEASED: March 21 2017
FILE SIZE: 5.6 MB

Focusing on Repetitive Strain Injuries

6:28 min.
CCOHS shines the spotlight on repetitive strain injuries: what they are, their symptoms and causes, and how they can be prevented.
RELEASED: February 22 2017
FILE SIZE: 5.4 MB

A Mentally Healthy Workplace

11:16 min.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace can have positive impacts across an organization. Emma Nicolson, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist at CCOHS, explains what mental health in the workplace looks like, and what organizations can do to build a culture that is mentally healthy.
RELEASED: January 18 2017
FILE SIZE: 10.3 MB

Fighting Fatigue in the Workplace

2:27 min.
CCOHS discusses the causes of fatigue and shares tips on ways workers and employers can fight fatigue in the workplace.
RELEASED: December 15 2016
FILE SIZE: 2.25 MB

Health and Safety Solutions for the Aging Workforce

7:58 min.
How do the physical and mental changes that come with aging affect people and the jobs they do? Jan Chappel, Senior Technical Specialist at CCOHS, sheds some light on what workplaces can do to ensure the aging population is healthy and safe at work.
RELEASED: October 21 2016
FILE SIZE: 7.3 MB

Good Health at Work

6:08 min.
Considering that the average Canadian spends 36 hours at work per week, it's not surprising that the workplace can significantly affect overall health and well-being. In this episode, you'll learn some strategies for eating better, keeping active, improving the physical environment, and staying mentally fit - and discover the roles that both employers and workers can play in achieving and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
RELEASED: September 26 2016
FILE SIZE: 4.1 MB

Zika Virus Awareness for Canadian Workers

4:52 min.
This podcast discusses how the Zika virus can affect Canadians and what precautionary measures workers and employers can take.
RELEASED: August 29 2016
FILE SIZE: 5 MB

Sun Safety at Work with Thomas Tenkate

7:11 min.
Dr. Thomas Tenkate, Associate Professor and Director at the School of Occupational and Public Health at Ryerson University in Toronto discusses the importance of sun safety in the workplace, developing a sun safety program, and his current project, Sun Safety at Work Canada, with CCOHS.
RELEASED: July 25 2016
FILE SIZE: 6.6 MB

Preventing Permanent Hearing Loss

3:59 min.
Noise is one of the most common occupational health hazards as it can cause permanent, irreversible hearing loss. This episode shares what workers and their supervisors can do to help prevent permanent hearing loss at work.
RELEASED: June 28 2016
FILE SIZE: 3.7 MB

Arthritis in the Workplace

5:24 min.
Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in Canada and typically occurs during the prime working years, between ages 35-50. It is predicted that more than seven million Canadian adults will be diagnosed with arthritis in the next 20 years. Learn what steps you can take to reduce the adverse effects of arthritis in the workplace.
RELEASED: May 12 2016
FILE SIZE: 5 MB

Injured on the Job: Amber Hiuser's Road to Recovery

4:33 min.
Threads of Life speaker Amber Hiuser sat down with CCOHS to share her personal story of recovery from being injured on the job as a young worker.
RELEASED: April 22 2016
FILE SIZE: 4.1 MB

Tips on Worker Visibility

5:20 min.
There is danger in the shadows. It could be working on a highway at night or in a loading bay at dusk. Low light and poor visibility can make it difficult to see workers, and this fact puts them at risk for serious injury or death. CCOHS provides tips on how high-visibility safety apparel can help workers be seen - and kept safe.
RELEASED: March 11 2016
FILE SIZE: 5 MB

Size Matters: Work Space Requirements for Office Work

3:27 min.
For those who work in an office, the workstation or workspace is where they sit, think, work, meet and, depending on the nature of the job, spend many of their waking hours. In this podcast CCOHS explores several factors to consider when designing or planning a workspace.
RELEASED: February 24 2016
FILE SIZE: 3.2 MB

Human Factors and Performance with Todd Conklin

4:48 min.
Dr. Todd Conklin, Senior Advisor for Organizational and Safety Culture at Los Alamos National Laboratory, talks to CCOHS about human factors and performance, and explains how they relate to workplace health and safety.
RELEASED: February 04 2016
FILE SIZE: 4.55 MB

Participatory Ergonomics with Troy Winters

12:50 min.
Troy Winters, Senior Officer for Health and Safety at the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) joins CCOHS to share his perspective on participatory ergonomics and how it can contribute to a healthier workplace.
RELEASED: January 26 2016
FILE SIZE: 11.7 MB

MRSA – A Stubborn Strain

6:19 min.
In this podcast CCOHS explores how methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, short form for MRSA, is contracted, who's at risk and how it can be prevented in the workplace.
RELEASED: December 23 2015
FILE SIZE: 6.0 MB

Minimize the Risk When Working at Heights

5:48 min.
For construction workers, roofers, window cleaners, painters, arborists and firefighters, working at heights is a part of their daily work experience. Avoiding the risk of falling from ladders, scaffolds, lifts, buckets, mast climbers, roofs, balconies and trees requires safety diligence by both worker and employer. In this podcast CCOHS provides tips on how to work safely when working at heights.
RELEASED: November 13 2015
FILE SIZE: 5.4 MB

Glenn French: Workplace Violence

5:08 min.
Most people think of workplace violence as a physical assault. However, workplace violence has taken on a broader perspective. It is any act in which a person is abused, threatened, intimidated or assaulted in his or her employment and can include psychological harassment or bullying. In this episode, Glenn French, President and CEO of the Canadian Initiative on Workplace Violence, talks to CCOHS about workplace violence and the importance of prevention.
RELEASED: October 13 2015
FILE SIZE: 4.8 MB

Contact Dermatitis

7:12 min.
In Canada, 1,000 compensation claims are reported for contact dermatitis each year. According to some US statistics, skin disorders comprise more than 35 percent of all occupationally related diseases. CCOHS offers tips on preventing occupational contact dermatitis.
RELEASED: September 12 2015
FILE SIZE: 6.7 MB

Summer Safety Tips

4:59 min.
Warm and sunny summer months mean more time being spent outdoors. And whether you work or play in the great outdoors, you are at greater risk of illness and injury resulting from excessive sun exposure and extreme heat. In this podcast CCOHS provides steps you can take to make your summer safe and injury free.
RELEASED: July 15 2015
FILE SIZE: 4.7 MB

Talking About Lyme Disease

4:37 min.
The distribution area of Lyme disease carrying ticks in Canada is expanding. CCOHS explains why it's important to be on the lookout for ticks and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of this disease.
RELEASED: June 23 2015
FILE SIZE: 4.3 MB

Wally Power: Overcoming a Workplace Injury

3:45 min.
Just in time for the National Day of Mourning, Wally Power sat down with CCOHS to share his story of how he was injured on the job as a young worker. Wally also discusses how the experience impacted him and his family, as well as the lessons he wishes to pass down to future generations of workers.
RELEASED: April 14 2015
FILE SIZE: 3.7 MB

Dust Busters, Combustibles and Explosions

5:02 min.
CCOHS explains how dust explosions occur and what can be done to prevent them from happening.
RELEASED: March 19 2015
FILE SIZE: 4.6 MB

Ergonomic Risk Factors of Office Work

4:36 min.
While office work may seem harmless, prolonged sitting, typing on a keyboard and using a mouse for hours at a time every day can set the stage for musculoskeletal injuries. In this podcast, CCOHS explains the three ergonomic risk factors of office work.
RELEASED: February 27 2015
FILE SIZE: 4.2 MB

Workplace Violence: Identifying the Problem

3:34 min.
Join CCOHS in this special two-part mini-series on violence in the workplace. From physical to negative verbal interactions, this episode gives an overview of the different types of workplace violence.
RELEASED: January 23 2015
FILE SIZE: 3.2 MB

Workplace Violence: Taking Action

4:25 min.
Join CCOHS in this special two-part mini-series on violence in the workplace. This episode focuses on the risk factors associated with workplace violence as well as prevention strategies. Part one of the series is entitled Workplace Violence: Identifying the Problem.
RELEASED: January 23 2015
FILE SIZE: 4.0 MB

Winter Driving Tips

3:44 min.
Winter weather conditions can pose unique challenges and safety risks for Canadian drivers. In this podcast, CCOHS offers safety tips to ensure driver safety.
RELEASED: January 12 2015
FILE SIZE: 3.5 MB

Preventing Holiday Stress and Anxiety

7:36 min.
The holidays can be a special time of year but for some, the endless 'to do' list can be overwhelming. CCOHS shares ways to prevent holiday stress and anxiety this season.
RELEASED: December 05 2014
FILE SIZE: 7.1 MB

Safe Work Environments: What Workplaces Need to Know

5:57 min.
Gerry Culina, Manager, General Health and Safety Services at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), talks about the four things an organization needs to keep top of mind when creating and maintaining a safe work environment.
RELEASED: November 13 2014
FILE SIZE: 5.5 MB

Managing Workplace Stress

11:09 min.
John Oudyk, Occupational Hygienist at the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, discusses how to manage workplace stress and shares prevention strategies.
RELEASED: October 21 2014
FILE SIZE: 10.2 MB

Preventing Health Risks Associated with Shiftwork

8:52 min.
Dr. Robert Whiting, from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), discusses various health risks associated with shiftwork and how they can be minimized.
RELEASED: August 18 2014
FILE SIZE: 8.1 MB

Staying Afloat with Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices

6:07 min.
According to the Canadian Red Cross, wearing a lifejacket could eliminate up to 90% of all boating-related drownings. CCOHS discusses the difference between lifejackets and personal flotation devices, and how to use them safely.
RELEASED: July 29 2014
FILE SIZE: 5.6 MB

Heat Stress and Your Health

8:18 min.
Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at increased risk of heat stress. CCOHS explains the different illnesses caused by heat stress and offers tips for prevention.
RELEASED: June 24 2014
FILE SIZE: 7.6 MB

Tips for a Safe Ride: ATVs and Work

4:33 min.
With oversized, deep tread, low-pressure tires, relatively light weight, and easy manoeuvrability, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can go where other heavier, larger vehicles cannot. In this podcast, CCOHS explores using ATVs in the workplace and shares tips on how to prevent injuries.
RELEASED: May 09 2014
FILE SIZE: 4.1 MB

Bed Bugs: Have Bite, Will Travel

7:08 min.
With bed bug infestations on the rise, learn more about what they are, how to prevent infestation and what to do if you find a bed bug at your worksite.
RELEASED: March 17 2014
FILE SIZE: 6.5 MB

Holiday Hazards

4:08 min.
Did you know your Christmas tree and holiday lights can pose a potential hazard? CCOHS wants to keep you safe and healthy this season, so listen to their tips on holiday hazards.
RELEASED: December 17 2013
FILE SIZE: 3.8 MB

Addressing Work-related Stress

5:19 min.
This podcast discusses the causes of a stressful workplace, and offers helpful tips on how workers can avoid or minimize stress, and what employers can do to address this important issue.
RELEASED: November 26 2013
FILE SIZE: 4.9 MB

Effective Workplace Inspections - More Than Meets the Eye

4:41 min.
Hazards can exist under desks, on the plant floor, in the air and pretty much any place people work. Inspecting the workplace regularly for hazards is an essential part of a health and safety program. Inspections help to prevent injuries and illnesses by identifying and eliminating existing and potential hazards.

There's more to a workplace inspection than just looking around. It involves listening to people's concerns, fully understanding jobs and tasks, determining the underlying causes of hazards, monitoring controls, and recommending corrective action. This podcast discusses how regular, thorough, workplace inspections by a trained inspection team can help keep workers healthy and safe.
RELEASED: September 03 2013
FILE SIZE: 4.3 MB

The Importance of Emergency Eyewash and Showers

3:33 min.
Anyone who works with hazardous chemicals knows they can work safely and avoid injury if they follow the appropriate safety precautions. However, accidents can happen, and if and when a corrosive chemical gets into your eyes or on your face or body, the first 10 to 15 seconds are the most critical for preventing injury. If the treatment is delayed, even for a few seconds, serious injury may be caused. That's where emergency showers and eyewash stations come in, providing workers with on-the-spot decontaminaton and the ability to flush hazardous substances away, This podcast discusses the importance of emergency showers and eyewash stations, and proper procedures in using them.
RELEASED: August 12 2013
FILE SIZE: 3.3 MB

Vibration Hazards in the Workplace

6:14 min.
While the human body is built to be mobile, it was not meant to vibrate. In small doses, vibration is harmless. Unfortunately, mechanization has introduced significant vibration hazards to the workplace. Although injuries and illness from vibration are preventable, the effects of regular and frequent exposure to vibration can be disabling and permanent. This podcast discusses causes and symptoms of hand-arm and whole body vibrations, and what employers and employees can do to address the risks.
RELEASED: June 11 2013
FILE SIZE: 5.8 MB

Domestic Violence - A Workplace Issue

6:22 min.
Domestic violence (also called battering or intimate partner violence) is a pattern of abusive behaviour used by a person to gain power and control over his or her partner in an intimate relationship. So why is domestic violence a workplace issue? When a victim leaves the abusive relationship, the abuser knows that the one place the victim can be found is at work. This podcast lists signs that may indicate a worker is being subjected to domestic violence, and offers tips for employers and colleagues on how to deal with this issue in the workplace.
RELEASED: May 15 2013
FILE SIZE: 5.9 MB

Shirley Hickman: A Mother's Story

9:23 min.
Shirley Hickman shares her personal story of how losing her son in a workplace tragedy affected her life and inspired her to create the Threads of Life organization, which supports workers and their families who are affected by life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths.
RELEASED: March 22 2013
FILE SIZE: 8.6 MB

Don't Get Burdened by Patient Lifts

7:20 min.
Caregivers and healthcare workers who must lift patients as part of their daily job can face challenges with this particular task. While mechanical lifts make it much easier to move and lift patients and can help reduce the ergonomic risks associated with manual patient handling, they also introduce other workplace hazards. Listen to this podcast for tips on how to reduce risk while using patient lifts.
RELEASED: March 11 2013
FILE SIZE: 6.9 MB

Heart Health at Work

11:04 min.
Heart disease and stroke are two of the three leading causes of death in Canada. Matthew Mayer, Senior Specialist, Mission Information, from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, discusses the causes and effects of cardiovascular disease – conditions that disrupt the function or mechanics of the heart and brain. He explains how to identify and respond to emergency events in the workplace, and what employers can do to address the issue.
RELEASED: February 13 2013
FILE SIZE: 10.3 MB

Welding: Don't Get Burned

2:21 min.
Everybody knows that welding can be a dangerous activity. This tips-based podcast explores the occupational hazards associated with welding, and offers some concrete precautions and recommendations for staying safe on the job.
RELEASED: January 15 2013
FILE SIZE: 2.1 MB

Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace

3:40 min.
We don’t always know when an emergency will occur; they can happen fast, with little warning. What we do know is that planning ahead and preparing can help you and your organization cope better during and after a major disaster, and minimize the impact on families, workplaces, and the community. This podcast offers tips for workplaces in developing an emergency preparedness plan.
RELEASED: November 22 2012
FILE SIZE: 3.4 MB

Shedding Light on Computer Vision Syndrome

8:45 min.
Dr. Cheryl Zimmer, from the Canadian Association of Optometrists, discusses Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Find out how to identify, treat and prevent this common condition that can affect heavy users of computerized devices and those who use computers at work.
RELEASED: October 25 2012
FILE SIZE: 8.2 MB

How Psychosocial Factors Affect Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Disorders

12:05 min.
Dr. Birgitte Blatter, Business Line Manager of Healthy, Vital and Safe Work at TNO in the Netherlands explores the role workplace psychosocial factors play in the development of musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders.
RELEASED: September 05 2012
FILE SIZE: 11.0 MB

Drink Up to Beat Dehydration

5:52 min.
CCOHS outlines the signs of dehydration and how to prevent it when working in the summer heat.
RELEASED: June 20 2012
FILE SIZE: 5.4 MB

Putting the Spotlight on Work-Related Asthma

8:58 min.
Dr. Michael Pysklywec, Occupational Health Physician at the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc., explains what work-related asthma is, who’s most at risk and how this condition is diagnosed.
RELEASED: March 15 2012
FILE SIZE: 8.2 MB

Just a Bump or a Ganglion Cyst?

2:29 min.
You may find out that the unsightly bump on your hand or wrist causing you pain or discomfort is a "ganglion cyst”, and it may be caused by the type of work you do. This podcast talks more about ganglions, what causes them, and how you may prevent them.
RELEASED: February 16 2012
FILE SIZE: 2.2 MB

Radiation in the Workplace: The Safety Side

8:39 min.
Join CCOHS and Claire Cohalan, Radiation Scientist at the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada for the second of this two-part mini-series on radiation in the workplace. This episode focuses on safety and how workers can protect themselves from radiation in the workplace. Part one of the series is entitled Radiation in the Workplace: The Basics.
RELEASED: December 14 2011
FILE SIZE: 7.9 MB

Radiation in the Workplace: The Basics

10:40 min.
Join CCOHS and Claire Cohalan, Radiation Scientist at the Radiation Safety Institute of Canada in this special two-part mini-series on radiation in the workplace. This episode focuses on radiation basics such as what is radiation, where it can be found and the health effects to workers.
RELEASED: November 10 2011
FILE SIZE: 9.8 MB

Car Seat Ergonomics

8:45 min.
Dhananjai Borwankar, Technical Specialist at CCOHS explains how drivers can adjust their car seats to ensure proper posture and eliminate pains and strains while driving.
RELEASED: September 27 2011
FILE SIZE: 8 MB

Roadside Safety

5:13 min.
Mark Ordeman, Manager of Transportation at WorkSafeBC, discusses the safety hazards faced each day by those who work on or near roads including emergency responders, construction workers, utility workers and tow truck drivers.
RELEASED: September 25 2011
FILE SIZE: 4.8 MB

Proper Lighting in the Workplace

2:31 min.
CCOHS explores how poor lighting can affect worker productivity, and offers tips on conducting a lighting audit.
RELEASED: September 15 2011
FILE SIZE: 2.3 MB

Protecting Yourself Against Bee Stings

6:24 min.
CCOHS shares tips on how workers can protect themselves from bee stings when working outdoors.
RELEASED: August 11 2011
FILE SIZE: 5.9 MB

Working in Close Quarters

3:21 min.
Do you work in confined spaces? Listen to our latest podcast to learn about the potential hazards and find out how you can stay safe.
RELEASED: May 17 2011
FILE SIZE: 3.2 MB

Losing Sleep Over Daylight Savings Time

3:01 min.
CCOHS takes a quick look at Daylight Savings Time and its possible effects on workplace injuries.
RELEASED: March 08 2011
FILE SIZE: 2.8 MB

Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries

2:59 min.
CCOHS takes a quick look at work-related musculoskeletal injuries and how to prevent them - in time for RSI Awareness Day.
RELEASED: February 22 2011
FILE SIZE: 2.8 MB

The Scoop on How to Safely Shovel Snow

4:03 min.
Think you know how to shovel snow safely? Here's the scoop from CCOHS.
RELEASED: January 25 2011
FILE SIZE: 3.8 MB

Working in the Cold

8:13 min.
Do you work outdoors in the winter? Join as we speak with Jan Chappel, senior technical specialist at CCOHS, on how to be cautious when working in cold conditions.
RELEASED: January 11 2011
FILE SIZE: 7.7 MB

Workplace Fire Safety Tips

9:52 min.
CCOHS talks with Rocco Iamello of Ottawa Fire Services about the basics for fire safety in the workplace.
RELEASED: November 16 2010
FILE SIZE: 9.05 MB

Tips for a Job Safety Analysis

3:49 min.
CCOHS covers the basic steps to conducting a job safety analysis.
RELEASED: October 21 2010
FILE SIZE: 3.49 MB

Noise Control in the Workplace

9:38 min.
Sound can be hazardous to a person's hearing if it’s too loud or exposure is too long. Emma Ashurst, occupational health and safety specialist with CCOHS, joins us to explain the limits of noise, their effects and how we can control them.
RELEASED: May 06 2010
FILE SIZE: 8.83 MB

Workplace Injuries: A Personal Story

9:24 min.
Just in time for the National Day of Mourning and National Occupational Health and Safety (NAOSH) Week, Bill Bowman, a victim of a workplace injury shares his personal story and how he and his family were impacted by the tragedy. Bill also describes the work of Threads of Life, an organization that provides support to families affected by workplace tragedies.
RELEASED: April 08 2010
FILE SIZE: 8.60 MB
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