It
doesn't have to hurt!
News
from Around the Province...
Vancouver
Coastal Health is piloting a program called “Shifting
to Wellness to help our staff deal with the challenges associated with
shift work.” Read more about it on page 1 of their newsletter
"
Articles
of Interest
Government tells hospitals to tighten up cleaning contracts.
Systematic
review shows what works best in return to work.
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comments and suggestions to update@ohsah.bc.ca
Mental
Health
A priority for 2005
OHSAH goes international
Globalization and the health of the healthcare workforce
Taking
Action. Taking Responsiblity.
Upcoming Bottom Line Conference put on by CMHA
OSHTIP
of the Month
Benefits of Physical Activity
OHSAH
wishes you a happy holiday season, and all the best in 2005!A priority for 2005
In June of this year, the BC Auditor General, Wayne Strelioff, released the report “In Sickness and In Health: Healthy Workplace’s for British Columbia’s Healthcare workers” in which he highlighted a number of priority areas which require attention, particularly the psychological and social well-being of workers. OHSAH is currently working to enhance its leadership capacity in this important area.
Working together with healthcare stakeholders, OHSAH hopes to support and facilitate organizational change and enhance the psychosocial aspects of work including interpersonal relationships at work, workload, work flexibility and control, and healthy lifestyles.
Globalization and the health of the healthcare workforce
The delivery of healthcare and working conditions for healthcare workers worldwide are undergoing rapid change. On one hand, rapid communication has made the world’s ability to generate and disseminate new knowledge remarkably effective; the speed with which the SARS outbreak was controlled is one clear example of this.
On the other hand, economic globalization is straining healthcare resources. Changes in labour flow and a trend to deregulation also impact the health and well-being of the labour force, as does the increased spread of diseases associated with more travel and migration. A special issue of the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, edited by OHSAH’s Executive Director, examines the relationship between globalization and the health of the healthcare workforce.
In British Columbia, one in four people will experience mental illness at some point in their life. This year's Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division's Bottom Line Conference offers inspiration, insights, and information enabling people to improve workplace mental health, for themselves, for their community, for their corporations. The program will focus on the bottom line cost of stigma and the benefits of respect.
Also join for the 3rd Rafe Mair Luncheon featuring noted broadcaster Rafe Mair, and for a keynote speech by Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell.
For more information
visit
Benefits of Physical Activity
A common New Year’s resolution is to hit the gym. Health professionals have long been touting the benefits of physical activity, whether it is an organized sport or a leisure activity. The OSHTips section of the OHSAH website contains a literature review that lets you know what the evidence shows are the benefits of physical activity. In addition, there is a Question & Answer section that will help you increase your own physical activity and keep that resolution.
Visit
Tel: (604) 775 - 4034 or toll free (800) 359 - 6612
Fax: (604) 775 - 4031
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