Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Occupational Health & Safety”
As the global pandemic of COVID-19 persists, CUPE wants to ensure that employers and members continue to implement leading practices to prevent workplace exposure to the virus which causes COVID-19. The guidance in this document is specific to addressing the hazard related to COVID-19. It is intended to assist CUPE health and safety activists in their efforts to ensure that …
CUPE and the other health care unions (AAHP, NAPE, RNUNL, PARNL, and NLMA) have signed on to a joint statement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador which will guide how we use personal protective equipment (PPE) in health care settings. The purpose of the joint statement on PPE is to ensure that all CUPE members have access to appropriate …
On April 28, the National Day of Mourning for Workers Killed or Injured on the Job, we remember all the workers we have lost, and we vow to keep fighting for safe and healthy workplaces for everyone. Every year in Canada, around 1000 workers lose their lives on the job. Their deaths are preventable and should not happen. And each …
Dear Members: I hope you enjoy the photos below of our long-term care members at St. Pat’s Mercy Home and Glenbrook Lodge in St. John’s. It is always so great to get news from members and to hear how you are coping through this very challenging time. My heart goes out to those of you on the frontlines of this …
How long does the virus live on surfaces? A recent study found that the COVID-19 coronavirus can survive up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard, and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel. The researchers also found that this virus can hang out as droplets in the air for up to …
As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, all public sector workers are experiencing profound changes in their work. Social distancing is requiring work to be rearranged in ways that minimize contact with other people. In the municipal sector, this is leading to more and more situations where municipal employees are working alone. Working alone is often misunderstood. There may be situations where multiple …
How do we practice social distancing at work? To the best of our ability. Many public sector workers are in workplaces that have been deemed essential and will continue to operate during the pandemic. In this context social distancing is a hazard control and must be followed whenever possible. Work should be arranged to minimize the direct contact workers have …
Many CUPE members have questions about child care during this very challenging time. Essential workers who are providing health and critical public services during the pandemic and who do not have access to child care may be eligible for government-sponsored child care. Limited child care services will be available for children ages one to 13 years in existing child care …
Can I use my right to refuse for COVID-19? Employees have a right to refuse unsafe work when there are reasonable grounds to believe that the work, tool, or equipment is dangerous to you or another person’s health and safety. Many situations could create a dangerous condition in your workplace and COVID-19 is no exception. For most workers, especially those in …
On behalf of CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador I personally want to thank all CUPE members for doing their part in this complex and unprecedented situation. CUPE members are doing critical work across the province, especially our frontline health care workers. Thank you for your dedication to your work, and the extraordinary effort that you deliver each day. To quote our …
