According to WorkSafeBC stats, health care is still one of the most dangerous places to work.
That’s why it’s critical for HEU members to report all workplace occupational health and safety incidents, including near misses and any exposures to harmful substances (i.e. chemicals).
HEU members who work for any of B.C.’s health authorities should notify the provincial Workplace Health Call Centre (1-866-922-9464) should an incident occur.
Once you report the incident, the call centre is obligated to inform your employer and give you a copy of your incident report.
This triggers the steps for employers to investigate the incident and explore preventative measures, and tracks information for WorkSafeBC claims. Investigations must include participation of HEU Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committee members.
Incident investigations need to start immediately after an incident occurs, with preliminary findings reported within 48 hours. Full outcomes must be reported to WorkSafeBC within 30 days of the event.
If you need medical attention, or have lost time from work, call WorkSafeBC Teleclaim at 1-888-967-5377 to start a claim.
For HEU members covered by affiliate and independent contracts, your employer needs to have a process like the call centre, such as paper incident report forms, for reporting workplace incidents.
If you have any questions, you can email HEU’s OH&S representatives at ohs@heu.org.
NEVER LET ANYONE tell you not to report an incident, no matter how small it may seem. This includes supervisors or any other person in authority.
What do I report?
Report all incidents, even if there is no injury.
Whether it’s a needlestick injury, a fall, violence, tasks causing sprains and strains, incidents that affect your mental health, or a problem with air quality, you have the right and responsibility to file an incident report.
Each type of hazard is addressed differently. Investigation teams include HEU JOHS Committee members.
Finding and implementing solutions may involve nursing, infection control, housekeeping, trades/maintenance, or OH&S.
In all cases, it is important to be proactive about any hazard you encounter. In this way, you are protecting yourself, your co workers and patients.