occupational health & safety research

Occupational Health & Safety Research Highlights 2016

Audra Sayn-Wittgenstein

Workplace safety best practices are developed based on occupational health & safety research findings.

A large body of OHS knowledge, originating from research, exists about how to maintain worker health. Occupational health & safety research results are used to improve workplace safety programs and keep workers safe.

It is useful for employers to learn about OHS studies and their results. Workplace health researchers often have difficulty getting news of their research discoveries to end-users, employers and employees in workplaces. Valuable research findings that could improve the quality of business operations are often slow to be implemented in workplaces.

The Institute of Work & Health (IWH) regularly reports OHS studies worth considering for application in workplace safety programs.   Interesting examples of recent occupational health & safety research studies include:

  1. Strong evidence shows workplace-based resistance training exercise programs can help prevent and manage upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and symptoms.
  2. In a patient lifting study, a peer coaching training program led to 34 % reduction in lost time injury rates during the study & 56 % drop after the study ended. This research suggests peer coaching may be an effective OHS training strategy.
  3. Health and safety inspections with penalties reduce work injuries.
  4. Employee vulnerability to work injury and illness differs based on worker experience of three factors: inadequate policies and procedures, low awareness of their health and safety rights and responsibilities, and/or lack of empowerment to voice their health and safety concerns.

Occupational health & safety research scientists are expected to communicate their research results to educate employers, workers, government and industry experts about effective, research based practices that can improve employee safety. By transferring useful research  findings from research to work settings, the quality of workplace safety can be improved leading to less occupational injury and disease.

Read about other interesting OHS research findings. http://www.iwh.on.ca/5-things-we-think-you-should-know

Holiday Office Party Do’s and Don’ts

Christine Lord

It’s that wonderful time of year again where you get to have fun and celebrate the holidays with your coworkers.  We often get very excited during this time, but we must also remember to present ourselves with proper etiquette.  After all, it is an ‘office’ party.  So here are some do’s and don’ts on how to conduct yourself during this year’s holiday office party.

Do

  • Dress Appropriately
  • Be friendly with everyone
  • Try to contribute to the party where you can (e.g. bring food, help decorate…)
  • Introduce yourself to everyone in the room that may or may not know you
  • Keep conversation respectful and appropriate
  • Conduct yourself professionally at all times
  • Keep things light and fun

Don’t

  • Pass up the invitation to attend unless absolutely necessary
  • Over indulge in spirits
  • Be belligerent
  • Gossip
  • Complain about the party
  • Spend all evening talking business
  • Forgot to thank the organizers of the party
  • Drink and drive

Remember these tips when you attend your office holiday party this year.  Keep it professional and have fun!

 

Production Supervisor Career Toronto

Christine Lord

Our client is searching for a dedicated Production Supervisor to lead their team. If you are a strong leader who is committed to quality you will be interested in learning more about this opportunity in the plastic packaging industry!

The Role: Production Supervisor Career – Brampton area

The Production Supervisor will be responsible for directly supervising their team and ensuring product quality.

The Candidate:

  • 5+ years’ supervisory experience in manufacturing environment.
  • Thermoforming or extrusion experience
  • Highly organized and detailed oriented.
  • Strong leadership skills to supervise team – schedule, train, coach …
  • Able to work hands-on with employees on the production floor and maintain a positive work environment.
  • Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
  • Commitment to safety.
  • Able to work in a fast paced environment.
  • Able to work 12-hour continental shift, rotating days & nights (monthly rotation).

Are you interested in advancing your career? Find out more about this opportunity by contacting Christine at christinel@fusioncareer.com or go to the Fusion Career Services Job Board.

Do you know someone who might be right for this position? Share this job posting – Production Supervisor Career Toronto.

At Fusion Career Services we are always interested in talking to people about their next career advancement. Contact us today.

learn to be a better manager

Are you a Bad Boss? Learn to be a Better Manager

Carol Irwin

Regardless of whether you are new to the leadership role or have been leading people for decades, there is always an opportunity to improve your management skills.

One of the most important leadership skills you will need is the ability to bring out the best effort in each of your employees. You will use different management strategies for each person you lead. Discovering what each employee needs from you will be one of your greatest challenges.

Failing to communicate clearly with employees is one of the top complaints employees have about their boss. If you are looking to improve your management skills focus on making meaningful connections with your employees.

Some tips about managing people you probably already know, but are worth repeating:

  • Don’t micromanage
  • Make time for your employees and schedule regular meetings
  • Be a good listener
  • Provide immediate and constructive feedback
  • Publicly recognize employee achievements
  • Communicate clear expectations
  • Ask employees how you can best support them
  • Follow through on your promises
  • Be open to new and opposing ideas
  • Don’t take credit for other people’s ideas
  • Provide both informal and formal learning, development and training opportunities for all staff
  • Lead by example
  • Provide inspiration
  • Get to know your employees and ask about their lives outside of work. 
  • If you manage a large workforce it may be impossible to get to know all your staff, but you should make your best effort to learn employees’ names. The simple gesture of addressing someone by their name can be instrumental in building relationships with your employees.

Looking for more ideas on leadership and management? Check out these Best Management Books at smallbiztrends and learn to be a better manager in 2017. 

How To Enjoy Your Commute

Christine Lord

People spend more time commuting today than ever before. Whether you are taking public transit or driving, commuting can add stress to your day. Depending on the length of your commute, it can significantly reduce the amount of personal time you have with friends and family. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your commute to work.

1.Take Public Transit

If you are able, it’s a good idea to take public transit as your mode of transportation to work. It has been shown that people who take public transit are less stressed than those who drive to work. Speaking from personal experience, if I had the option I would choose to take public transit over driving! You can take some time to read, relax, or even take a nap. Use your commute as a time to ‘zone out’ and de-stress before and after your workday.

2.Find Enjoyable Activities to Pass the Time

Even if you are driving, you can find some things to do that may make your commute less horrible. For example, you can listen to books on tape, catch up with friends or family on the phone (hands-free of course), or listen to a new music mix you just downloaded. You can also listen to podcasts to help you pass the time.

3.Get Comfortable

If can be uncomfortable sitting for long periods at a time, whether in a car or on a train. Wear comfortable shoes and loosen tight clothing before sitting down. If you are driving, be sure to adjust your seat to maximize your comfort. Adjust your headrest or sit on a driving pillow if that makes your commute more comfortable. 

4.Plan your Trip

If you are driving, always check the traffic reports before heading out of the house. That way you can do your best to avoid the busiest spots on the road. Also, if you are able, try to leave the house earlier to skip a lot of the morning traffic. Changing your work hours if possible can also shorten your commute time home as well.

Your commute can serve as a calming transition between the demands of the workplace and home. Use these tips to help you find ways to improve your daily commute.

sales career recruitment toronto

Sales Career Recruitment Toronto & GTA

Michael Caicco

Fusion Career Services has a new sales career opportunity for a Recruitment Consultant. Come join our team!

If you have natural sales ability, an interest in working with people and you are motivated by unlimited earning potential a career in recruiting could be right for you.

  • Attractive Commission Structure
  • Recruiter Training Program
  • Team Environment
  • Unlimited Earning Potential
  • Professional Office Setting
  • Central GTA Location – Hwy 407 and 400

The Role – Sales Career Recruitment Toronto

The Recruitment Consultant will be responsible for building a professional network of candidates, matching qualified candidates to client’s career opportunities and securing job offers to complete the sale.

The Candidate

  • Natural sales ability and motivated by unlimited earning potential.
  • Positive, friendly attitude.
  • Persuasive, honest and skilled at reading people.
  • Strong English communication skills – verbal and written.
  • Strong Telephone Sales skills.
  • Demonstrated social media, internet research and computer skills.
  • Experience working in sales or customer service is an asset.

Find out more about this opportunity by contacting Michael or go to the Fusion Career Services Job Board.

Do you know someone who might be right for this position? Share this job posting – Sales Career Recruitment Toronto.

At Fusion Career Services we are always interested in talking to people about their next career advancement. Contact us today.