Workplace Health Resources - Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of questions and answers that are commonly asked regarding workplace health issues.

• What are the temperature and humidity standards for workplaces in Canada?
• How do I know if the indoor air quality at my work is a threat to my health?
• How do I set up an occupational health and safety program at my work?
• What is workplace violence/harassment?
• What are scent-free policies?
• What ergonomics are recommended in an office setting?
• What should I do if I get injured on the job?
• What is the WHMIS and how does it protect me against exposure to hazardous materials

What are the temperature and humidity standards for workplaces in Canada?

There are many factors directly related to different kinds of jobs, such as the physical demands of your job or working outside. There is no single value for a maximum temperature or humidity at your work place. There are, however, standards provided by the Canadian Standard Association (CSA)

• Summer conditions (light clothing) - if the relative humidity is 30%, then the acceptable temperature is 24.5-28°C.
• Summer conditions (light clothing) - if the relative humidity is 60%, then the acceptable temperature range is 23-25.5°C
• Winter conditions (warm clothing) - if the relative humidity is 30%, then the acceptable temperature range is 20.5-25.5°C
• Winter conditions (warm clothing) - if the relative humidity is 60%, then the acceptable temperature range is 20-24°C

How do I know if the indoor air quality at my work is a threat to my health?

If you feel better after leaving work or on weekends or if other people who work in the same area as you also report symptoms, it would be a good idea to investigate the air quality at your work. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) provides some helpful tips on indoor air quality in the workplace. The CCOHS provides a list of common symptoms often associated with poor indoor air quality and offers a health survey that can identify if there is a problem with the air quality at your work.

Other useful resources on conducting investigations at the workplace include:

• Inspection means prevention
• Workplace inspections - a matter of health and safety
• Effective workplace investigations

How do I set up an occupational health and safety program at my work?

First we recommend you identify the legislation and regulations that apply to your workplace. Please visit our Workplace Health Strategies section to find out about your legal responsibilities. Next, your organization should establish an occupational health and safety policy that explains the objectives and basic intentions of the organization in relation to workplace health. Health and safety programs include many distinct elements, including roles and responsibilities, health and safety rules, education and training, procedures for reporting accidents, inspection requirements, emergency protocols, and promotion activities. A good program should also be allocated sufficient financial and human resources, have management buy-in, and be evaluated over time to test their effectiveness so that ongoing improvements can be made.

For more information on how to set up an occupational health and safety program at your work we recommend visiting the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety for their list of Basic Program Elements

What is workplace violence/harassment?

Violence and harassment in the workplace may include physical and non-physical harm caused by bullying, mobbing, verbal insults, sexual or racial harassment and intimidation. These acts may be repetitive and are unwanted sources of hostile attention that often affect the dignity and psychological well-being of a person who is victimized. Legislation on violence and harassment in the workplace varies across Canada. Some provinces have put in place regulations on violence, bullying, personal and psychological harassment. We recommend you contact your regulatory body to find out more.

If your workplace is federally regulated you are protected by Part 20 of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations: Violence Prevention in the Workplace.

What are scent-free policies and how does an organization set one up?

A scent-free policy is one example of a workplace-wide initiative meant to minimize allergic reactions. These may be caused by chemicals found in perfumes, air fresheners, or aftershave. We recommend that organizations interested in setting up a scent-free policy conduct a survey of employees to determine how severe and frequent allergies are in the workplace. While assessing the allergy situation of your workplace, you may also ask employees to provide feedback on the development of a policy. Whenever a workplace initiative is being established we suggest that support be obtained by the health and safety committee and management. It is also useful to assign a person to oversee the development of the policy. Communication is also very important and may involve flyers in payroll envelopes or posters in common areas.

What ergonomics are recommended in an office setting?

It is recommended that your chair include backrests, armrests, and a stable seating surface. Armrests reduce the strain on the shoulder and neck muscles when working with a keyboard and/or mouse, while the backrest is designed to reduce slouching that may lead to ligament and disc injuries. The most preferable workstation will enable varying your posture regularly throughout the day. You can achieve a healthier workday by varying your tasks, alternating between computer work and non-computer work, alternating between sitting and standing, or getting up regularly to walk and do light stretching.

You can find out more by reading the Canadian Standard Association (CSA) standard on office ergonomics.

What should I do if I get injured on the job?

If you are injured while at work you should notify your employer. If you need medical treatment or cannot continue to work following the accident, your employer is required by law to report your injury to the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) of your jurisdiction within 72 hours. It is also recommended that you visit your health care provider. If you are seriously injured they must inform the WCB within 48 hours. Finally, WCBs also request that employees submit their own report of the injury. We encourage you to visit the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards Web site to find a list of provincial Worker's Compensation Boards. If you are employed by the federal government please visit the Human Resources and Social Development Canada Web site.

What is the Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) and how does it protect me against exposure to hazardous materials?

The Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) applies to all Canadian workplaces. To be compliant with WHMIS, employers are required to establish education and training programs for workers who work with hazardous materials. They must also ensure that products are labelled and that Material Safety Data Sheets are present for each product and readily available to workers. Workers also have responsibilities under WHMIS. They are required to participate in the training and education sessions and must inform their employers when labels on containers have been accidentally removed or are no longer readable.

In Health Canada, WHMIS falls under the mandate of the Product Safety Programme. Please direct any inquiry regarding WHMIS to the National WHMIS Office.