Health & Safety
Precarious work takes toll on hotel housekeepers
A hotel housekeeper in Canada is estimated to assume 8,000 different body postures every shift. Repetitive motion injuries are common.
Handling recycling and waste is hurting janitors
Every day, millions of janitors compromise safety when handling garbage and recycled materials.
U of Manitoba begins largest accessibility audit
The University of Manitoba is currently undertaking the largest accessibility audit ever conducted in the province.
New technology advances safety management
Information technology is safety management, with rapid advances in cloud computing and data management technologies.
Restoring power to electrical systems post flood
Flooding heightens the risk of occupational electrical-related fatalities and injuries when restoring power to electrical systems.
Existing asbestos stockpile raises concerns
Although Canada is finally banning asbestos-containing products for good by 2018, the government hasn’t yet clarified issues related to existing asbestos.
Hidden costs of custodial injuries
Cleaning contractors and facility managers that hire their own cleaning staff are often not aware of hidden costs that can result from custodial injuries.
Infection control downplayed in surface selection
Staff continue to face challenges with cleaning, disinfecting and infection control because purchase items often don’t meet PIDAC best practices.
Safety considerations for electrical work
A recent survey of managers in Ontario indicates that about 40 per cent don’t realize the Ontario Electrical Safety Code applies to work in their buildings.
Addressing Legionella risk in buildings
ASHRAE Standard 188, released in 2015, requires that buildings evaluate where Legionella growth may occur in all water and plumbing systems.
New Quebec regulation on ladder, stepladder use
CNESST has published a notice of a draft regulation in the Gazette officielle concerning the use of ladders and stepladders at Quebec-based worksites.
Technological advances in cleaning audits
Facilities still don’t perform frequent quality cleaning audits to meet goals, but innovators are developing more accessible and cost-effective tools.
Case clears air for more worker safety training
A recent court decision to fine a property maintenance company for not protecting employees reveals health and worker safety training is still lacking.
Line paint fades faster under new regs
In recent years, property owners and managers may have noticed that the line paint in their parking lots is fading more quickly.
UVGI technology emerges in infection control
UVGI technology is emerging as an effective tool in the fight against healthcare-acquired infections in Canadian hospitals.
Certification in health-care housekeeping
Demonstrated successful experience in the health-care housekeeping field is often fraught with the pitfall of making and learning from mistakes.