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- INTRODUCTION
- CASE STUDIES
- KEY PRIORITIES
- TOOLS AND RESOURCES
- FINANCIALS
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc.
Annual Report 2024/25
HIGHLIGHTS
In the 24/25 year, OHCOW continued with publishing of research papers, improving apps and tools and bolstering knowledge translation initiatives.
Quick Exposure Check Calculator
• The calculator has been updated to an electronic app.
McIntyre Powder update
• Andrew Zarnke's paper is a scientific account of the associations between McIntyre Powder (MP) and cardiovascular disease incidence in miners.
News and Information Updates
• A monthly feature on Occupational Hygiene News, linked to through posts on social media, has become part of OHCOW outreach
Apps, Tools and Calculators
Learning Opportunities
MyOHCOW is OHCOW's online hub for users to sign into their own OHCOW accounts. From there they can register for webinars, eCourses and programs. Individualized certificates can be issued upon completion of learning content. Tools and Calculators can log their personal information. OHCOW can gather data to for information about users as it relates to OHCOW materials and access.
Creating an account is free and allows the following benefits for users:
- providing users with a more personalized service,
- remembering users' input and selections,
- delivering new programs, special announcements and offers, etc.
- gathering aggregate data about the performance of our website for improvements
The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) are two popular ergonomic evaluation tools. Two user-friendly worksheets have been developed to help with their use. These tools are helpful in the presentation of the concept of musculoskeletal loading due to work. The worksheets contain minimal words and more diagrams and images, to decrease ambiguity and make the tools simple to use. Download below:
JobAssess is a web-based app from OHCOW that allows users to accurately and efficiently capture the Physical, Sensory, Cognitive and Psychosocial demands of any job. Users select the demands that are relevant to the job being assessed, and then go through steps for each and every section in detail. After creating a quick job profile, the relevant tasks are setup and assigned the various task elements. Photos to enhance the job record. Additional sections include:
- Administrative Considerations
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Tools, Equipment, and Materials
- Environmental Considerations
- Strength Demands
- Body Posture Frequency
- Sensory Demands
- Cognitive Demands
- Psychosocial Factors
Simple checklists, picklists and text fields are used to enter information and items of concern can be "red flagged".
Once all sections are finalized, a complete Job Demands Analysis (JDA) is presented, and can be saved for future re-use and downloaded as a PDF for reference and record keeping purposes.
UDATED 2025! Now available online and as an app in the Apple and Android stores.
The QEC is perhaps one of the most straightforward workplace assessment tools. Some highlights of the QEC include:
- Assesses exposure to four body areas (back, shoulder/arm, wrist/hand, and neck)
- Identifies areas of needed exposure reduction.
- Assesses the change in exposure to musculoskeletal risk factors before and after an ergonomic intervention.
- Involves both the evaluator and the worker in conducting the assessment and identifying solutions.
- Can compare exposures between two or more people performing the same task.
Go to QEC PAGE.
UPDATED 2024! Now available online and as an app in the Apple and Android stores.
OHCOW's Anthropometric Calculator is an amalgamation of databases to provide the most comprehensive and concise set of body measurement data.
Anthropometric measurements are a series of quantitative dimensions of the muscle, bone, and adipose tissue used to assess the composition of the body. These measurements are used to assist with not only design options for specific individuals but also general populations. In addition to design, they can also be used to assess potential sources of mismatch between specific individuals or populations by comparing equipment heights and distances to a worker or group of workers.
Individual Male and Female calculators are available.
Research Papers
Authors: Andrew Zarnke PhD, Sarah Rhodes PhD, Nathan DeBono PhD, Colin Berriault MA, Sandra C. Dorman PhD
A retrospective cohort study was conducted to estimate associations between an ultrafine aluminum powder, McIntyre Powder (MP), and cardiovascular disease incidence in a cohort of mine workers from Ontario, Canada. Disease outcomes included ischemic heart disease (IHD), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), and strokes and transient ischemic attacks (STIA).
L Christine Oliver, Paul Sampara, Andrew Zarnke, Janice Martell
The purpose of our letter is to bring attention to potential shortcomings of the RR that may adversely impact scientific thinking about sarcoidosis and occupational aetiology and, in turn, the care and compensation of individuals at risk for or diagnosed with sarcoidosis.
Knowledge Translation
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among Temporary Foreign Agriculture Workers (TFAW)
MSDs are the Top Presenting Health Issue Among Ontario Temporary Foreign Agriculture Workers (TFAW). Produced by OHCOW, this 4-page infographic covers the signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal injury, and presents ideas for treatment and prevention. We also cover employer responsibilities, and provide links to additional tools and resources. This is a great resource for posting in your workplace or downloading and printing as a handout for workers or training sessions.
Download this info sheet, available in four languages.
Info Sheet Plantar Fascitis
Plantar Fasciitis (fash-e-i-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain, accounting for almost 15% of all foot-related complaints (Lutter, 1997), affecting the middle aged (40-50). More women than men are affected by this condition, with about 65% reported to be overweight. See page and link to download pdf here.
Manual Materials Handling Video Series
his series of eight videos was produced during Global Ergonomics Month 2024 in recognition of the MLITSD Industrial Sector Compliance Initiative on Material Handling. This year-long enforcement campaign asks inspectors to visit various sectors where fatalities and critical injuries are taking place. The focus is on workplaces where materials, articles or things are lifted, carried, or moved, and puts workers at risk of being injured by their movement. See Playlist here.
Winter Preparation Videos
Regardless if you do or do not enjoy the winter season, for many of us, it is part of life and something we can either enjoy or endure. Canadian winters can often prove challenging. However, with proper planning and being prepared, many of those challenges can be greatly reduced. See Playlist here.
Occupational Hazards in Nail Salons
A discussion on the hazards in the nail salon industry, with a focus on occupational asthma. Nail salon workers are exposed to chemical, ergonomic and mental health hazards. Two colleagues from the Occupational Clinics for Ontario Workers discuss these hidden hazards and the increasing occurrence of occupational asthma. Hear the podcast, and download an info sheet aimed at temporary foreign workers who work in nail salons here.
Manual Material Handling Podcast
Although we generally do not recognize it, Manual Material Handling takes place in many aspects of our daily lives: carrying tools or supplies at work, or laundry and groceries at home; getting chores done, or even when having fun in sports or recreation. Hear the podcast and link to the Youtube video series here.
The Dangers of Silica in the Workplace: the Countertop Industry
In this podcast, Meghan Friesen and James Miuccio discuss the hazards of crystalline silica exposure in the countertop industry. From the manufacturing of natural and engineered stone, to the finishing and installation processes, they discuss the health risks workers face, such as silicosis and lung cancer. Hear the podcast.
Occupational Asthma in Cannabis Production
A discussion on the emerging issue of asthma in the cannabis industry. Workers are exposed to hazards during all the stages of cannabis cultivation. Two colleagues from the Occupational Clinics for Ontario Workers have a conversation about workers in the cannabis production industry and how they can develop allergies and occupational asthma. Hear podcast.
The news section has covered events throughout the year, such as the provincial efforts to get Injured Workers Day recognized in Ontario, the commemoration of Workers Memorial Day on June 20, and anniversary celebrations at OHCOW offices in recognition of our 35th anniversary in 2024.
Monthly feature: Occupational Hygiene News
Starting in January, OHCOW has promoted a feature Occupational Hygiene News, a summary of recent developments and research in the field of occupational health and hygiene, such as the banning of cancer-causing chemicals, the setting of new exposure limits for certain substances, and discussion of research papers.
Connections
Redesigned Contact Us Page
an interactive map was added to the Contact Page and the information for each office expanded and redesigned. Locations were linked to Google Maps that also provide direction information.
Expanded "About Us" page with Team Descriptions
One-pagers were created in the Fall of 2024 that describe the duties and roles of each OHCOW team member such as Occupational Health Nurses, Ergonomists, Occupational Hygienists and Client Service Coordinators. These pages are linked from the "About Us" page. These flyers can be used by Local Outreach Committee members and others.
Our best Outreach Channel
OHCOW sends out e-newsletters monthly, as well as bulletins throughout the year. Newsletter subsciptions have increased from 5,618 to 5,719 recipients over the past year.
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025
March 2025
December 2024
Joining in the Conversation
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Marketing Calendar Dates and Commemorations
Throughout the year OHCOW acknowledges dates throughout the year that promote occupational health and safety and recognize workplace illnesses. We also provide information pages and link to them from social media pages based on timely issues in workplace health and safety, such as working in the cold in the winter or in the heat in the summer.
Day of Mourning, 2024
The Day of Mourning is commemorated every year on April 28. In 2024, we highlight that Occupational illness fatalities have out-numbered traumatic fatalities consistently over the last decade and most work-related illnesses and deaths go unrecognized and unreported.
Firefighter's Cancer Awareness Month
January is a month to be reminded that incidents of cancer are higher in firefighters than the general population. This is because of hazardous substances they are exposed to in the course of their jobs. For January, OHCOW presented a summary of different publications, papers, reviews and safety resources.
Working in the Cold
In February the website featured a list of OHCOW resources including calculators, videos, infographics and more that adressed the hazards of cold weather, be it outdoors or in unheated indoor environments.
16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence
In 2024, for 16 days starting on November 25 OHCOW commemorated 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. The Government of Canada’s theme for 2024 was Come Together, Act Now. It emphasizes how crucial it is to involve everyone in Canada – particularly men and boys – in changing social norms, attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence.
National Addictions Awareness Week
November 24 - 30 was National Addictions Awareness Week. Through its annual Webinar Series on Workplace Mental Health, OHCOW has a multitude of information on the factors involved in substance use and addiction in the work environment.
Bullying Awareness Week
October 13-19, 2024 has been designated Workplace Bullying Awareness Week, to draw attention to the damage bullying does and incite efforts to stop it. Below are resources from OHCOW and other sources addressing the issue.
Women's History Month: Women's Work, Achievements and Milestones
The Canadian Government designated the 2025 theme for Women's history month to be Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present and Future.
Origins of Labour Day
In the winter of 1872 in the industrial town of Hamilton, Ontario, the railroad industry was shaken by a widespread workers' strike. This would be the start of a global movement. To celebrate Labour day, the website featured a historical page about how it all started.
Webinars and Instructional Videos Popular
Subscribers to our Youtube Channel went from 679 to 958. Average monthly views are 4,600, with a watch time of 400 hrs. For the January to March quarter, OHCOW youtube livestreams got 781 views.
Some OHCOW videos are used in training programs, such as videos for seat adjustment for heavy equipment vehicles such as forklifts, an information video about the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and an instructional video for child care workings on the safe lifting of children. Every quarter, these videos receive between 500 and 1500 views each.
The top playlist for 2024/25 was the RSI Day Webinar Series, with the eight webinars averaging 214 views each.
