Search

Excessive noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss and occupationally related hearing loss continues to be a significant problem in Canadian workplaces. Many CUPE members work in occupations that put them at risk of exposure to excessive noise.

Radon is a chemically inert, naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is odourless, colourless and tasteless. Radon is produced from radium which occurs as part of the decay chain of naturally occurring uranium in the soil.

In workplaces where nanomaterials are being used, the precautionary principle should be applied, and exposure to workers prevented until sufficient data can show there are no harmful effects on human health or the environment.

Health Canada is allowing a private clinic to pay donors for their blood plasma. This opens the door to increased commercialization and privatization of Canada’s blood supply. It’s just wrong.

CUPE’s National Health and Safety Committee provides leadership in occupational health and safety for all CUPE members. The committee recommends measures, programs and campaigns to the national union ensuring that health and safety issues stay at the forefront.

The National Health Care Issues Committee provides advice to the CUPE National Executive Board on how CUPE can defend and promote publicly funded and delivered health care; negotiate improved wages and working conditions for health care members; organize new health care members; and work in coalition with other unions and public health care advocates. Committee members help carry out projects and campaigns, and liaise with their respective divisions and health care locals, committees and other bodies.

The HIV and AIDS bargaining checklist is a resource tool for local unions, bargaining committees, members and other activists to support those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

CUPE has produced a new booklet on HIV and AIDS to help locals build awareness, promote discussion, and foster action on these critical issues.

The word disabled means many different things to different people. People frequently picture wheelchairs, guide dogs, and other more obvious examples of disabilities. However disabilities often cannot be seen just by looking at a worker. Not all workers with mobility issues require a wheelchair, and not all visually impaired workers are com­pletely blind.

Workers in some jobs are required to help patients, clients, residents or students move or get up. Many of these workers don’t receive enough training or time to use proper lifting techniques or equipment. Every year, thousands of workers need time off work due to back injuries sustained on the job.