“Make It Safe, Make It Home.” It’s a catchy slogan. It looks good on posters and sounds even better in meetings.
But for members of CUPW Local 846, the question is becoming simple:
Is it actually happening on the work floor?
Members have seen growing concerns around health and safety, including the handling of workplace injuries, investigations and reporting.
The LJHSC has reportedly been left out of some investigations, documentation has been delayed, and concerns have been raised about the involvement of first aid in the process.
This month, during a health and safety meeting, members report that management expressed frustration over rising injuries and directed blame toward workers. Yet if injuries have increased alongside the implementation of a new work model, shouldn’t that model itself be examined?
Blaming workers is easy. Finding the hazard is the job.
There are also concerns that incident-reporting procedures are not always being followed and that required documentation may not be submitted within the appropriate timelines.
An injury doesn’t become less serious because the paperwork is late—or never completed.
And now comes another question: Why are sharps containers being removed from vehicles?
The Local is seeking a clear explanation and, more importantly, an assurance that an appropriate alternative safety measure is in place.
Because “Trust us” is not a safety procedure.
Safety Is More Than a Slogan
“Make It Safe, Make It Home” should mean:
Proper investigations.
- Timely and complete documentation.
- Meaningful LJHSC involvement.
- Proper first-aid involvement.
- Identifying hazards instead of blaming workers.
- Reviewing whether new work models are contributing to injuries.
Posters don’t prevent injuries. Proper procedures do.
If CPC wants workers to “Make It Safe and Make It Home”, then safety needs to be more than something printed on a wall.
Workers deserve to know that the slogan means something when it matters most!
Raylene Marshall
2nd Vice President
CUPW Local 846