Health & Safety News

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Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Burnout is a psychological state which results from the accumulation of stress over time. It describes a general exhaustion and lack of interest in one’s work. Compassion fatigue refers to the exhaustion of caring and results from self-neglect, in order to care for others. Burnout and compassion fatigue are the second leading cause of support workers going on medical leave. They also contribute to high staff turnover. Early signs of burnout include depleted energy, low concentration, apathy, withdrawal, irritability, and decrease in work performance.

Burnout Resilience and Self-Care

Prevention of burnout and compassion fatigue is a shared responsibility of the individual and the organization. Organizational factors that protect against burnout include peer support, clear instruction, good leadership, appreciation, training, and access to resources.

On an individual level the best way to prevent burnout is to engage in intentional self-care. Self- Care is any action we take that contributes to our physical or psychological wellbeing. Self-care is a way of being. It is an internal shift of taking your own needs into account. It is checking in with yourself, listening to your body, removing things that drain you, and creating good habits. It is also helpful to remember the ABCs for caregivers: Awareness, Balance, and Connection. Awareness is prevention. Ask yourself “What am I feeling stressed about in my work right now?”. Ensure that you are balancing your life and personal needs with the demands of work and the needs of others. Lean into connection. Social support is one of our most powerful tools to mitigate stress.

If you would like to learn more about burnout and resilience strategies you may refer to the Compassion Fatigue, Self-Care, and Resilience course on Open Future Learning. If you are actively experiencing burnout/compassion fatigue, consider speaking with a trained counsellor and your immediate supervisor to get the support you need.

What is Self-Care and Why is it Important?

Self-care is the practice of taking care of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life to promote health and wellness.

While many people may view self-care as a form of selfish indulgence, the act of caring for oneself is an important part of a person’s overall well-being.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-self-care-5212781

Putting Your Best Foot Forward – Foot Comfort and Safety in the Workplace

Why is Foot Comfort Important?

Given that we spend a significant portion of our day on our feet, it’s essential to take care of them and wear appropriate footwear. Work-related foot injuries generally fall into two main categories. The first includes injuries like punctures, crushes, sprains, and lacerations (cuts). The second category involves injuries from slips, trips, and falls. Although slips and falls may not always lead to foot injuries, neglecting foot safety significantly increases the risk of such incidents, which can result in injury.

To read more about causes, contributing factors, and prevention of foot injuries in the workplace, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) here: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/foot_com.html

Reporting Unsafe Working Conditions and the Importance of a Safe Work Environment

Importance of a Safe Work Environment

A safe work environment is crucial for the well-being of all employees and people supported. It not only ensures the physical safety of everyone but also fosters a positive and supportive workplace culture. A safe workplace minimizes the risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses.

Reporting Unsafe Working Conditions

Employees play a vital role in maintaining a safe work environment. If you observe any unsafe conditions or practices, it is essential to report them immediately. To report an issue, you can complete Spectrum’s Unsafe Working Conditions Report form, available on the Health and Safety webpage: https://www.spectrumsociety.org/human-resources/health-safety-committee/

We appreciate that you care about your co-workers and the people we support; we will never discriminate against you for completing an unsafe working conditions report.

Why Reporting is Crucial

Reporting unsafe conditions helps prevent accidents and injuries, protects everyone’s health, and ensures alignment with provincial safety regulations. Maintaining a safe work environment is a collective responsibility. By reporting unsafe conditions, you contribute to a safer and healthier workplace for all.

If you have any questions or need further guidance, please contact Human Resources: hr@spectrumsociety.org

 Care For Caregivers

Care for Caregivers provides free, accessible mental health support for healthcare providers in British Columbia. We aim to empower healthcare professionals to prioritize their well-being by cultivating a network of helpful resources and fostering a resilient community of caregivers supporting caregivers. This initiative is led by the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division in partnership with SafeCare BC, and proudly supported by the Province of British Columbia.

https://careforcaregivers.ca/