Category: Safety

As the holiday season approaches, many of us will be celebrating in various ways. Bethany is a faith-based organization that practices multi-faithfulness and celebrates diversity through our workforce, residents and the families we serve. Recognizing our differences through caring and inclusion goes a long way in creating caring communities.

Embracing our differences, versus fearing them, is a key step in being respectful towards others. Being fearful of what makes us different from each other can create tension and contribute to an unhealthy work environment. We all have a responsibility to ensure that everyone feels safe, included, and welcomed here at Bethany.

How can we understand why people express such views?
Consider this:

• Perhaps they are unfamiliar with a particular nationality.
• They haven’t been exposed to diverse cultures, perspectives, and traditions.
• Maybe they had a bad experience with someone from a certain culture or country.
• They believe in negative stereotypes.
• They feel threatened by or fearful for numerous reasons.

Fearing our differences is also referred to as Xenophobia which is:

• The fear or hatred of anyone who is different.
• Originating from a dislike or discrimination against people from other countries.

What can we do to embrace the differences of others in our workplace?

• Be an ally and challenge inappropriate or generalized comments with questions such as, ‘What do you mean by that?’ or ‘Why do you say that?’
• Provide positive affirmations, recognition, and celebrate differences in our workplace.
• Get to know the holidays and traditions of your colleagues.
• Challenge your own stereotypes.
• Set an example by accepting and being welcoming of others.

Each of us has a responsibility for creating a workplace that acknowledges and embraces our differences. Remember, “it is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences.”
Audre LordeFor more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative

ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

Article – Unpacking Xenophobia

Ditch the Label

Leading Effectively – The Power of Respect

Bethany’s Respectful Workplace PolicyLifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.

Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:

• LifeWorks Blog
• Webinars and Events
• 24/7 Specialist Counselling

Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel

One day you find yourself sitting on your lunch break when you overhear a co-worker being mean toward another co-worker. This makes you feel very uncomfortable. What should you do? Ignore the behaviour, call out the behaviour or report it to your supervisor.

At Bethany, we strive to make our workplace a safe and healthy place for all. A place where everyone treats each other with respect, dignity, and free of discrimination. We each have a responsibility to address behaviours that demean and disrespect others. Standing up to these behaviours by being a “Supportive Bystander” is the first step in stopping these behaviours in the workplace. Ignoring them only perpetuates them.

What does it mean to be a bystander? If we witness behaviours and/or overhear interactions that are disrespectful, harassing, discriminating, or violent, we have a role to play in addressing and preventing these actions in the future. Addressing people’s actions and words is uncomfortable, but it is important to be part of creating respectful and safe workplaces one conversation, and one interaction at a time.

How to provide support as a bystander – Keeping your safety in mind:

• In the moment – Speak up and move closer to the person being treated disrespectfully.
• After the event, check-in with the: Recipient of the behaviour and make sure they are ok. Ask them how you can support them.
• If appropriate, encourage those involved to talk to each other.
• If the above doesn’t work or the situation escalates, talk to your supervisor or manager.

Things you can say to address disrespectful behaviour

• Seek to understand by asking
  • “What did you mean by that?”
  • “I heard this… is that what you meant to say?”
  • “That didn’t feel very respectful to me. Help me understand what is going on.”
• Address the behaviour
  • “How can we talk about this more respectfully?”
  • Support a pause in the conversation – “It sounds like this is important. Can we take a little time and reflect on this and talk about it at our next meeting/later?”
  • “This doesn’t feel productive to the conversation. Let’s focus on the topic at hand.”
  • “That’s inappropriate, please stop saying/doing that.”
  • “I don’t think you meant it to be, but that sounded disrespectful. This needs to stop.”

It may feel awkward to say these kinds of things in the moment, but we need to act. When we don’t speak up, we are accepting the behaviour and unintentionally may cause harm. If you are being bullied, harassed, and/or being treated with disrespect report it to your supervisor or Human Resources.For more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative

ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

LifeWorks

Calgary Distress Center

Policy Psychological Health and Safety

Respect in the Workplace PT Campaign

Bethany Code of ConductNEW LINK – https://lifeworks.com/en

LifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.

Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:

• LifeWorks Blog
• Webinars and Events
• 24/7 Specialist Counselling

Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity,
but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony.” Thomas Merton

You might relate to the feeling of constantly juggling work, home, family, and social responsibilities. Sometimes it feels overwhelming like there is no time to stop and catch your breath.

Balance is Important
Moderation, balance, and stability are crucial for a happy and healthy life. Without balance, you will increase the likelihood of burnout; you can probably relate to overdoing one area of your life and naturally wanting to bring yourself into equilibriu m or harmony, perhaps you have spent a period of your life overworking or looking after a sick relative.

It is natural to follow the rhythm of life, changing like the seasons, with periods when you have lots of energy, and other times just wanting to hibernate. However, if you feel out of balance, it may be because you are over extending yourself in certain areas of your life which is not sustainable.

Life balance is different for everyone
You are unique and will have wants and needs that are different from others. It’s important to assess your priorities to achieve balance. Perfection is unrealistic.

Regaining balance
Bringing your life back into balance can take time and effort, but it’s work that will do wonders for your health and wellbeing for years to come. If you feel it’s time to get back on the path toward balance, start by:

• Scheduling time to reflect on your life and the challenges you face
• Determining your priorities and personal needs
• Creating a list or plan of actions, both small and large, that you will act
  upon
• Asking for help from someone who inspires you
• Trying something new; nothing changes if nothing changes

For more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative

ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

CCOHS – Work-LIfe Balance

Work-Life balance is a Cycle, not an Achievement – HBR

Work-Life Balance Quiz – CMHANEW LINK – https://lifeworks.com/en

LifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.

Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:

• LifeWorks Blog
• Webinars and Events
• 24/7 Specialist Counselling

Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel

During a recent webinar on Overcoming Burnout (Password: webinarbcs), we heard that burnout and emotional fatigue are on the rise. It can creep up on us and hit us when we aren’t prepared. A recent study by Indeed showed that,

Among all respondents, 80% believe Covid
19 has impacted workplace burnout
though, how and to what extent vary. A 67% majority say burnout has worsened
during the pandemic, though 13% believe it has gotten better.

Through the pioneering work of psychologist Christina Maslach, we know that there are three aspects to burnout that is experienced as we are exposed to chronic stress over time. These are,

• Exhaustion which is comprised/ is the profound/deep physical, mental, and emotional fatigue that can impact one’s ability to work effectively and feel positive about their work.
• Cynicism which represents disengagement at work or is a way for one to distance/isolate themselves psychologically from their work.
• And inefficacy, feelings of incompetence and/or lack of achievement and productivity. Often developing exhaustion and cynicism at the same time due to being tired and missing one’s connection to work.

The good news is there are things we can do to prevent burnout.

1. Prioritize self-care – It’s essential/ important to replenish/ recharge your physical and emotional energy, along with your capacity /ability to focus, by prioritizing good sleep habits, nutrition, exercise, social connection, and practices that promote equanimity/ calmness and well being, like meditating, journaling, and enjoying nature.
2. Shifting our perspective – While resting, relaxation and replenishment/recharging can ease exhaustion, curb cynicism, and enhance efficacy, they don’t fully address the root causes of burnout. Altering your perspective can buffer/ cushion the negative impact of even the uncontrollable aspects of work or personal life.
3. Seek out social connections -The best antidote to burnout, particularly when it’s driven by cynicism and inefficacy, is seeking out social connections. That is, connections that boost your mood not brings it down.

Burnout can often feel insurmountable/ impossible. By understanding the symptoms and causes, and implementing some simple strategies, we can build a road map for recovery and improvement. And as always, seek out professional help when needed.For more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative

ADDITIONAL LINKS AND RESOURCES

AHS Ways to Wellness

Letting Go of Excess StressLifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.

Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:

• LifeWorks Blog
• Webinars and Events
• 24/7 Specialist Counselling

Link:
Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel

During the summer months, there is an increased risk for severe weather events such as extreme heat, tornadoes, flooding, heavy rain, severe storm systems, fire and smoke. Learn about the risks so you, your family members and your neighbours can be prepared.

What is in an Emergency Action Plan?
An emergency action plan can reduce the impact of an emergency situation. Make a plan to ensure you and your family members know what to do and who to call.

To get you started, you should:

1. Have a family discussion about what should you do during an emergency, where would you go, what would you need, and where would you meet.

2. Make sure children know when to call 9-1-1.

3. Put together a 72-hour Emergency Preparedness Kit.

4. Create a home escape plan. This plan will tell your family how to evacuate your building in the case of an emergency. Determine a pre-designated meeting spot and make sure to have at least two ways to exit your building.

5. Hold evacuation and fire drills every month. If you need to escape from second or third floor windows, use rescue ladders.

6. Create a family reunion plan. Designate a common meeting place outside your community. Everyone should check in with an out-of-town friend or relative. Though phone landlines and mobile networks may be overloaded, often a text message will go through.

7. Plan a place to stay. Ensure that you have a place to stay in case you are evacuated from your home. Make plans with at least one inner-city and one outer-city friend or relative who can help you and your family in an emergency. Keep the contact information for these friends or relatives in your 72-hour Emergency Preparedness Kit.

8. Gather your family’s emergency contact information. It is important that you are able to get hold of the members of your family during an emergency or disaster. Learn your building’s evacuation plans and the locations of safety equipment. If you live in an apartment building or condominium, make sure to learn your building’s evacuation plans and know where fire alarms are located.

9. Finally, have a plan for your pet. Prepare a list of locations where your pet will be safe to evacuate. Consider if your pet is on medication or on a special diet, and ensure to keep extra supplies in your 72-hour kit.

To start making your plan, you can download this guide from the City of Calgary:
Simplified Guide to Emergency PreparednessFor more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeThe most effective way for emergency services to communicate information about an emergency or disaster is through mass communication, including traditional means, like radio and television, and social media.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE SUCH AS A CODE GREY
In certain circumstances, you may be directed to a “shelter-in-place” such as the inside of your home, office or vehicle.
Take these steps to maximize your protection:

• Close all windows and doors.
• Turn off furnaces and air intakes.
• Take your 72-hour emergency kit into the room, including radio and a cell phone.
• Monitor your TV, radio or calgary.ca until you are told all is safe or you are advised to evacuate.
• If you’re in your vehicle, shut it off. Turn off the fan and close all vents.

LifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.

Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:

• LifeWorks Blog
• Webinars and Events
• 24/7 Specialist Counselling

Link:
Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) or repetitive strain injuries (RSI) may be caused by your work tasks or activities. Remember to always use proper body mechanics so you can stay healthy and safe at work and at home!

Bethany has seen an increase in musculoskeletal injuries lately at our care sites. Sprains and strains are the most common type of injury in healthcare with backs being the most impacted.

 

The Risks:
These factors together or in combination can lead to increased MSI risks.

Force:
Refers to the amount of effort made by the muscles, and the amount of pressure on body parts because of different job demands.

Postures:
For most joints, a good or “neutral” posture means that the joints are being used near the middle of their full range of motion. Maintaining the natural “S” shape of our spines will help increase the safety of our backs and shoulders.

Repetition:
The risk for developing MSI increases when the same parts of the body are used repeatedly. Highly repetitive tasks can lead to fatigue, tissue damage, and eventually pain and discomfort.

Duration:
The amount of risk depends on how long (the total time in the workday) you are exposed to the risk factor.

Reporting Early:
Reporting injuries early is key! Early reporting leads to early treatment and a better chance of recovery. Informing your supervisor right away that you’ve experienced a work-related injury is critical. Learn the signs of MSIs: swelling, redness, difficulty moving, stiffness, numbness or tingling and pain.

If you require treatment beyond first aid, or if you missed time from work, you need to report it. Report your injury to Workers Compensation Board (WCB) after telling your supervisor or manager. Let your doctor know that you have sustained an injury at work and follow through with any prescribed treatments.For more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeWorld Health Day April 7
Calling on all of us to ensure each of us is living and working in such a way that is conducive to good health.Additional resources:

MSI/RSI Educational Infographics

Support is available through LifeWorks EAP and Bethany Spiritual Care Support line.

LifeWorks
1-877-207-8833

Bethany Spiritual Care
Support Line: 587-390-7600LifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.

Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:

• LifeWorks Blog
• Webinars and Events
• 24/7 Specialist Counselling

Link:
Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel

In our busy, fast paced world, myths and misinformation make nutrition and healthy eating confusing. There is no one-size fits all approach to healthy eating. (Dieticians of Canada – nutritionmonth2021.ca)

What we put into our body is a vital part of our energy management and overall mental health and wellbeing. According to Dr. Carolyn C. Ross, making a few simple dietary changes may boost cognitive function and help maintain a good mood.

So how do you feed your brain? Here are 5 foods that can help boost your mental energy and mood.

1. Green, leafy vegetables. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collards, and broccoli are rich in brain-healthy nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene. Research suggests these plant-based foods may help slow cognitive decline.
2. Fatty fish. Fatty fish are abundant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, healthy unsaturated fats that have been linked to lower blood levels of beta-amyloid—the protein that forms damaging clumps in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Try to eat fish at least twice a week, but choose varieties that are low in mercury, such as salmon, cod, canned light tuna, and pollack. If you’re not a fan of fish, you can take an omega-3 supplement, or choose omega-3 sources such as flaxseeds, avocados, and walnuts.
3. Berries. Flavonoids, the natural plant pigments that give berries their brilliant hues, also help improve memory. In a 2012 study published in Annals of Neurology, researchers at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that women who consumed two or more servings of strawberries and blueberries each week delayed memory decline by up to two and a half years.
4. Tea and coffee. The caffeine in your morning cup of coffee or tea might offer more than just a short-term concentration boost. Investigators at Johns Hopkins University asked participants to study a series of images and then take either a placebo or a 200-milligram caffeine tablet. More members of the caffeine group were able to correctly identify the images on the following day.
5. Walnuts. Nuts are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats, and one type of nut in particular might also improve memory. A 2015 study from UCLA linked higher walnut consumption to improved cognitive test scores. Walnuts are high in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which helps lower blood pressure and protects arteries. That’s good for both the heart and brain.

(Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. ‘Foods Linked to Better Brainpower’, (Nov 2018), online: https://www.health.harvard.edu)For more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeThe best way to feed your brain and stay in a good mood is by choosing healthy foods that represent the colour of a rainbow. For example, yellow/ bananas, orange/carrots, green/broccoli and so on. For more information, check out the links below:Additional resources:

VIDEO: How to Manage Your Mood with Food

Healthy Eating Starts Here, Healthy Eating at Work

There is a Day for That

Mentally Healthy Workplaces – Managing your mental health while working remotely

Fueling Productivity Through Nutrition

If you are still struggling to boost your mood, there are supports available through LifeWorks EAP and Bethany Spiritual Care Support line.

LifeWorks: 1-877-207-8833

Bethany Spiritual Care Support Line: 587-390-7600LifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.

Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:

• LifeWorks Blog
• Webinars and Events
• 24/7 Specialist Counselling

Link:
Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngel

Just like some batteries, we too, need recharging. It has been a year since the first COVID-19 cases were identified. If we knew we would still be navigating through this pandemic a year later, perhaps we would have paced ourselves more, practiced more self-care, or even celebrated more. For some of us, the pandemic may have stretched our capacity and resilience to the breaking point.

Nancy Hughes, COO and Vice President at Bethany Care Society said early on that, “This will be a ultra marathon, not a sprint.”

If you Google “how to train for a marathon” you can find a lot of advice on how to deal with a pandemic. Here are a few tips

1. Don’t get hung up on your finish time. I think we can all relate.
2. Hydrate properly beforehand. Wearing PPE for an entire shift. Sweating under a face mask can lead to dehydration and headaches. Stay hydrated before and during your shifts.
3. Prepare your mind as well as your body. Focus on Psychological PPE. Practice mindfulness and create space between work and home. Self-care is just as important as physical care.
4. Don’t fear walk breaks. Enjoy the moments of calm or normalcy. Don’t fear them, or miss taking advantage of them to recharge.
5. Pace yourself. It’s okay to take pause and find quiet in the chaos. Make sleep a priority; it is so important.
6. Don’t miss your long runs. Life is not without its challenges, so expecting the good with the bad is part of life’s journey.
7. “I loved every mile. Make a joy list. What brings you joy? Celebrate this!
8. Know the course in advance. We’ve learnt a lot about this virus over the last year and are wiser for it. You know how to keep yourself safe.

Our emotional battery may be limitless, but it isn’t bottomless. It will deplete to dangerous levels if we aren’t careful. It’s critical for each of us to decompress and recalibrate. By learning to emotionally re-charge, we can get back on track and back to the core of who we are.

Emotional resilience is a crucial part of building a life that is happy and secure. No matter how hard you work to get things right in this life, life is going to challenge you and throw hardships and setbacks in your way. The only way to overcome these difficulties is to get through them with our emotional resilience and strength — a limitless, but not bottomless source of replenishing strength in our lives.For more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or Representative“We need to keep in mind that the Covid-19 pandemic is an ultra marathon, not a sprint, so we need to ensure we keep everyone healthy and support one another – we are just getting started. These are long and stressful days for all of us and we need to be mindful of this so we can sustain this effort. Resources are available for those who need support and I would encourage you to make use of them.”
– Nancy Hughes, COO and Vice PresidentLifeWorks supports employee health and well-being.

Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources such as:

• LifeWorks Blog
• Webinars and Events
• 24/7 Specialist Counselling

Link:
Bethanycaresociety.lifeworks.com
username: bcs
Password: eap
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: LifeWorks WorkAngelAdditional resources:

January’s Safety Bulletin “Going Home” Checklist

Huddle on “Optimism

The Continuum Self-Check