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We are dedicated to providing comprehensive occupational health and safety (OHS) consulting services tailored to your needs.
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Psychological health and safety, often called workplace mental health, encompasses principles and practices to foster a supportive, respectful, and psychologically safe work environment.
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The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum is recognized as best-practice in violence prevention training for health care workers.
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Guidelines and Regulations

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WorkSafeBC is holding a second public hearing this month on proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation related to combustible dusts.
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Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR), Part 5: Chemical Agents and Biological Agents – Emergency Planning came into effect on February 3, 2025. Changes include additional requirements to minimize the risk, likelihood, and harm caused by an emergency involving hazardous substances.   Hazardous substances include biological, chemical or physical hazards that may reasonably […]
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SCENARIO

A Hard Moment in a Busy Shift

It’s the middle of a busy evening shift on Cedar Wing, a long-term care unit where the team is running short-staffed.

Everyone is trying to stay focused and move quickly so residents feel settled and supported before bedtime.

Jordan, a care aide with two years of experience, is helping with the medication pass. They fumble with a patient chart on top of the medication cart while answering a question — a small slip in an already hectic night.

A moment later, their colleague Pat notices the chart and reacts sharply.

In front of two residents and another staff member, Pat raises their voice:

“You keep doing this, Jordan. How many times do we have to remind you? It’s not that hard.”

The words hit Jordan immediately.

  • One resident shifts uncomfortably.

  • The other staff member looks down at the floor.

  • Jordan feels heat rising in their cheeks — a mix of embarrassment, frustration, and the instinct to defend themselves.

They want to respond.

They also want to avoid making the situation worse, or damaging their working relationship with Pat.

What should Jordan do next?

Question 1

Responding in the moment

In that moment at the medication cart, what is the most appropriate way for Jordan to respond to Pat’s comment?
Question 2

Following up with your coworker

Later in the shift, the residents are settled and things are calmer. Jordan still feels uneasy about what happened. How could they follow up with Pat in a way that supports civility and ongoing teamwork?

Bringing it all together

Civility isn’t about avoiding difficult conversations—it’s about how we have them. Addressing concerns in private, focusing on specific behaviours, and using “I” statements can help protect dignity for everyone involved. When we notice that feedback has crossed into public shaming, we can pause, prioritize resident comfort, and choose a time and place where a respectful conversation is more likely. Over time, these choices build a culture where people feel safe speaking up and supporting one another.
Keep residents at the centre when tensions rise in front of them.
Public criticism can feel like shaming; choose private conversations when possible.
Use “I” statements to describe impact and clearly ask for what you need next time.
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Discover more workplace situations and different ways to respond.
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