Health and Safety Moment: Poison Prevention Week
Poison Prevention Week (March 16-22, 2025) highlights the importance of preventing unintentional poisoning, a leading cause of injury-related death in Canada. With numerous potential poisons in and around the home and workplace, it’s crucial for us to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect ourselves and our families.
Key facts about poisoning
- Unintentional poisoning is the third-leading cause of injury death in Canada, resulting in over 4,000 deaths annually.
- Poisoning costs Canada’s healthcare system $2.6 billion each year, with many incidents involving children under 6.
- Common sources of poisoning include medications, household cleaners, cannabis products, and personal care items like mouthwash and hand sanitizers.
Why should you care
While you may not have direct exposure to these household risks at work, many of us have children or family members at home who are vulnerable. Poison prevention is not just a home safety issue—it’s also a part of employee wellness.
Simple steps to stay safe
- Store products safely: Keep medications, cleaning supplies, and other dangerous substances high and locked away, out of reach of children or others who might mistake them for something harmless.
- Follow instructions: Always read labels carefully for medications and household products. This is crucial to avoid accidental misuse.
- Dispose of expired medications: Safely dispose of unused or expired medications by returning them to a pharmacy or using a local medication take-back program.
Know what to do in case of poisoning
In case of a poisoning emergency:
- Contact Poison Centres: Canada’s toll-free poison centre number is 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669).
- Keep the number handy: Keep poison control numbers in your phone or posted
During Poison Prevention Week, stay aware of potential hazards at home, especially if you have young children or elderly relatives. By promoting safe storage and disposal of dangerous substances, we can reduce poisoning risks for families, enhancing overall wellness both at work and at home.
For more resources on poison prevention, visit Parachute.