Did you know?

A study led by Dr. Barbara Liu at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in Toronto found that seniors taking the new generation of antidepressants, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, were 2.4 times more likely to suffer a hip fracture, compared with seniors not taking antidepressants. Dr. Liu said this may be due to side effects such as sedation, or possibly depressed people treated with SSRIs may become more active and thus more likely to fall and fracture a hip.
Globe & Mail, May 1, 1998

The Labor Council of New South Wales, Australia, launched a new policy on sun protection for outdoor workers. Given Australia’s very high incidence of skin cancer, the new policy recognizes that thousands of workers are at risk. The UV policy outlines protective measures to keep employees safe, including changing work hours, using shade structures and wearing protective gear.
Australian Safety News, February 1998

Last year a Justice in Ontario awarded a crash victim $5.5 million including legal costs. On the hook for half that amount is the Ontario government, which was found to have been slow to salt a stretch of Highway 401 in freezing rain over seven years ago. If the judgement is not overruled it could pave the way for other lawsuits in Ontario and influence judges considering cases elsewhere. In the meantime, that judgement will make public officials think twice about skimping on road salt.
Globe and Mail, December 29, 1997

Starting April 17, travellers who fly with Air Canada are being asked to keep their seatbelts buckled for the full duration of their flights as a precaution. This appears to be in response to an incident on a US airline when a passenger suggered a broken neck.
Ottawa Citizen, April 17, 1998

Return to top of page