Privacy… Facebook… Facebook… Privacy…

Five years ago these two topics would have never converged but now they seem to be all over the news and on many people’s minds. Just how private are your Facebook posts? How private is your personal information? How private are your pictures? Do they really stay somewhere in cyberspace forever?

I wondered those very same things and contemplated how much of my life I want others to know. I don’t mind my close friends knowing certain things but, geez, do I really have over 500 close friends? I think not!

The last time Facebook installed a new privacy feature I went into my account settings and basically set all personal items (pictures, cell numbers, what I like to do, etc.) to a customized setting so that only I can view them. I did leave a few albums viewable to my friends only and am very conscious of what is in those albums.

I was spurred to do this when I discovered that if you are tagged in a picture that all the friends of the person who tagged you and any other people tagged in the photo can then get access to your information. I also noticed that once the new settings took effect I was able to view people’s profiles/pictures/walls that weren’t even my friends. I must admit I did some snooping but all for research, I assure you. 😉

The gist of what I think is this: Facebook is what you make of it (shoulder shrug). If you feel like you want your life to be on display for the world to see, this is your vehicle. If you want to simply connect and share with friends, be sure your account settings are configured correctly. If you are super-sensitive about your private life and live in terror of identity theft and alien attacks, then just stay off.

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Stevi Dram, Director
Information Technology
University of Winnipeg Division of Continuing Education
Tel: (204) 982-1168
Email: s.dram@UWinnipeg.ca
Web: dce.UWinnipeg.ca
Web: dce.UWinnipegCourses.ca

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Related Information Technology Links:

• UWinnipeg DCE Technology Edge Seminars:
  Facebook and Privacy… What You Should Know

Other Related Links:

Making Control Simple by Mark Zuckerberg

When we started Facebook, we built it around a few simple ideas. People want to share and stay connected with their friends and the people around them. When you have control over what you share, you want to share more. When you share more, the world becomes more open and connected. Today, I want to share some thoughts on how we’ve evolved to this point, what we’re doing now to give you more control, and what you can expect from us going forward.

Why Facebook’s privacy war is not over by Pete Cashmore, CNN

With the announcement of “simpler” privacy settings this week, Facebook must surely hope that its torturous privacy debacle is drawing to a close. It’s not. Although Facebook’s updates may defuse this latest privacy bomb, this is merely a temporary cease-fire: The company’s long-term goals will inevitably see it sparring with privacy advocates again in the not-too-distant future.

Latest Facebook fix : CTV News Channel: Carmi Levy, technology expert

The new plan for Facebook’s privacy settings could be the last chance for the social networking site to hold on to many of its users who are fed up with the company’s attitude towards personal information.

What is the cost of workplace injury in Manitoba?

It depends. Are you the employee or the employer?

Employees suffer minor bruises, cuts, scrapes, sprains, falls daily. Injuries can cause serious incapacitation or even loss of life. Costs can include lost wages, unexpected medical expenses, low morale, reluctance to resume work fearing more injury, etc.

On the Employer front, the costs include down time, lost resources, decreased productivity, and, if found to be negligent could face fines beginning at $250,000 if new legislation introduced in April is passed into law.

How do you protect employees and employers? Education, knowledge and a committee of Workplace Health and Safety advocates, dedicated to assessing and managing every conceivable risk to avoid and reduce workplace injuries, will go a long way to establishing a safe environment.

Everyone has a stake in the safety of one another in the workplace and the responsibility should be shared by employers and employees alike. Build a foundation for a solid Workplace Health and Safety plan by learning the fundamentals in an 18 hour course available through The University of Winnipeg Division of Continuing Education. Invest in training today and avoid the fines and injurys of tomorrow.

Protect yourself, your coworkers, your employees, and your company by establishing a safe and healthy work environment.

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Debra Wutke, Program Coordinator
Professional Studies Contract Training & Partnerships
University of Winnipeg Division of Continuing Education
Tel: (204) 982-1167
Email: d.wutke@UWinnipeg.ca
Web: dce.UWinnipeg.ca
Web: dce.UWinnipegCourses.ca

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Related Professional Studies Links:

• Workplace Health and Safety Outline
• Workplace Health and Safety General Description
• Human Resource Management Diploma Program (Part-time)
• Human Resource Management Diploma Program (Full-time)

Other Related Links:

Increased fines under Workplace Safety and Health Act

Maximum fines for workplace safety violations will increase substantially under proposed legislative amendments in Bill 4, The Workplace Safety and Health Amendment Act, introduced by Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard.

Fines for Safety Violations Set to Rise in Manitoba

If legislation introduced December 3 is passed, companies will see a major increase in maximum fines for safety violations throughout the province. If you’re not paying close attention to workplace safety, now may be a good time to start.

Legislation – SAFE Manitoba

Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Division is responsible for the legal aspect of keeping the province’s workers safe on the job. We administer seven acts and associated regulations that deal with the health and safety of workers, protection from unsafe equipment and licensing of tradespeople.

Workforce: Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act

The general object of the Workplace Safety and Health Act is to protect workers, self-employed persons and others from risks to their safety, health and welfare arising out of, or in connection with, activities in their workplaces. Manitoba’s workplace safety and health legislation is based on the philosophy that responsibility for workplace safety and health is shared in the workplace.

Winnipeg Free Press – Safety violation fines set to soar

The province plans to substantially boost the maximum level of fines for workplace safety violations under legislation introduced Thursday.

Winnipeg Free Press – Workplace Health & Safety Course

Become aware of the proposed legislation to increase fines for workplace safety violations. Does your company policy meet Manitoba Workplace standards? Enroll in this 18 hour course for an understanding of what constitutes a safe and healthy work environment and your duties, responsibilities and liabilities as an employer.

PortageOnline – Safety First

The province of Manitoba is looking to increase maximum fines under the Workplace Health And Safety Act. The fines would be dealt out for workplace safety violations and Portage Labour Council President Daren Van Den Bussche, says this will go a long way to helping stop unsafe work practices and will help keep employers honest about their safety protocols.