FEDERAL – The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has extended the hours of its Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC) in Ottawa to 24 hours a day, every day of the year, according to a July 24 news release from the federal Department of National Defence (DND). The SMRC has also hired new counsellors to fill the new hours, with a total of eight counsellors now available to speak with CAF members who have dealt with inappropriate sexual behaviour. The counsellors are civilians with degrees in counselling, social work or psychology and experience with the military and/or assisting with mental-health trauma, the release noted. “I am pleased that the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre is now in a position to provide this needed service to Canadian Armed Forces members anywhere in the world and at any time,” DND Deputy Minister John Forster said in a press statement. Founded in 2015, the SMRC provides telephone and e-mail support for military victims of sexual harassment and assault.
Category Archives: Health and Wellness
Bullying of workers rampant at Niagara conservation authority, survey finds
A recent stress survey by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has revealed that the vast majority of employees with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) have experienced or witnessed some form of workplace bullying.
The survey, which about 90 per cent of NPCA workers completed, found that about two-thirds of the employees had experienced bullying on the job, while 70 per cent of respondents claimed to have witnessed “offensive behaviours” at work, according to a news release that OPSEU sent out on July 19. More than 85 per cent of respondents stated that the NPCA workplace was harmful to their mental health.
“Our members at the NPCA have been telling us for a long time that their workplace is unhealthy,” OPSEU president Warren “Smokey” Thomas said in a press statement. “These survey results would seem to back that up.”
The union conducted the survey anonymously, in partnership with the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, based in Toronto. The latter organization modelled the survey on the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, which identifies psychosocial factors that affect stress levels.
Management at the NPCA received the results of the survey from OPSEU on May 29, the release noted. The union offered to work with the employer to help improve labour relations and deal with other outstanding issues, but the organization has never responded.
“Unfortunately, the NPCA refuses to acknowledge there’s a huge workplace problem,” said Thomas.
He cited a recent incident in which the OPSEU local’s highest-ranking steward’s job was terminated by the NPCA without cause on Feb. 14. “As the members’ duly elected representative,” Thomas said, “reinstating her would generate a climate of goodwill and help both sides work towards improved labour relations and a healthier workplace.”
OPSEU held an information picket at the NPCA’s headquarters on April 26, demanding that the employer reinstate the steward’s job. Photos from the demonstration on the union’s website show picketers with signs reading, “A Fair Day’s Wage for A Fair Day’s Work without Bullying,” and “NCPA Stop Bullying OPSEU Staff.”
Thomas claimed at the time that some NPCA staff were not attending the demonstration because they were “too intimidated to come out,” according to a prior OPSEU release.
Based in Welland, Ont. and founded in 1959, the NPCA manages the effect of human activities, urban growth and rural activities in the Niagara Peninsula, according to information from its website.
OPSEU represents about 130,000 Ontario workers in government, healthcare, community colleges and other sectors.
Alberta healthcare workers are poorly protected from dangerous meds: AUPE
The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) has filed five occupational health and safety complaints with the provincial government regarding worker exposure to cytotoxic medications – which potentially cause effects ranging from skin and eye irritation to cancer.
The union stated in a July 17 news release that the complaints had stemmed from exposure incidents in Edmonton, Westlock, Cold Lake and Vegreville and that reports of exposure from AUPE members continued to trickle in every day. Cytotoxic medications are primarily used in chemotherapy, although medical professionals also use them to treat rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis.
The employees “were handling the medication without proper personal protective equipment, and then there were some in there trying to link it back to health concerns as well,” explained AUPE oh&s representative Trevor Hansen, “after, of course, we noted some of the acute and the chronic illnesses that could be associated with cytotoxics.”
The medications have also been linked to vital organ damage and pregnancy-related health issues like birth defects, according to the union.
“At the time when we launched our campaign,” said Hansen, referring to the union’s actions to raise public awareness of the drugs’ hazards, “we had about 100 concerns from various healthcare workers across the province in regards to cytotoxic medication.” Since the launch, AUPE has received “an additional 30 to 40 complaints from our membership.”
Todd Gilchrist, vice president of people, legal and privacy for Alberta Health Services (AHS), said in a media statement that AUPE members had made the employer aware of the exposure incidents upon their occurrences in April and June.
“AHS Workplace Health and Safety conducted a health and safety investigation to determine the level of exposure and potential risk,” said Gilchrist. “After speaking with each employee and reviewing their individual actions and relevant safety protocols, it was determined that there had been no exposure that could cause harm. This was communicated back to employees and their labour representatives.
“We have no reason to believe that harmful exposures have occurred or that any staff member has experienced adverse health effects from exposure to cytotoxic medications. Although no employees reported any illness or health effects, Workplace Health and Safety occupational health nurses reached out to affected staff to hear their concerns and answer any questions.”
But Hansen said that there was a “lack of awareness” about the side effects of cytotoxic medications in the industry.
“Nursing staff, they hear the words ‘cytotoxic medication’, they link it back to how it affects patients,” said Hansen. “We’re finding the culture in healthcare, it’s very patient-focused as to how it affects patients and clients. A lot of nursing staff don’t actually take the effects as to how it’s going to affect them as a worker.”
In addition, workers in facility maintenance and food services often know nothing about cytotoxic medications or the risks of exposure. “We’re finding the employers that have practices in place sporadically throughout the province. It’s not consistent.”
AUPE recommends that healthcare workers wear special chemotherapy gloves and non-impermeable gowns, as well as respirators and eye protection, to prevent exposure.
“That would extend into both our auxiliary nursing group, who are the nurses that would be preparing and administering the drugs,” said Hansen about the union’s recommendations. “We’re advising our general support staff to take similar precautions.”
Gilchrist said that AHS has safety policies, procedures, education and training to deal with the hazards of exposure to cytotoxic medications. “We will continue to work with staff and unions to ensure the continued health, safety and wellness of all AHS employees,” he said.
“The health and safety of staff is our top priority. We continue to take steps to ensure their ongoing health, safety and wellness.”
Police investigate social-media threat against transit operators
WINNIPEG, Man. – A perceived threat against Winnipeg Transit (WT) employees on Twitter on July 20 has caused local controversy on the social-media site, with other users calling for criminal charges against the accused woman. “My bus is 20 minutes late every single day,” posted the woman, identified on her account as Madison Beadles, 19. “I will murder the driver next time just a heads up [sic].” WT’s response, “Thanks for reaching out. We would like to investigate your concern,” received criticism from other users for being generic and insufficient. Avie Erdile tweeted in response to the Winnipeg Police Service on the following day that he would be “happy to file” a report on the matter, and another user later posted that police were investigating. Local media reports have stated that WT has seen 16 reported assaults against bus drivers to date in 2017.
Military launches mobile app on sexual misconduct
FEDERAL – As part of its continuing campaign against sexual misconduct in the military, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has released a new mobile app, Respect in the CAF, which provides resources and support for victims of sexual assault and harassment. A July 19 news release from the Department of National Defence (DND) announced that the app includes downloadable checklists, procedures and tools for victims and for those who can support them. It can direct a user to the nearest hospital, police station, rape crisis centre or military support unit, and it is available for free from online app stores, the DND stated. “While the Respect in the CAF app was written and designed for members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the app has valuable information that anyone can use to deal more confidently and knowledgeably with… sexual misconduct,” said Rear Admiral Jennifer Bennett, the director general of the CAF’s strategic-response team on sexual misconduct, in a press statement. “This app provides an easily accessible platform on which we will build and add resources to increase awareness and continue to improve support, response and prevention of harmful and inappropriate sexual behavior.”
Canada Post employees claim carbon-monoxide exposure from trucks
Canada’s national mail service has responded to recent claims from employees that aging postal trucks have been leaking carbon monoxide (CO) inside the cabs in the Ottawa area.
The issue became public with a CBC News story posted online on July 12. The story quoted Julie Stewart, a Canada Post deliverer in Kemptville, Ont., and Smiths Falls mail worker Diana Bayer, both of whom claimed that workers were being poisoned by CO coming through their trucks’ exhaust.
The article also stated that some Canada Post workers had begun carrying gas detectors while on their delivery routes. Stewart reportedly had to go to the hospital twice earlier this year because of drowsiness and chest pains.
In an e-mailed response to COHSN, Canada Post stated that it has processes for equipment and vehicle maintenance and that employees are welcome to identify and report any issues.
“We have taken the concerns brought forward by the two employees in Kemptville and Smiths Falls seriously and have taken action,” the organization wrote.
“The vehicles were pulled from service, and extensive testing was conducted, including on-the-road delivery conditions to investigate. Maintenance, as well as a health and safety rep, were involved. We have informed the employees that no evidence was found to support their claims.”
Mail vehicles are inspected and maintained on a regular basis, depending upon elapsed calendar days and elapsed kilometres travelled, Canada Post said. A multipoint inspection and any necessary maintenance are required before a truck returns to service.
“As part of their regular duties, employees are expected to complete a daily vehicle inspection to help detect any issues or potential issues that would require testing or servicing outside of the regular schedule,” the organization added.
“In addition to our regular maintenance program, if a potential safety issue is identified, we will pull the vehicle off the road for testing. We also have a joint approach with the unions – at the local and national level – to review any potential safety concerns.”
But the CBC story quoted Stewart as saying that supervisors had done nothing about the alleged CO problem for many mail workers. It also cited a case in which a Brockville worker had supposedly measured a CO reading of 49 parts per million inside her truck’s cab, using her own CO tester. In the latter case, the employee’s supervisors replaced the exhaust system inside the vehicle and solved the problem, she said.
The problem has reportedly occurred inside Grumman LLV trucks, which have been out of production since 1994. Canada Post signed a deal with Ford to replace them in 2010, according to the CBC, but some workers are still driving Grumman trucks more than 20 years old while on the job.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers did not respond to COHSN’s request for comment before press time.
A Crown corporation, the Canada Post Corporation employs about 64,000 workers nationwide, including around 25,000 mail carriers delivering to nearly 16 million addresses, according to the organization’s 2015 annual report.
Feds lower limit of exposure to airborne chrysotile asbestos
The Government of Canada furthered its efforts to ban asbestos across the country on July 12, when it announced that it was lowering the acceptable level of workplace exposure to airborne chrysotile asbestos to as close to zero as possible.
The move was effective immediately, according to a news release from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Patty Hajdu, the federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced in Gatineau, Que. that the lower threshold would minimize the risk of workers contacting airborne asbestos fibres and align Canada’s national standard with those of individual provinces and territories. The new limit is also more consistent with international standards.
“Every employee has the right to a safe workplace,” said Hajdu, as quoted in the release. “I’m proud to be announcing these long-overdue regulatory changes on asbestos, a key element of our government’s comprehensive ban.”
Federal Science Minister Kirsty Duncan said in a press statement that protecting Canadians’ health and safety “is of utmost importance” to the Justin Trudeau government.
“Canadians can be confident my colleagues and I will continue to work hard to ensure that families, workers and communities will be protected from the harmful impacts of asbestos exposure,” added Duncan, “so they may lead healthy, secure lives.”
The move is part of the federal government’s ongoing strategy to ban all asbestos and asbestos-containing products by next year. Canada’s occupational health and safety law regulations require exposure to airborne asbestos to follow the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Values at 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre, according to a backgrounder on the ESDC website.
Canadian Labour Congress president Hassan Yussuff, whose organization has been lobbying for a complete asbestos ban for some time, told COHSN that the lower threshold was a move “in the right direction” that would “send a clear message” that the carcinogenic mineral should not be used.
“We welcome the action of the government,” said Yussuff. “There’s always going to be argument on what level of threshold is acceptable for workers to be exposed, and we believe no amount of asbestos fibres is safe. So lowering the threshold certainly brings us one step closer to the inevitable situation that the government already announced, a complete ban of both import and export of asbestos.”
Yussuff added that there is still a lot more work to do, including bringing all provincial asbestos-exposure standards into line and creating registries of buildings that still contain the mineral. “We’ve got some distance to go,” he said.
“I also believe that we need a national registry for workers that are dying from asbestos-related disease in this country,” explained Yussuff, “to give us, really, an account as to how many people are affected by the substance, yet decades after the worker may have been exposed to it.”
ESDC announced its strategy on a nationwide asbestos ban last Dec. 15. In addition to the new occupational exposure limit, the strategy consists of regulating the handling, removal, repair and disturbance of asbestos-containing material to minimize worker exposure. Previously, Public Services and Procurement Canada had already banned the use of asbestos in all new federal construction and renovation projects (COHSN, April 12, 2016).
“It moves us one step closer, of course, to try to make this country a safer place for workers who work in industry,” Yussuff said about the lowered threshold.
Another military member charged with sexually assaulting colleague
WAINWRIGHT, Alta. – The Canadian Forces (CF) National Investigation Service has charged one of the Forces’ corporals with sexual assault, regarding an incident that allegedly occurred at the CF’s Wainwright base ten years ago. A news release from the Department of National Defence identified the charged party as Cpl. Regis Tremblay, who is accused of assaulting another CF member at the base in 2007; on July 13 of this year, he was charged with violating Section 271 of the federal Criminal Code, which is punishable under Section 130 of the National Defence Act. “This charge reflects the effectiveness of our approach and ongoing commitment to support victims and defend against harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the Canadian Armed Forces,” National Investigation Service commanding officer Lt.-Col. Francis Bolduc said in a media statement. The case is now with the military justice system, with the date and location of the court martial still to be determined, the release added.
Ambulances to adopt power lifts to reduce paramedic injuries
As repetitive patient lifting remains a frequent cause of injury for paramedics, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is planning to implement new equipment this summer to make patient handling easier and reduce the number of injuries for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers.
In an announcement on the provincial government’s website on July 13, the health ministry stated that more than 350 of its ground ambulances will be equipped with mechanical lifts consisting of power stretchers and load systems. Each stretcher can lift up to 317 kilograms via a battery-powered hydraulic system, without any physical strain.
“Repetitive lifting is one of the leading causes of injuries to EMS practitioners,” said Darren Sandbeck, the EMS chief paramedic for AHS, in a press statement. “The new power stretchers and lift system will reduce the frequency of frontline crews having to physically lift patients in and out of ambulances, reducing the risk of injuries.”
The equipment, which will become standard for Alberta ground ambulances, is costing the government $20 million, AHS added. The price tag is reportedly a one-time investment coming out of the province’s existing budget.
AHS president and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu said in a statement that health and safety is one the ministry’s top priorities. “Every employee deserves to work in the safest environment possible, and it is our job to ensure that happens,” he added.
“Alberta paramedics dedicate their work every day to saving lives,” said Associate Health Minister Brandy Payne. “We want to make sure they can perform their jobs without risk of injury. Installing this new lift technology will mean a safer workplace for paramedics, by helping protect them from work-related physical strain.”
The government expects to finish installing the equipment by next spring.
AHS tested the power lifts in a 2015 pilot project, in which the equipment was installed in eight inter-facility transfer vehicles. Over the next 18 months, there were no lift-related injuries reported by employees assigned to the equipment. By contrast, there were 84 patient-handling injuries reported by staff using all other vehicles during the same period.
Health Sciences Association of Alberta president Mike Parker applauded the government’s move, calling it “a great start” in a statement.
“Our members work hard to help and heal patients,” said Parker. “Far too often, they become patients because of unnecessary injuries they suffer at work.”
Alberta paramedics typically perform about 30 patient lifts per workday, according to local media reports.
Unifor lauds new transgender anti-discrimination law
FEDERAL – A recent amendment to the Canadian Human Rights Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate against people because they are transgender or because of their gender identity, received a blessing from national union Unifor in a June 22 media release. The union noted in the release that transgender people still face violence and discrimination in Canada and that unions have a responsibility to defend all workers, including transgender people and those in the LGBTQ community. Unifor human-rights and international director Mohamad Alsadi called the amendment “a major victory” in a press statement. “While this recognition will not immediately end the discrimination that transgender people face, it is an incredibly powerful tool to continue to push for equality,” said Alsadi. “After many years, the federal government has extended the same human rights protections to transgender people that other communities have had for many years.” The union stated that it bargains to prohibit discrimination and harassment based on gender identity and expression in collective agreements and called for its members to challenge transphobia in all forms. Canada’s largest private-sector union, Unifor represents more than 310,000 workers across the country.