Federal government undermining workplace safety

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives recently released two studies highlighting the need for improved health and safety enforcement and regulation.

According to Success is No Accident, by CCPA Research Associate David Macdonald, federal underfunding and understaffing of safety inspectors are putting federal jurisdiction employees in harm’s way. The study provides several recommendations for improving federal workplace safety. Click here to read the full report.

Canada’s Regulatory Obstacle Course, CCPA Senior Economist Marc Lee’s analysis of the federal government’s new Cabinet Directive on Streamlining Regulation (CDSR), suggests that the government’s poor record on workplace safety is not an isolated case but may reflect an across-the-board weakening of the federal regulatory process.Click here for the full report.

Cuts to federal inspections are leading to disabling injuries and deaths

OTTAWA–The Public Service Alliance of Canada is demanding that the Harper government take action to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities, after a damning report revealed that it has been negligent in protecting workers under its jurisdiction.

According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the federal government is putting workers at risk by under funding and under staffing federal safety inspection. The federal government is responsible for protecting its own employees, those at Crown corporations such as Canada Post, as well as workers in the airline and trucking industries.

The rate of disabling injuries in federally regulated workplaces increased by 5 per cent between 2002 and 2007 while the provinces have managed to cut their disabling workplace injuries by an average of 25 per cent over the same time frame.

Read more at the national website.

April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning for workers who have been killed or injured on the job. PSAC joins with union activists across Canada and Quebec to remember the fallen and fight for change.

This year, the Canadian Labour Congress asks, “Is today the day you die at work?” If current trends continue, this question could prove to be more than rhetorical.

Last year was the 25th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning, and labour activists revealed that 25,000 workers had died from injuries and work-related diseases in Canada since the day’s inception.

Read more at the national website. The BC Fed has a list of events taking place throughout BC.

Forty years after the first Earth Day celebrations, the world is in greater peril than ever. While climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, it also presents the greatest opportunity – an unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future.

Read the PSAC statement on Earth Day at the national website.

When Someone Dies at Work, Whole Families are Harmed

The B.C. Federation of Labour, the New Westminster and District Labour Council and the Vancouver District Labour Council invite you to pay tribute to workers who have been injured or killed on the job or died of an occupational disease.

• April 28, 2010, 7:30 am – 8:30 am, Vancouver Art Gallery

Bring your own union banners and invite co-workers, friends and family members to attend with you.

Visit bcfed.ca to download the B.C. Federation of Labour’s Day of Mourning poster and for more information.

Here is a list of other April 28th events taking place throughout BC:

• Abbotsford, City Works Yard – 11AM – Fraser Valley Labour Council
• Victoria, Belmont High School – time TBA – Victoria Labour Council
• Gibsons, McDougall Park – 11AM – Sunshine Coast & District Labour Council
• Delta/Ladner, Rotary Park – 10:45AM – CUPE Local 454
• Revelstoke, Worker’s Memorial Arch – 12 noon – Shuswap Columbia & District Labour Council
• Nanaimo, Harbour Front Square – 1PM – Nanaimo, Duncan & District Labour Council
• Duncan, Brae Road – 9AM – Nanaimo, Duncan & District Labour Council

Federal Health & Safety Committee Training – delivered by the BC Federation of Labour Health & Safety Centre

• Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street
• June 1 & 2, 2010 – 8:30 am–4:30 pm
• Course Cost: $150.00 for 2 days

This two-day course aims to prepare workers in the Federal jurisdiction to play an active and confident role on their workplace Joint OH&S Committees.

Participants will discuss and develop strategies to improve working conditions through the Joint Committee structure. They will review relevant legislation, principles of control along with processes and strategies for inspections and investigations. The legal requirements for the development and implementation of hazard prevention programs in workplaces under Federal jurisdiction is also reviewed.

To register or for more information contact the BC Fed Health and Safety Centre toll free at 1-888-223-5669, 604-430-1421 in Vancouver, or visit bcfed.ca.

Public Service Alliance of Canada – British Columbia Regional Union Safety and Health (BRUSH) Committee minutes -  January 6, 2010

Chair: Sam Wiese (Regional Councilor, H&S)

In Attendance: Alice Woods (UCTE), Leanne Hughes (NAT), Wayne Little (UTE), Louise Richard (NAT), Bob Jackson (AGR), Tracey Shudo (CEIU), Melvin Dureen (USGE), Virginia Vaillancourt (UVAE), Monique Bakker (UEW), Gail Jewsbury ((UEW), Susan Yaciw (UTE), Kelly Megyesi (CEIU), Lorraine Plummer (NHU), Paul Croes (CEIU), Bob Bridgeman (UNDE), Al Johnston (NHU), Bill Pleming (GSU), Linda Harding (GSU),James Little (PSAC, H&S) and Kay Sinclair (REVP BC).

Regrets: Laura Gracie (CEIU), Angela Marafon (UTE), Anita Hoffman (CEIU), Grace McIvor (NHU), Jim Sidel (DCL), Barry Cunningham (UCTE), Sargy Chima (CEIU), Bonnie Heidt (UVAE).

Continue reading below, or download the BRUSH Committee minutes (pdf)

Agenda

1. Roll Call
2. Accepting the Agenda
3. Review Previous Minutes
4. Update on National H&S Conference
5. New Business
   • Member Survey
   • Health Canada – Reduction of Service
   • Light station de-staffing update
   • Local 60 “Greening the Environment”
   • Environmental Issues and H&S
   • Sick Leave
   • Education
   • First Aid
6. Round Table
7. Adjournment

1. Introduction/Roll Call – Sam conducted a roll call and expressed members regrets

2. Agenda Approved- First Aid was added to the agenda under New Business

3. Review of Previous Minutes

• Members reviewed the previous minutes and issues arose in two areas: Armed Members and Ergonomics.
• Armed Members – Jim, Sam and Melvin were to look at current education programs with in departments and agencies for available non-armed members training opportunities. This task has not yet been completed and the group will report at the next meeting.
• TASK – Jim, Sam and Melvin will review available education programs offered by departments and agencies.
• Ergonomics – Bill Pleming offered some insight to some of the recent developments around ergonomics at Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). It appears that PWGSC is moving towards establishing contractual arrangements with outside service providers for the provision of both level I and II ergonomic services for Treasury Board Departmentns at a regional level. The terms of agreements were to be put out for tender nearer the end of January 2010, however looks like probably this summer. The purpose of which will be to establish a standing offer rate with the providers such that departments and can draw down from an account. The next step is to draft Terms and Conditions to be followed by tendering and awarding of contracts.
• TASK – Ensure this is a standing agenda item.

4. Update on National Health and Safety Conference

• The national H&S Conference was held in November 2009 and was focused on H&S and the Environment.
• There was a diverse array of speakers on several differing topics including; bullying and harassment, global warming, the environment impact of the tar sands and stress. There were three workshops offered; Enforcement, Workplace Committees and the Environment as a H&S Issue.
• The conference concluded with a Regional Caucus in which H&S Activist from BC gathered to develop a three-year regional H&S plan. This plan was developed in consideration of our BC Regional planning session that took place at the BC Regional H&S Conference. The outline of the BC plan will be shared with the members of the region shortly and include; Membership Networks, Education and the Co-ordination of a H&S Campaign.

New Business

1. Member Survey

• As part of the National H&S Conference, BC Caucus we discussed the issue of membership networking. It became very clear that although we have a very large BRUSH committee that we haven’t done a great job at identifying and connecting all of our regional H&S activists. We decided to conduct a regional H&S membership survey in an effort to identify local H&S activists. Before we proceed with a survey, we need to send a message of our intention to the National Officers and this should come from Kay. Some of the questions we could ask in our survey might be: what is your number one H&S issue, how are members appointed to your workplace committees, who are the workplace representatives, how much education do they have and/or need. We may wish to send a letter to the locals first and then follow-up with phoning.

2. The Health Canada Reduction of Service

• Sam reported on the work that she and Wayne Little have accomplished.
• Wayne provided an update of developments at Canada Revenue Agency has amended its policy on workplace accommodation and have negotiated the provision of health services (ergonomic and fit to work assessments) with and outside service provider. Should be complete by March 2010.
• Corrections Services Canada in the lower mainland has contracted its air quality and ergonomic services with a company in Langley at a rate of $175.00/hour.
• Bill Pleming provided PWGSC’s perspective (above).

3. Light Station De-staffing

• We reminded participants that the de-staffing of light stations remains an issue for our members and we should remain vigilant. Alice Woods gave a short presentation at the National H&S Conference, which was well received, and we continue to encourage members to put pressure on their MP’s. Our goal is to defend quality public service and the safety of our members and the Canadian public.

4. Greening the Environment – Local 60 webmail.

• Agriculture Component – Local 60 has challenged other BC locals and the Regional Office to reduce their amount of paper use. The local has created its own webmail, which members can use to commumicate with the local, and it appears to be working very effectively. This generated a broader discussion around our reduction strategies and how we can improve our recycling, reduction and reusing strategies.

5. Environment and H&S

• The question has been raised as to whether the environment should be addressed as a H&S issue. This issue was addressed at the National H&S Conference and it appears that based on those discussions the two issues are so closely connected that we should develop a unified approach to health safety and the environment.

6. Sick Leave – Treasury Board Policy (April 2009)

• The interpretation, implementation and administration of the new Treasury Board Leave with Pay Policy (April 2009) as it relates to Dental/Medical Appointment
• TASK – Sam to produce the new Sick Leave Policy

7. Education

• We held a discussion around education and the member’s needs. In doing so, we attempted to prioritize our training objectives.
  • Workplace Committee Training
  • Canada Labour Code Review
  • Other H&S Issues; Ergonomics, Hazard Prevention, Air Quality etc.
• The BC Federation of Labour is developing a pilot project on training workers in Federally Regulated Worksites. The pilot training will take place on February 16 and 17 in Vancouver and we have four members of the committee auditing the training. We hope that this is the beginning of a new era in BC Fed training and that we will be able to rely on this training to reach our diverse membership.
• The BC Fed H&S Centre also offers training on a wide variety of H&S subjects and they make that training available to affiliated members throughout the province. We should be encouraging our members to participate when ever possible.

Meeting Adjourned, Next Meeting March 24, 2010

Why is occupational health & safety training essential?

It saves lives. British Columbia workers go to their grave each year as a direct result of workplace hazards. More die annually from cancer and other diseases caused by hazardous workplace exposures.

It prevents injuries and illnesses. Thousands suffer workplace injuries or develop work-related illnesses each year in BC. In 2008 there were 160 accepted fatality claims and 2.8 million total days lost from work due to injury and illness.

It is a sound economic and social investment. Injuries, occupational illnesses and fatalities affect the bottom line of any business – the average lost-time injury in BC costs $98,000 and the social costs associated with pain and suffering experienced by affected workers, their families and their communities can never be adequately gauged.

The BC Federation of Labour has just released their Occupational Health & Safety course schedule for the spring/summer. Visit bcfed.com for  course descriptions and more information.

PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Download a PDF of: Victoria Area Council mtg minutes March 9, 2010

Members Present: Cindy Little – UTE 20028, Scott Parker – UTE 20028, Ken Waldron – UNDE 21013, Noelle Arnold – AGR 20064, Dave Ramalho – UNDE 21011, Paul Jones – UNDE 21008, G. Goodmanson – UEW 20169, Jack Gale – GSU 20001, Jim Sidel – DCL 20500, Leanne Hughes – CIU 20042, Mark Miller – UNDE 21016, Sylvaine Boudreault – AGR 20064, Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169

PSAC Victoria RO Staff Present: Dave Jackson – Regional Rep

Guests: Karla Backer – JLP, Sherry Boudreau – JLP

Regrets:, Pete Wills – UEW 20076, Ian Wiggs UNDE 21008, Derek Williams – AGR 20064
Virginia Vaillancourt – UVAE 20030

1. Call to order: Chairperson Sister Little called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm

2. Introductions: Roundtable introductions of members present

3. Proposed Agenda: Joint Learning Program (JLP), Financial Update, Review of By-Laws, Lighthouse Campaign, Federal Budget Overview, Campbell River Area Council, 2010 Pride Parade, 100th Anniversary Brick

4. Previous Minutes- Deferred to next meeting

5. JLP
- Karla provided info about the program – quick session.
- TB/PSAC agreed to develop what became JLP (Fryer report)
- Offer a number of different courses (5) UICA, UMC, EE, Respecting Differences, Anti-Harrassment. The DTA is to be rolled out later this year.
- Other aspect is the career development for members who are active and want to become facilitators.
- Encourage members to put their need to be facilitators into their learning plan.
- Exposure to various departments
- Ken Waldron – not able to convince management and they don’t want to commit the time to do it.
- DTA course would be 1 or 2 days probably.
Karla and Sherry are working as a team and will be back for the PSAC staff conference March 24th.
- Mark Miller provided some additional insight on recruitment strategies.
- Sherry – intake for new facilitators in this region probably in September, 2010.

6. Treasurer’s report. m/s/c Ken Waldron and Dave Ramalho

7. Review of By-Laws The last amendment was September 2008. Strike a committee to review. Graeme, Noelle, Cindy and Dave Jackson. Send By-Laws and Template out to committee and Dave Ramalho.

8. Lighthouse Campaign – Nick provided an overview of the campaign.
De-staffing on hold at this time.

9. Federal Budget Overview
- Nick provided some information on effects from the budget
- Strategies & Priorities document from NBOD strategy session.
- Pension wasn’t touched – 50,000 signatures from PSAC members
- DND 575 million reduction
Discussion ensued.

10. Campbell River Area Council Inugural meeting on Feb 2, 2010. Executive are: Tom Hopkins – UEW 20147, Steve Bergh – UCTE 20232, Sharon Vanderdonck – CEIU 20963, Debbie Clemenson – UEW 20147.

11. Victoria Pride Parade Paul Jones is requesting a donation from the Area council. Hopes to have a float, using a generator, flat bed trailer and will require a table. The event is July 4th.
- m/s/ Paul/Jim requesting a donation from the Area Council for the Pride parade
- m/s/c ammendment Jim/Scott donaton to be $250.
- Questions followed around how many donations would be coming in?
- Is the float to be shared – No.
What do we do with the money?

12. Brick
- Ken shared info on the “brick” that the Area Council purchased commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy.

13. Other business
Jack – talk about the WFA again. ERI/EDI.
Mark – 1119 terms in UNDE, of which 149 are in BC region alone.
Nick – we don’t have terms. 25% are casuals, WFA was improved last round of bargaining.
Jim – 21% of Commissionaires at Dockyard will be laid off.

14. Next Meeting June 8, 2010

15. Adjournment Motion to adjourn meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm m/s/c Jack/Dave

_____________________________
Sister Cindy Little, President

Virginia Vaillancourt, Recording Secretary

via United Steelworkers, District 3

Every year in British Columbia about 160 workers die on the job. Across Canada there are about 1,000 workplace fatalities annually and well over 300,000 lost-time workplace injuries. Since 2004, that adds up to roughly 6,000 workplace deaths and close to 2,000,000 injuries.

2004 was an important year: it was the year that Bill C45 was enacted. Termed the Westray Act after the horrible mine explosion in Nova Scotia that killed 26 miners in 1994, the new law was 10 years in the making.

Years of lobbying by the United Steelworkers finally convinced all parties in the House of Commons to amend the Criminal Code of Canada to legislate criminal prosecutions of corporate executives, directors and managers whose actions prove willfully negligent in neglecting their responsibilities to make and keep workplaces healthy and safe.

(more…)

As the recent disaster in Haiti has shown, earthquakes leave a path of destruction and chaos in their wakes. Many populated areas of North America sit on high-risk earthquake zones and survival often hinges on being prepared. Share with your co-workers these 12 tips for earthquake preparedness at home:

1. Go through your house, imagining what would happen to each appliance, piece of furniture and section of the structure in case of a quake. Check chimneys, fireplaces and foundations. Note danger zones and items to be removed, repaired or secured.
2. Secure the hot water heater and other appliances so they will not move enough to break natural gas or electrical lines.
3. Rearrange rooms so beds and couches are away from windows, heavy pictures, mirrors and hanging planters.
4. Move items on shelves so heavy items are near the floor.
5. Secure tall furniture so it won’t topple over.
6. Keep flammable liquids and other hazardous materials such as pesticides outside the house, in a garage or shed.
7. Have regular quake drills with your family. Practice going to safer places in each room – under tables or against inside walls. Also point out the danger spots – near windows, hanging items such as mirrors or paintings, fireplaces and high furniture or shelves.
8. Establish a contact telephone number of a reliable relative or friend outside your state or province. If family members are separated by a disaster, they will call this telephone number when phone service is restored.
9. Place a flashlight at each bedside and throughout the house to help you find your way if the earthquake puts out the power.
10. Get in the habit of keeping a pair of shoes beside the bed. This will help you make your way to safety if there is broken glass and other debris.
11. Teach all responsible family members how to shut off the utilities in your home – natural gas, electricity and water.
12. Set up an emergency survival kit and store it someplace easy to find. A clean plastic garbage can with a tight-fitting lid is a good container for your emergency kit. It should include a three-day supply of bottled water, canned food, a can opener, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, a first aid kit and manual, warm clothing, sturdy shoes, cash including coins, photos of family and friends, three days’ of prescription medicines and extra eyeglasses. Sanitation supplies and special items needed to care for infant, disabled or elderly family members should be included.

Here’s an interesting article relating to workplace bullying which was posted in the Toronto Star last November. The reporter is Janis Foord Kirk.

Getting stepped on at work

“She loved the work at first, ” a worried husband confides. “But now she drags herself in every day. A couple of people who’ve worked there for years seem to have it in for her. I can’t believe some of their antics. “Is this workplace bullying?” he asks. “And if it is, what can she do about it?”

Bullying is one of the fastest-growing complaints of workplace violence, according to the International Labour Office. It runs the gamut from extreme violence, even murder, to intimidation and snide remarks.

The psychological harassment of a co-worker tends to fall into the latter category. And when two or more people join forces to lie, gossip, criticize and socially isolate a specific employee, the ILO says, it’s called “mobbing” or “ganging up.”

Valerie Cade is a workplace bully expert based in Calgary who consults internationally on the issue. “It’s important to distinguish between workplace bullying and difficult behaviours, ” she cautions. “Bullying is deliberate, disrespectful, repeated malicious behaviour. Bullies really do know what they’re doing. This is the difference. A difficult person is just grouchy and steps on other boundaries in order to get their own needs met. But a bully will actually calculate how to embarrass and demean someone else.

(more…)

Thanks to BRUSH Committee member Gail Jewsbury (UEW 20090) for forwarding these links!

Occupational Health Advice for Federal Departments and Agencies of the Core Public Administration and their Employees – this advisory provides important recommendations for federal employees whose work duties may put them at higher risk of exposure to the H1N1 flu virus. 16 Nov 2009

Occupational Health Advice for Federal Employees Working or Traveling Outside of Canada during the H1N1 Flu Pandemic – this advisory provides advice and guidance for employees working or travelling outside of Canada.

Health Canada has published a series of Frequently Asked Questions regarding H1N1 Flu Virus – Reducing the Spread of Infections and Viruses in the Federal Workplace. These FAQs provide occupational health and safety advice and guidance to help us, as employees, meet our responsibilities in minimizing the spread of the H1N1 virus at work, and in following workplace health procedures.

Additional information from HRSDC on everyone’s responsibilities and rights in the workplace under the Canada Labour Code – Frequently Asked Questions for Employers and Employees specifically in the context of the H1N1 virus

Like all Canadians, public service employees are strongly encouraged to continue to practice good infection-prevention measures to reduce the risk of flu infection and to consult fightflu.ca to stay actively informed about the H1N1 Flu Virus.

The British Columbia Regional Union Health & Safety Committee, referred herein as the BRUSH, has developed this plan, which was approved at the last meeting, September 23 2009.

This committee shall be comprised of Health & Safety activists from across the British Columbia (BC) Region and chaired by the Health & Safety (H&S) Councilor of the B.C. Regional Council. It is expected that the Alternate BC Regional H&S Councilor will also be a standing member of this committee. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (the PSAC) staff representative to this committee shall be the Regional Representative responsible for H&S.

As this committee is devoted to the inclusion and promotion of Health & Safety, it is expected that the majority of decisions will be by consensus. In the rare event that a vote is required all participants in attendance at the meeting where voting takes place are entitled to vote.

In building this document, the committee took into consideration the strategic goals of the PSAC and ways of integrating them into the mandate and plan.

Read more in the Committee Mandate and Plan (pdf).

Minutes BRUSH September 23, 2009

Chair: Sam Wiese (Regional Councilor, H&S)

In Attendance: Louise Richard (NAT), Laura Gracie (CEIU), Bob Jackson (AGR), Tracey Shudo (CEIU), Melvin Dureen (USGE), Virginia Vaillancourt (UVAE), Monique Bakker (UEW), Gail Jewsbury ((UEW), Susan Yaciw (UTE), Kelly Megyesi (CEIU), Paul Croes (CEIU), Alice Woods (UCTE), Jim Sidel (DCL), Barry Cunningham (UCTE), Grace McIvor (NHU), Sargy Chima (CEIU) James Little (PSAC, H&S) and Kay Sinclair (REVP BC).

Regrets: Wayne Little (UTE), Leanne Hughes (NAT), Angela Marafon (UTE), Floyd Knelsen (UTE), Anita Hoffman (CEIU), Megan Adam (UEW).

Agenda

1. Review Previous Minutes
2. Terms of Reference
3. Health Canada – Reduction of Service
4. 2009 National H&S Conference
5. Question from the Membership

• Armed Members – Megan Adam
• Medical Leave – Anita Hoffman
• Big Flood – UVAE

6. Ergonomics – Furniture and Equipment
7. H1N1
8. Food Safety
9. Round Table

1. Introduction – Sam

2. Review of Previous Minutes

Members reviewed the previous minutes and there were no additions or amendments required.

3. Terms of Reference

Sam summarized the revisions to the Draft Terms of Reference and opened the floor for discussion. There were no additional amendments suggested. A vote was taken and the members in attendance have passed the Terms of Reference. Copies of the new Terms of Reference will be circulated to the members of the BRUSH and the Regional Council.

4. Health Canada Reduction of Service

Sam reported on the work that she and Wayne Little had accomplished.

Canada Revenue Agency has amended its policy on workplace accommodation and have negotiated the provision of health services (ergonomic and fit to work assessments) with and outside service provider.

Corrections Services Canada in the lower mainland has contracted its air quality and ergonomic services with a company in Langley at a rate of $175.00/hour.

As of September 10, 2009 there is no service being provided at Environment Canada.

We have not heard anything official from the Treasury Board of Canada and our suspicion is that each department will contract their own independent services. We ask that once these contracts begin to appear that members please ensure this information is shared with the BRUSH. We need to look at this issue from an equity perspective and ensure that the members are being serviced in and equitable manner.

5. 2009 National H&S Conference

One of the main purposes of this meeting was to outline the delegate selection process. Kay Sinclair explained the process and criteria as follows:
• Total Delegates = 300
• Regional Delegates (7 delegates x 7 regions = 49 regional delegates)
• Component Delegates (7 delegates x 17 components = 119 component delegates)
• Component Additional Delegates (300 – 19 – 119 = 162 delegates) the 162 additional delegate seats are allocated to the components on a pro-rata/population basis (larger components = larger portion of the 162 additional delegates)
• Observers

672 applications were received and the conference should have room for ~ 50 observers.

Kay Sinclair REVP BC is chairing the steering committee, which is continuing its work on developing the conference objectives and organizing guest speakers. Members were advised that, like previous H&S conferences, we would be holding a BC Caucus at the end of the conference to develop a Regional Action Plan. Delegates and observers will be expected to assist in the development of that plan.

6. Armed Members

A question was raised “What training or education is being offered to non-armed members who work with or near armed members”. Paul Croes provided a detailed analysis of his experiences within Customs and Immigration, and advised that threat risk assessments have been done and it has been determined that their workplaces are unsafe. Many staff have not accepted the new reality of the work place and training these members has created some difficulties. One of the big issues is Officers walking through the office with loaded hand guns. Initially, they are very careful however over time they become less vigilant and at times lazy. This has resulted in an increase in accidental discharges. The officers receive the standard operating procedures training however this training is not offered to the non-armed staff.

We reviewed procedures within differing departments.
• DFO – Has a non-gun personnel policy
• Customs – They have some armed training procedures
• Parks – Unknown at present
• CSC – All the guns are in posts and training has been provided to those in need.
• Coast Guard – Not a problem and all ammunition is held in storage.

TASK – Jim Sam and Melvin will look at current educational programs with-in departments/agencies and review for non-armed learning opportunities.

7. Medical Leave

There appears to be an increase in the number of members being forced to use their annual leave or sick leave to attend medical appointments of a recurring nature. To address this issue we looked at what the current norms within departments and agencies.

For most collective agreements you will not find leave provisions for medical/dental appointments. For Treasury Board and Agency members leave for medical/dental appointment will be found in the employers Leave With Pay Policy and as such, it does not form part of the collective agreement and is therefore not a matter that can be contested at arbitration/adjudication. This being said, the employer does allow member to take time off for medical/dental however, it is at their discretion and based on their respective Leave Without Pay Policies.

It was emphasized that if this becomes a big work place issue, members should consider using the accommodation argument as this could be seen as an attack on persons with disabilities.

8. Ergonomics

“Did you know that any equipment, divice, technical aid, provided to you for the purpose of workplace accommodation can be moved from one Branch to another or from one Department/Agency to another and that the accommodation provided can accompany you throughout your career in the Federal Public Service” – Safety, Emergency and Security management Division (SESMD), Assets Management Directorate (AMD), Corporate Serviced Brach (CSB).

Information regarding the transfer of ergonomic equipment can also be found in the Policy on the Duty to Accommodate Persons with Disabilities in the Federal Public Service.

Both articles will be posted to the BC H&S website

9. H1N1

Question was raised about vaccinations and H1N1 related sick leave.

In regards to employer provided vaccinations (flue shots), it appears that each department/agency has its own policy.

In terms of sanitation, it is widely known that hand washing is the number one means of prevention and that hand sanitizers, although somewhat effective, should only be used when hand washing is not available. In some offices they are putting hand sanitizers in the washrooms and this should be discouraged and hand washing should be encouraged.

Our front line staff is at serious risk and those with deficient immune systems should be encouraged to get vaccinated. Some departments have put in place pandemic plans in case of a serious outbreak.

If you miss work because of the flue, it will not be compensable by Workers Compensation Boards.

Employers may be sending members home or to the doctor if they are sick and we hope that this policy will also apply to all non-unionized workers/managers in the workplace.

10. Food Safety

Bob Jackson reported on some of the more recent successes of the Food Safety First campaign. The federal government recently announced a 75M dollar increase to food safety which will result in a 35 % increase in meat inspectors (70 new inspectors). Although there are still problems some very good results to report from the hard work of the Agriculture Unions campaign

www.foodsafetyfirst.ca

22 members of the Canadian public died from the Listeriosis outbreak.

11. Lightkeepers Campaign

Alice Woods (UCTE – Coast Guard – Lightkeeper) gave everyone a brief on the de-staffing of the east and west coast lighthouses. There is a petition going around and we hope you will join us in supporting this quality public service.

“This campaign is not about jobs its about safety and service”.

Meeting Adjourned

Next Meeting December 16, 2009

Attending: Megan Adam, Jamey Mills, Sharon Tieman, Bill Pleming, Jack Seto, Monica Urrutia

Continue reading or download a PDF copy of the Vancouver Area Council Meeting minutes, Sept. 22, 2009

1) AGM Planning

• October 27^th confirmed date. Location, Vancouver RO
• Discussion about putting off proposed educational/speakers until the next meeting in January in order to focus on AGM business.
• AGM agenda will include:
  • Report of Exec
  • Treasurer/Budget
  • Reports of member locals
  • Kay Sinclair and Stephen Dunsmore (to be invited) to speak on local political action and the lightstation issue
  • Will play “spot the public service” game during dinner to show how it works (still have some coffee left for prizes).
  • Elections
  • Other issues as raised/roundtable
• Food will be Indian from Saffron.
• Megan to contact Stephen Dunsmore, Monica to contact Kay Sinclair.

2) January Meeting

• Discussion was had about doing a January educational around Bill C-10, pay equity and the government’s attempt to silence unions. PSAC charter case etc.
• Suggestion to invite David Eby (on charter right to association, speech), Peter Jullian (on pay equity petition and case) and have PSAC rep speak to the charter case.
• Suggestion to hold event at a downtown venue, 5 pm after work, and promote to members and the public.
• Megan to contact Jacquie De Aguayo regarding this proposal to see if the timing would be appropriate. Will also talk to legal representative this week.
• Will ask Sam to speak with Jullian’s office about schedule in January to determine possible dates.

3) Roundtable

4) Adoption of minutes from last meeting.

Sisters and Brothers,

PSAC is providing two valuable tools for all our health and safety activists in response to the release of the 2009 Spring Report of the Auditor General. The report highlights the government’s widespread failure to comply with key requirements of the Treasury Board’s Standard for Fire Safety Planning and Fire Emergency Organization as well as the Canada Labour Code, Part II.

The Auditor General issued a very troublesome report indicating that the federal government is failing to ensure the safety of thousands of workers and the public by not properly enforcing fire safety rules and regulations.

The first document is entitled: “Tools for Workplace Actions” (pdf) and provides a complete list of all the important players in the field of Fire safety planning and fire emergency organization. The second document is entitled: “Employer Compliance Checklist” (pdf) and should be used to ensure that your employer is in compliance with the law and the Treasury Board Standard. PSAC representatives that are members of workplace health and safety committees, or have been appointed as health and safety representatives, should request from the employer a copy of the Fire Safety Plan.

We hope that these two documents will be of great assistance in pointing out violations in your workplace. We also included tips on how you can seek enforcement of these very important fire safety provisions.

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West Fraser Valley Annual General Meeting

• September 21,  5:30PM
• Knight and Day Restaurant 9677 King George Highway @ 96th Avenue
• Agenda items include election of officers

Vancouver Area Council Meeting

• September 22, 2009 5:30PM
• Vancouver Regional Office – #200 – 5238 Joyce Street, 3rd floor boardroom
• Agenda items so far include: planning for the AGM (scheduled for October 27, 2009), update on Vancouver Area Council local/branch affiliation campaign

BRUSH (Health and Safety) Committee Meeting

• September 23, 5:30PM
• Vancouver Regional Office – #200 – 5238 Joyce Street
• Members unable to attend the meeting at the Vancouver RO may join in the discussion via conference call – call the RO for details
• Agenda items: H1N1, Terms of Reference, Health Canada – Ergonomic, National H&S Conference

Minutes BRUSH June 24, 2009 (Draft)

Chair: Sam Wiese (Regional Councilor, H&S)

In Attendance: Gary Shwaluk (AGR), Wayne Little (UTE), Tracey Shudo (CEIU), Melvin Dureen (USGE), Varginia Vaillancourt (UVAE), Monique Bakker (UEW), Gail Jewsbury ((UEW), Susan Yaciw (UTE), Leanne Hughes (NAT), Angela Marafon (UTE), Susan James, James Little (PSAC, H&S) and Kay Sinclair REVP BC

Regrets: Bob Jackson (AGR), Janelle Ho-Sing (PSAC), Jamie Mills (UTE), Floyd Knelsen (UTE), Sargy Chima (CEIU)

Guest: Jayne Johns (PSAC)

Agenda
1. Introduction
2. Political Action Lobby � Jayne Johns
3. Review of Previous Minutes
4. Terms of Reference
5. 2009 BC H&S Conference Report
6. H&S Website and Communications
7. 2009 National H&S Conference
8. Education
9. Round Table

Continue reading below, or download the June 24th BRUSH Committee meeting minutes (pdf)

1. Introduction – Sam

2. Guest Speaker � Jayne Johns

The BC PSAC Region has undertaken a Member of Parliament lobbying campaign focused on the overall goals and objectives of the PSAC�s Think Public Campaign and designed towards engaging our members. The idea is to establish relationships between MP�s and our members in hopes that our members will have confidence in continuing the dialogue with their MP�s. The core issues for this campaign are; Bill C-10, Food Safety, Fish Campaign, cuts to EI, Student Hiring and Think Public.

3. Review of Previous Minutes

Members reviewed the previous minutes and there were no additions or amendments required.

4. Terms of Reference

Sam summarized the Draft Terms of Reference and opened the floor for discussion. There were a couple of amendments suggested, such as, fewer acronyms, more on education, membership and frequency of meeting.

Meeting will be held quarterly, March, June, Sept and December on the fourth Wednesday of the respective month. This will be added to the ToR.

5. Review of 2009 BC Regional H&S Conference Report

The report of the 2009 BC Regional H&S Conference was circulated by e-mail and members had an opportunity to review the final DRAFT. No comments or suggestions for amendments were received. We can now publish the report.

6. 2009 National H&S Conference

One of the main purposes of this meeting was to remind the BC H&S activists of the opportunity to apply for the 2009 National H&S Conference.

Kay Sinclair REVP BC is chairing the steering committee, which is currently working on developing the conference objectives and organizing guest speakers. The registration forms should be out soon, the resolutions deadline will be Friday, August 7th (confirmed subsequent to meeting), and they must come from a constitutionally recognized body i.e.: Area Council, Local, Woman�s committee etc.

Members were advised that, like previous H&S conferences, we will be holding a BC Caucus at the end of the conference to develop a Regional Action Plan. Members were asked to be prepared to assist in the development of that plan.

7. Education

There will be no Union School this year and although this has always been a venue for delivering H&S education, that opportunity will not be available in 2009. Further to that we requested the opportunity to hold H&S training in the North and Interior and it has been determined that the funds are not available in 2009. We hope that we will be able to provide this training during the beginning of the new education cycle, which begins in 2010.

We also discussed the need for better national H&S training and how the Joint Learning Program could assist with the delivery of a national H&S program.

Round Table

Wayne Little � Raised the very important issue about Health Canada and its newly announced decision to amend its Public Service Health Program (PSHP) and the devastating effects this decision will have on our members. For the most part the Fit to Work Assessments and Ergonomic Assessments will no longer be performed by Health Canada and the Treasury Board and Agencies will need to find alternate service providers for these services. Wayne and Sam will work on developing an information campaign on the issue.

Meeting Adjourned

Next Meeting September 23, 2009

Download the draft terms of reference for the committee here. (pdf)

2009 PSAC NATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CONFERENCE

�WORKPLACE ALLIANCES FOR HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS�

- REGULATE � AGITATE � ENFORCE -

• REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, August 21, 2009
• RESOLUTIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE : Friday, September 18, 2009
• CONFERENCE DATES: November 20 to 22, 2009
• CONFERENCE LOCATION: Sheraton Hotel, Montreal, Quebec

Download the Conference Call Out and registration package.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the 2009 PSAC National Health and Safety Conference are to:

• Examine the current state of enforcement of health and safety legislation in order to develop union-based strategies that will better protect workers.
• Strengthen the ability, knowledge and effectiveness of all PSAC activists on union and joint health and safety committees to better mobilize members around workplace issues.
• Increase the involvement of health, safety and environmental activists in the �Think Public� campaign and to join with coalitions working to defend and advance our rights.
• Better identify harassment and discuss what makes harassment a health and safety issue and propose specific preventive measures and responses that unions can take to prevent and deal with harassment at work.
• Make the connections between �The Environment� and health and safety, and propose actions that Locals and health and safety activists can do about �The Environment� in their workplaces and communities.