Minutes - BRUSH Committee Meeting - January 23, 2008 (amended)

Chair

• Joy Hennen CEIU

In Attendance

• Floyd Knelsen CRA
• Chuck Leech ALTERNATE - USGE
• Gail Jewsbury - UEW
• Tom Gallager GSU
• Gordon Law WESTERN ECONOMICS
• Melvin Dureen - USGE
• Stephen Chessor CUDA
• James Little BC PSAC, Regional Representative
• Robert Hellenius Commissionaire
• Raheman nur Mohamed CIUE
• Ray King
• Neil MacKay
• Kelly Legacy - Vernon - CEIU
• Carolyn McGillivray - White Rock CBSA
• Gwen Williams - SSO, NAT
• Sam Weise - CEIU
• Monique Bakker

Regrets

• Wayne Little UTE

Agenda Items:

1. BC PSAC Health and Safety webpage and forum.
2. New COSH Regulation XX Violence update.
3. New COSH Hazard Prevention Regulation XIX amendments (Ergonomics).
4. Report from the PSAC National H&S Rep’s Meeting.
5. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infections.
6. Work Reorganization and Call Centres.
7. Succession Planning.
8. H&S Logo Contest
9. PIPS participation in the PSAC BRUSH Committee.
10. Lancaster House Audio Conference - Benefits for Disabled Workers Navigating the Maze

Roundtable of introductions

Agenda Item #1 was moved to the end of agenda

Acceptance of previous minutes - m/s/c chuck/ floyd

1. COSH Regulation XX, Violence - The COSH has created a new Regulation to address Violence in the workplace. Violence Prevention in the Work Place forms Part XX of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety (COHS) Regulations, which are made pursuant to Part II of the Canada Labour Code (Code), the purpose of which is: to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, linked with, or occurring in the course of employment in the federal jurisdiction. The regulations appear in the December 15, 2007, edition of the Canada Gazette Part I (see volume 141, no 50, pages 3455 to 3459).

2. New Ergonomic Regulation Update - The COSH Regulation XIX Hazard Prevention has been amended to include Ergonomics. The brand new regulation is now law, the PSAC provided input into the regulation however much of our input was not included in the final document. The new regulation is available on the BC PSAC Website and Forum page.

3. Report from the PSAC National H & S rep’s meeting - The PSAC Regional H&S Rep’s have been meeting twice a year to discuss issues related to H&S. We have two national officers who, among other things review regulatory amendments negotiate the NJC agreements on H&S.

NJC covers broad based issues of concern to all employees in the government - all unions, not just PSAC. NJC is conducting a cyclical review of the H&S directives. We have the opportunity to provide input into the process. They have just completed directive A and are now working on B, C and D. These directives are very specific in nature and deal with things like Elevated Work Structures, Motor Vehicle Operations, Materials Handleing, PPE’s and Electrical Safety. The PSAC National H&S Officers would like us to look at the directives and see if we have any concerns about them or the language in them. The information will be provided on the BC PSAC H&S Website and Forum Page. We have until the end of summer 2008 to complete the task at which time Denis St. Jean, the national officer responsible for this, will do the final write up.

4. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infections - The Commissionairs in Vancouver had a serious problem with MRSA’s and some immigrant detainees. The Commissionairs currently run the detention cells for CBSA dealing with immigrant detainees. Rob Hellenius is familiar with MRSA via other sources. Gloves and hand washing do not enough protection against the spread of infection as suggested by the health nurse at the jail. There appears to be lots of misinformation about MRSA. Management thought that they had a spider infestation. There are two types of MRSA, facility acquired and community acquired. This can cause loss of limb, skin facetious, lung facetious. In Canada we do not have any protocols. Rob has asked PSAC for help. Initially we were close to a Section 128 “right to refuse” situation - but there were some protocols introduced and there probably was not imminent danger.. We needed to bring this to the attention of the employer, the commissionaires, and CBSA and ensure the safe transfer individuals. We have decided to follow the Section 127 “internal complaint resolution process” at this time.

Rob advises that a1/3 of the Canadian population carries MRSA and surfaces can remain infectious for up to two weeks.

CL has gone through this a couple of times at Matsqui. Senior management was notified by the hospital, health team called, and the person was isolated.

MD - currently CSC is coming up with a draft of a pandemic response paper. Generally it is after the fact, rather than preventative. They are dealing with infectious diseases such as Hep C, Hep B,

The H&S Rep for BC PSAC contacted Health Canada, and spoke with occupational health nurse (Ruth Nicholson). She does a lot of training for customs people at the airports around this issue. She would be willing to do some training around this issue for other concerned employees

There was a general discussion around the need for protocols and the proper use of PPE’s in relation to MRSA’s

5. Work Reorganization and Call centres - CEIU - Neil and Rahmen work as EI call centre agents in harbour centre. They raise the issue of work conditions in call centres and the impact that it has on call centre workers. Characterized by stress, burn out, and absenteeism. The PSAC has raised the issue of poor work conditions with management but with no success. Most issues are best addressed via H&S. The CEIU (Service Canada) members want to draw attention to the following issues (work environment, tethered to a desk, monitoring and surveillance of the work force, high call volumes, non stop, on phones 6.5 hours out of 7 hours. 2 sec break, etc). The employers emphasis is on quantity not quality. The results are burn out, frustration, hi turn over rate, hi absenteeism, managements insistence on doctor’s notes, low morale and intense work environment.

CBSA has a large call centre in Winnipeg and CRA have several call centres across the country. In the most recent minutes of the National Board of Directors (NBoD) meeting the PSAC President reported on Work Reorganization and Call Centres was one of his top issues. He indicated that the PSAC has one of the two seats representing the House of Labour on the Board of Govenors for Contact Centre Canada the sector council for organizations the are involved in the contact centre industries. The BC PSAC H&S Rep talked to Howie West the National Rep responsible for Work Reorganization, who informed us that there is a National PSAC working group on call centres. They have conducted a survey and the results are near completion. The PSAC Components are well represented in the working groups however; they have not met in quite some time.

The BC PSAC H&S Rep will contact Howie again to determine the names of the representatives on the call centre working group. Joy indicated that CEIU is looking for a new building to house 500 - 700 people as a call centre with processing. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available for members.

ACTION:

Joy - will get in touch with the CEIU group involved with call centres.
James - will contact Howie for names of members on the working groups.
Rahmen - will again raise the issue at his local H&S committee and raise the issue to the regional and national level.

6. Succession Planning - Joy is not running for a second term and any candidate for the BC Regional Council seat for H&S must be a member of the BRUSH.

7. BC PSAC H&S LOGO Contest - The canary in the cage is a good H&S symbol and it must be incorporated into all Logo Contest entries. The contest should conclude prior to the BC Regional Convention in April so that the wining entry can be revealed at the Convention.

8. PIPSC Participation - We have received a request from PIPS members in BC who wish to participate in our BRUSH meetings. Some thoughts were our need to be cautious and that we should contact PIPSC to determine if they have any objections. The REVP BC PSAC was informed and she wants the committee to decide. Some members would like to be inclusive and others are opposed.

Action: James - will contact Denis St. Jean to see if they have any concerns.

9. Lancaster House Audio Conference - Benefits for Disabled Workers Navigating the Maze - We purchased the audio tape of some of this conferences. This subject matter deals with WCB, DI and other benefits (EAP, fit to work) and is about 1 hr to 1.25 hours. We would like to schedule a time and place for airing the audio conference and we would like to hold the meeting in conjunction with the Human Rights Committee. Try something new for people who cannot get to the office. It will be broadcast on the DVD player and then will go over the conference call via the speakers.

10. BC PSAC Health and Safety Website and Forum - www.psacbc.com - We introduced the new BC PSAC Website and Forum page and explained how to access and register for the Forum. We feel that a lot of our current issues can be addressed in this new format and we will be inviting the rest of the PSAC members to also join in the discussions.

Meeting Adjourned

CPP/OAS Processing BC/YT Service Area - Workplace Safety & Health Committee Meeting Minutes - November 27th, 2007 1:15 pm

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

• Sarah Burns Co Chair CEIU October 17th, 2007
• Crystal Stephens CEIU
• Crystal Anderson Recorder/ CEIU Sept 10th/ November 27th
• Donna Lloyd CEIU
• Heidi Fraser CEIU
• Tina McKechnie In training (Recorder) November 27th 2007

• Kim Bergh Director
• (co-chair) Gwen Kinakin SDM DSB

AGENDA ITEM

1. Call to Order : Welcome to Sarah Burns as new co-chair.

2. Review Minutes of October 17th, 2007: Previous minutes approved.

3. New Business -Workplace Inspection Follow up:

• Continuous work being done. Office-wide clean up and de-clutter to take place on November 28th and 29th. Common areas will be included.
• HVAC and Ceiling grills in process of being cleaned.
• Egress, Safety signage, eyewash stations and fire extinguishers continue to be monitored and updated.
• First Aid Stations and First Aid Attendants: many issues are yet to be addressed. Co-chairs are meeting on Thursday at 10:30 to discuss these issues.
• Missing or deteriorating ceiling tiles to be replaced tonight.
• Inspection schedule amended: Gwen and Crystal Stephens to include CEP area on 5th floor for November’s inspection, and Gwen and Sarah to include 1st floor file room, and basement in December.
• A new Area Rotation Inspection Roster will be available in the new year.
• Area maps and inspection roster to be updated by Tina

4. Hazardous Occurrence Incident Report

• No incidents reported so far this month. Jan has indicated that Heather MacKay is working on a report which occurred during the November Fire Drill. (I don’t recall this? Pete Bowering is the Chief Building Warden – so not clear on how Heather/Jan are involved?)
• Some discussion followed regarding where to send WCB forms. It was suggested that Team Leader should consult with the Administrative Coordinator.

4. Fire Drill Report

• One incident of a fire drill and another alarm occurred last week. As of the time of the meeting, reports have not been seen. Gwen to follow up with Pete Bowering

5. Name of committee

• Discussion about official title. Committee mandate comes from the Canada Labour Code. Gwen to look up original wording.

6. Scents

• Scents continue to be a concern, especially in kitchens, elevators, and the Bar area. This needs to be re-addressed, and general education needs to be improved.

7. Tip of the Month

• November –Kim’s tip is Preventing Trips Slips and Falls.
• December – Heidi will decide on a topic.
• Due to membership changes, roster needs to be updated.
• Rotation updated for current fiscal, next fiscal schedule will be provided in the new year.
• Tina to update Roster for Tip of the Month

8. Round Table

• Sarah: Will recruit additional members for committee. Look at putting a poster on the public folder.
• Crystal: No Comments to report.
• Donna: Paper covering vents in microwave is a fire hazard concern.
• Heidi: Would like to volunteer to be a first aid attendant, and has a valid ticket till November 2008.
• Email Don Campbell about fire concerns. Address in de-clutter.

Meeting adjourned at 2:30 pm

9. Next Meeting : Tuesday, December 18th, 2007 at 1:30 pm

Minutes - BC Regional Union Safety & Health meeting

Attending:

• Bob Jackson
• Monique Bakker
• Mel Dureen
• Jason Komaromi
• Wayne Little
• Floyd Knelson
• Chuck Leach
• Bill Pleming
• Thomas Gallagher
• Steven Chesser
• Mandi Schubert
• Gail Jewsbury
• Sam Weiss
• Kelly Megasi
• Joy Hennen (Chair)
• James Little (Staff H&S Rep)

Previous minutes accepted as reviewed. Bob Jackson, Jason Komaromi M/S.

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CPP/OAS Processing BC/YT Service Area Workplace Safety & Health Committee Meeting Minutes January 29th, 2008 10:30 am

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

• Sarah Burns Co Chair CEIU October 17th, 2007
• Crystal Stephens CEIU
• Crystal Anderson CEIU November 27th, 2007
• Donna Lloyd CEIU
• Heidi Fraser CEIU
• Mandi Schubert (acting for Sarah Burns) CEIU
• Tina McKechnie Recorder November 27th, 2007

• (Chair)Kim Bergh Director
• (Co-Chair)Gwen Kinakin SDM DSB

AGENDA ITEM

1. Call to Order

2. Review Minutes of December 18th, 2007

• Previous minutes approved.

3. New Business

3.1 First Aid Stations and Attendants:

• Gwen and Sarah, as co-Chair/ First Aid attendant, to hold a meeting this Thursday to do a complete inventory of all the first aid kits and complete the kits as per regulations.

3.2. Workplace Inspections

• Motion to include workplace inspections as a standing item approved.
• Inspections are up to date.
• Items identified in January’s inspection;
• * “Do not use” sign removed from plumbed in coffee maker in 2nd floor kitchen. Coffee maker sprays hot water from spigot.
• This coffee maker has been deemed unnecessary and will be removed on the next plumber’s visit after the Union AGM.
• * Dishwasher - Mandy has contacted the service person at Sears to fix the broken hinge. Until the hinge is fixed, staff will have to hand wash dishes. There may be a motion to buy a new dishwasher at the the Feb 27 AGM.
• * Recommendation to have another co-ordinated effort to do another large scale clean up in May.
• * Fifth Floor Lunch Room furniture not a union responsibility. Couches blocking the door to First Aid Room. Wellness Committee responsible for couches.

3.3. Eyewash Stations

• Not yet removed.

3.4. Committee Membership

• Call out for new members.
• Identify new Management Back-up
• Another back up co-Chair will be identified upon Mandi’s resignation.
• Mandy to put up new sign
• Tina to BF in April
• Gwen to touch base with Wellness Committee.
• Gwen to speak with Don
• Mandi to put out call
• Kim to identify

3.4. Hazardous Occurrence Incident Report

• No incidents were reported this month.

4. Tip of the Month

• January – Sarah Burns provided a tip on how to safely shovel snow.
• February – Crystal Anderson will provide a tip of the month.

5. Round Table

• Mandi: Mandi wanted clarification for Team Leaders regarding responsibilities/Liabilities for ergonomics.
• Response: Team Leaders should talk to their bosses and look at link to policy on Indemnity for Public Servants. Mandi to advise concerned team leaders that extent of responsibility is due diligence.
• Crystal Anderson: Crystal noted that she called the building 1-800 number with regards to garbage in the stairwell in early January and the response was swift. Within 20 minutes, 3 people had shown up at her desk to resolve the matter. The stairwells have been clean since that time.
• Tina: Nothing to report.
• Mandi: Mandi inquired about the lack of No Smoking signage on the front of the building.
• Response: This is an issue for Jan Gillis through the building committee. It was further noted that the rear of the building was where the problem lay. There has been good compliance with no smoking in the back, but there has been a problem with people leaving cigarette butts on the ground since the ashtray was removed.
• Gwen to share link and send msg out to mgrs.
• Tina to email Jan Gillis

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 pm

6. Next Meeting : Tuesday, February 19th ,, 2007 at 1:30 pm

CPP/OAS Processing BC/YT Service Area Workplace Safety & Health Committee Meeting Minutes December 18th, 2007 1:00 pm

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

• Sarah Burns Co Chair CEIU October 17th, 2007
• Crystal Stephens CEIU
• Crystal Anderson CEIU November 27th, 2007
• Donna Lloyd CEIU
• Heidi Fraser CEIU
• Tina McKechnie Recorder November 27th, 2007
• Pete Bowering Guest

• (Chair) Kim Bergh Director
• (Co-Chair)Gwen Kinakin SDM DSB

AGENDA ITEM

1. Call to Order

2. Review Minutes of October 17th, 2007

• Previous minutes approved.

3. New Business

3.1 First Aid Stations and Attendants:

• There is no need to have first aid attendants at off-site according to Canadian EnviroOSH legislation.
• A crossover between First Aid Attendants and Building Emergency Organization is needed.
• Meeting to be convened with First Aid Attendants to check First Aid kits are stocked as per regulations, arrange for procurement of supplies, and to establish willingness to continue service.
• More rigour to be brought to First Aid Attendants regarding maintaining inventory in First Aid Kits and manning First Aid Stations.
• Recertification costs must be built into the budget piece for next year.

3.2. Fire Drills

• Pete Bowering spoke to the committee about two incidents.
• The fire drill of Oct 18. (see November 27th minutes for detailed report)
• The practice fire drill on October 18th, 2007 was successful.
• Numerous building issues were raised and Profac is tracking these. Follow up will be shared.
• The false alarm on November 22nd
• This was an unexpected full evacuation due to a false alarm, triggered by building maintenance on the 4th floor.
• Other alarms were noted, and in one instance, some people evacuated the building when the test alarm rang for more than 5 seconds. Normal notification procedure had not been followed in this instance because of the absence of some of those who were to transmit the message.

3.3. Workplace Inspections

• Declutter and clean went well.
• Some pieces around signage and floor maps still to be addressed.
• The November and December inspections have been completed according to schedule. Observations sent out today and attached below.

3.4. Eyewash Stations

• No need for eyewash stations as there is no identifiable hazard. Kim and Sarah, as co-chairs, agreed that they could be removed.

3.5. Committee Name

• The name will remain Occupational Safety and Health Committee for ease of identification, noting that the emphasis is equal on safety and health. Pete to speak with F.A. attendants &
• Gwen/Sarah re FA meeting and kit inventory. Gwen – advise Director

4. Hazardous Occurrence Incident Report

• One hazardous occurrence was reported by Jan Gillis on November 22, 2007. The individual twisted a knee on the stairwell during the evacuation drill. This individual was appointed as a mobility impaired person and Lab 1070 was sent to RHQ.

5. Tip of the Month

• December – Heidi will provide a tip in the near future.
• January – Sarah Burns will provide a tip of the month.

6. Round Table

• Crystal Stephens: no concerns
• Crystal Anderson: inquired about procedures for issues of mess in the stairwells and was told to contact the building service desk for any cleaning or maintenance concerns.
• Donna: no concerns
• Tina: no concerns
• Meeting adjourned at 1:40 pm

9. Next Meeting : Tuesday, January 22ndth ,, 2007 at 1:30 pm