The conference application deadline approaches …

On behalf of the BC Regional H&S Organizing Committee I am pleased to inform you of the upcoming 2009 BC PSAC Regional Triennial Health and Safety Conference. We would like to encourage members active in Health and Safety and members who share an interest in Health and Safety issues to attend.

We hope to have 55 participants representing all areas of the region and all aspects of our union. I am sending you this application form to be completed by members wishing to attend the 2009 H&S Conference.

• Download the Conference Application form (.doc)
• Download the Conference Application form (.pdf)

Please note that a registration fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) is required from all conference participants.

If Locals have difficulties sending members because of financial constraints, please contact the PSAC Victoria Regional Office as we may be able to assist you.

The theme of this years conference, �Participation And Workplace Prevention� is intended to be of interest to those who wish to contribute to improving Health and Safety in their workplaces.

In Solidarity, James Little, Regional Representative Health and Safety

British Columbia Regional Union Safety and Health (BRUSH) Committee would like to Invite You to Make Submissions to Our �Create A Logo� Contest

The BRUSH creates a forum, which enhances the exchange of information be-tween PSAC members on matters of Health and Safety. We are offering all PSAC members in the BC Region an opportunity to present, in art form, a logo submission.

Contest guidelines

• the contest is open to all PSAC members within the British Columbia Region
• one entry per member
• each entry must include the artist�s name, address, phone number and a valid email address
• each entry may be sent either electronically to littlej@psac.com or by mail to Attn: BRUSH Logo Contest, 210-1497 Admirals Road, Victoria BC V9A 2P8
• only originals will be considered
• submissions are now being accepted, the closing date for accepting submissions is March 1, 2009.
• The winning entry will be judged on a variety of factors including artistic merit, creativity and originality. The winning entry will be announced at the 2009 BC Regional Health and Safety Conference.

Prize

• A Grand Prize will be awarded to the member with the winning entry.

BRUSH MEETING MINUTES, JUNE 25, 2008

Chair: Sam Wiese

In Attendance: James Little, Kirk Oppermann, Jack Seto and Rob Hellenius

By Teleconference: Mandi Schubert, Melvin Dureen, Monique Bakker, Bob Jackson, Grace MacIver, Wayne Little, Carolyn McGillivary

Regrets: Angela Marafon, Diane Beaulieu, Wanda Pocok, Deborah Wong, Diane McArthur, Bill Plemming, Sarah Burns, Thomas Gallagher, Rob Terris, Rob Hynes and Kelly Megyesi

Continue reading below, or download the June 25th BRUSH Committe meeting minutes (pdf)

Reviewed: Agenda

No additions or revisions

Reviewed Minutes From Last Meeting:

January 23, 2008

Explanation was provided on the National Joint Council (NJC) Cyclical Review being conducted and the work that was recently done at the PSAC National H&S Reps meeting.

We have received one regional submission from CFIA regarding Fumigation Hoods.

UTE has started a campaign on Call Centres � Sam wants members to have a look at the UTE website and access the bulletin on Call Centres (Feb 6, 2008). Sam will also contact reps from UTE to discuss how we might assist or hook into their campaign. Also, a forum has been started on our regional H&S webpage.

Issue was also raised about the participation of PIPSC members at our BRUSH meetings. The REVP has been informed of the request and feels the committee should decide. Agreed we should be cautious, and maybe the committee should have a vote or we should discuss at our upcoming Regional H&S Conference. We should contact the PIPSC H&S Rep to discuss.

New terms of reference will be developed for the BRUSH and maybe they should include this in their discussions.

Tabled for now.

Agenda Items:

1. Terms of Reference for the BRUSH

We reviewed the terms of reference from the Atlantic, Ontario and our own. We are no longer tasked with the Environment responsibilities only H&S. We agreed to create a sub committee to review the terms of reference and they will report at the next committee meeting.

Committee Members: Mandi Schubert, Grace MacIver, Wayne Little, Bob Jackson

2. Health and Safety Training

The introduction of H&S Training as a JLP course is still being examined in the respective Head Offices and the prospects look good. Currently we have no H&S training planned for this year with the exception of three one-day courses at this years union school. The courses are Regulations, WCB and DI.

3. WCB Proposal

The idea is to encourage more membership involvement in WCB Advocacy in the BC Region. To do this there will be a requirement for members to play a more active role in WCB Case Management. Similar to the Grievance Process and representation. Their will be an educational component to the proposal and we would be looking at training ~ 50 members over 5 days. Stay tuned.

4. Report from the June 2008 National PSAC H&S Reps Meeting

James attended the regional reps meeting in Ottawa. The national H&S team would like to encourage members to participate in the following campaigns.

• Pregnant and Nursing Women and their rights petition
• Bill 484 Violence Against Fetus � War Against Abortion Rights
• Bill C51 Amendment to Food and Drug Act � however we (PSAC) might come out against this.

5. Right to Refuse Cards

The PSAC has developed wallet sized �Right to Refuse� cards. Let James know if your office or members need some. Some will be available to those in attendance at the next meeting.

6. BC Regional H&S Conference

We need to hold our triennial regional H&S conference before the National PSAC Convention in April 2009. We have been looking at some dates and it looks like February, March or April. We need to establish an organizing committee and finalize the dates. We will have more information for the September meeting.

7. H&S Logo Contest

Our original goal was to create a brand for the BRUSH so we decided to hold a contest to create a new BRUSH Logo. We will promote the contest through the website and hopefully announce the winner at the regional conference.

We should establish an incentive � need to discuss cost.

8. Meeting Start Times

We would like to start the meetings at 5:30. This time seems to work for the majority � some members have difficulty-making meeting this early. It is important that the minutes get out to participants prior to the meeting. James apologized for not attaching the minutes to the e-mail announcing the meeting. We are trying to achieve a regular meeting schedule in conjunction with the BC Fed OH&S meetings (3rd Wednesday of every second month).

9. Silent/Visual Fire Alarms � Item Added by CEIU 20975 Victoria

This is becoming a big issue in the CEIU office in downtown Victoria as well as the DFO office in Nanaimo. Offices with deaf members should have silent/visual alarms installed. They should not rely on evacuation buddy�s or pagers. We would like to put employers on notice that we will be adding this issue to the workplace H&S committee agendas and some suggested solutions are:

• contacting the fire departments
• contacting other social activist groups to put pressure on government
• give ultimatums
• PWGSC�s policy is to provide members with pagers and they are paged immediately once the fire alarm is activated. The experience in Victoria is there is a considerable delay (sometimes 10 minutes) and what if someone is in the bathroom.
• In all new facilities silent/visual alarms are being installed and it is now part of the Canada Building Code.
• The other related issue is the lack of clear guidelines for Floor Wardens
• According to accessibility standards the issue should be raised at the workplace H&S committee meeting and management has 3 months to deal with the issue
• Contact PWGSC for more information

Next meeting Sept 24, 2008 � 5:30 p.m.

The British Columbia Regional Safety and Health Committee (BRUSH) would like to announce an upcoming meeting.

Did you know that any PSAC-BC member can take part in the PSAC-BC BRUSH Committee? Meetings will normally be scheduled two weeks in advance and we will attempt to deal with issues in the workplace, provide education, raise H&S awareness, and much more. Please encourage your local members to participate!

• The next meeting is scheduled for: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 5:30 pm.
• The meeting will be held at The Vancouver Regional Office of the PSAC, 5238 Joyce St, Vancouver BC.

Members are encouraged to attend in person however members who are unable to attend in person can join the meeting via teleconference. We ask that you please provide us with any agenda items and we will send out the Teleconference co-ordinates along with the agenda and previous minutes next week.

Please RSVP

In Solidarity, James Little – Regional Representative Health and Safety

Agenda Items:

1. Terms of Reference for BC Regional H&S Committee
2. Right to Refuse Cards
3. BC Regional H&S Conference
   • Organizing Committee
   • Content
   • Dates
4. H&S Logo Contest
5. National PSAC Convention � H&S Resolutions
6. H&S Resolutions from Component Conventions
7. Round Table

source: < a href=”http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/”>canadaeast.com

Hang out a shingle that you are interested in stories about bullying in the workplace, and you get an earful. Eventually you cannot help but think of all the money that businesses and government would save if they prevented or adequately addressed bullying or if, for example, Workplace Healthy and Safety were to add bullying to its jurisdiction.

Unfortunately, to date, a review of the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission by an independent review panel has failed to address this issue. The provincial government can still seize the opportunity in its upcoming response to the review panel’s report to finally deal with this issue.

New Brunswickers who have been targeted by a workplace bully say there is nowhere to turn. Women are more often than not the target of workplace bullying — repeated, unreasonable behaviour that intimidates or humiliates an employee or group of employees.

(more…)

PSAC SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND DISTRICT AREA COUNCIL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES – August 21st, 2008, PSAC Victoria Regional Office

Members Present:

• Nick Humphreys – UEW 20169
• Virginia Vaillancourt – UVAE 20030
• Paul Jones – UNDE 21010
• John Rumsby – UTE 20028
• Cindy Little – UTE 20028
• Scott Parker – UTE 20028
• Ken Waldron – UNDE 21013
• Graeme Goodmanson – UEW 20169
• Peter Neelands – NRU 20088

PSAC Victoria RO Staff Present:

• Dave Jackson – Regional Rep

Regrets:

• Rosemary MacKenzie – PSAC Admin Assistant
• Dave Rahmalho UNDE 21011
• Ian Wiggs UNDE 21008
• Fabian DeGuire UNDE 21008
• Wayne Little UTE 20028
• Anita Hoffman CEIU 20975
• Mandi Schubert CEIU 20975

Continue reading below or download the August 21st SVIDAC meeting minutes (pdf).

1. Call to order Chairperson Sister Little called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm

2. Introductions Roundtable introductions of members present

3. Proposed Agenda No amendments� m/s/c J. Rumsby/P. Jones

4. Adoption of Minutes from January 29, 2008 1 correction noted on the minutes of June 3/08 – under Victoria Labour Council: change “Provincial” elections to Municipal elections. m/s/c P. Neelands/N. Humphreys

5. JLP (Joint Learning Program)

a) Sponsorship to other Bargaining Groups - concerns raised of not being 100% inclusive . Those members are not able to participate, bring it up with their Components re: concerns if any

b) New Regional Field Coordinator for JLP BC; Karen Geiger (Employer Representative). Not a lot of uptake in BC – encourage members to have JLP course(s) in their workplace.

Recommendation at the UEW Convention; Resolution to have a Duty to Accommodate course through JLP. It was mentioned that there is a new Employment Equity Course coming out and it will include a Duty to Accommodate portion.

6. Report from Pride 15-20 people attended and walked in the parade. 3 Components represented; 20 thousand people lined the streets. The 2 outreach students got Think Public cards signed by the crowd.

7. Resolutions to PSAC Triennial Convention & for the Area Council AGM It was recommended that with the AGM coming up and any Resolutions to the PSAC Triennial Convention must be submitted 6 months in advance of Convention start. A general call for resolutions to the SVIDAC AGM will be sent to all affiliated locals. A sub-committee was formed where resolutions can be sent to: Dave Jackson, Virginia Vaillancourt and Paul Jones. A few suggestions of resolutions were made and the sub-committee will follow up on these.

8. Political action

a) Request to have Mike Esso from the Victoria Labour Council attend the SVIDAC AGM to discuss the VLC role and affiliation. Encourage locals to invite Mike to their AGMs’ to talk to their members. Motion to invite Mike Esso from the Victoria Labour Council to the AGM to discuss the affiliation.m/s/c N. Humphreys/P. Jones (unanimous)

b) 20th Labour Day Picnic September 1, 2008 *Rain/Shine* Gorge Park (Kinsmen) 1070 Tillicum Rd, Esquimalt. Fun for the whole family. *Kids Games*Clowns*Refreshments* *Kids Eat Free*. Motion that the Area Council Executive review the viability of making a donation to the 20th Annual Labour Day Picnic.
m/s/c N. Humphreys/K. Waldron

Scotia Bank AIDS Walk for Life, Sunday September 14th, 2008 at 10am. Fernwood Square – Raise Money: $100.00/person, Please wear Red t-shirts. Any questions; contact Elaine Jeffery at caringuno@shaw.ca or check out the link at http://www.aidswalkforlife.ca/Victoria.htm

9. Adjournment Motion to adjourn meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:15 pm. m/s/c P. Jones/K. Waldron

Next Meeting: AGM September 30th, 2008 5:30pm at the PSAC Regional Office 210-1497 ADMIRALS ROAD

The 2009 BC Regional Health & Safety Conference has been tentatively scheduled for February 28-March 1, 2009 at the Hilton Metrotown in Burnaby.

We are currently seeking members who are willing to play a leading role in the organization of the 2009 H&S Conference. The organizing team will work closely with James Little and myself and will be expected to provide their services up to and during the conference.

If you wish to join us on the organizing committee please review the following for instructions on our criteria and application process.

(more…)

The PSAC has produced a wallet/pocket card outlining the steps in the Right to Refuse Dangerous Work as per Sections 128 and 129 of Canada Labour Code, Part II. To obtain an initial supply for your Local please contact your Regional Office.

YOUR Right to Refuse Dangerous Work Section 128/129 Canada Labour Code, Part II

• Report the details of the perceived hazard to your employer without delay.
• If your employer agrees that a danger exists, the employer is then obliged to take immediate action
  to protect you and other employees from the danger and to inform the workplace committee or
  the health and safety representative about the action(s) taken to resolve the problem.

(more…)

source: The Ottawa Citizen, June 16, 2008

It’s time for a major study into what is ’sabotaging taxpayers’ investment’: mental health expert

Canada needs a national inquiry into the management and working conditions of the public sector, which is a “toxic place to work” for a growing number of employees who are stressed, burned out and slipping into depression, says a mental health expert.

Bill Wilkerson, chairman of the Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, said the absenteeism, disability claims and distress among Canada’s nurses, doctors, teachers, police, military and bureaucrats have reached such crisis proportions that it’s time for a major study into what is “sabotaging taxpayers’ investment” into these critical services.

“We are seeing absences, disability rates and illness among public sector organizations that beg a national evaluation of what it is about these workplaces that creates such high levels of distress,” he said.

“And I would argue, conceptually, that this goes beyond the question of too few nurses, for example, doing too much work.

“There is something wrong with the culture of these workplaces.”

Disability claims in Canada are climbing and between 30 to 40 per cent of claims are for depression. The cost to the economy is $51 billion, or four per cent of GDP.

(more…)

The British Columbia Regional Safety and Health Committee (BRUSH) would like to announce an upcoming meeting. Meetings will normally be scheduled two weeks in advance and we will attempt to deal with issues at the workplace, provide education, raise H&S awareness, and much more.

Please encourage your local H&S Activists and members to participate!

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2008 beginning at 5:30 PM. Members can attend in person at the PSAC Vancouver Regional Office, #200 – 5238 Joyce Street in Vancouver or via conference call: please email James Little for details.

source: Canwest News Services, via Anne Marie Sleeman, UEW 20729

OTTAWA – Canadians are increasingly stressed and depressed on the job, and it is costing the economy and society dearly, says a study released Thursday by Desjardins Financial Security.
According to the results, 83 per cent of Canadians report having shown up for work while sick or exhausted, and did so an average of six times in the past year.

Another 89 per cent of the 1,594 adults interviewed for the survey believe incidences of stress-related mental-health problems such as burnout, depression and anxiety have been increasing over the years.
All this is costing the economy $30 billion a year, says a 2005 study produced by the journal Chronic Diseases in Canada, quoted in the Desjardins report.

(more…)

Sisters and Brothers:

April 28, 2008 will mark the 24^th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning for workers killed and injured on the job. The National Day of Mourning was started in 1984 as an initiative of the Canadian Labour movement and this day of reflection is now established around the world.

• More Day of Mourning information, including a list of events in BC
• Read more Heath & Safety related posts

In 1984, according to the official figures listed by the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), 744 workers were listed as having died from workplace injuries. But instead of seeing and improvement is this tragic situation, the past two decades has actually seen an increase in the number of workplace fatalities. In 2006, the last year that the AWCBC has released statistics for, 976 workers were killed on the job due to workplace injuries.

However, we know that these statistics are grossly underestimated and that the real number of deaths resulting from occupational illness and disease, and other workerplace factors are never included in these official statistics, as it is extremely difficult to prove that deaths that are caused by occupational disease, such as cancer, are caused by exposure to hazards in the workplace.

(more…)

April 28, 2008 marks the 24th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or hurt by workplace injuries or disease.

The Canadian Labour Congress, who were the authors of this initiative in 1984, have marked this special day with the theme of “Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living – Now more than ever!” It is very encouraging to see that this special day is now celebrated around the world from Azerbaijan to Zambia with more involvement being seen each and every year.

The PSAC continues to struggle to create stronger laws and regulations in support of Health & Safety and Hazard Prevention. We hope that the annual observance of this day will strengthen the resolve to establish safer conditions in the workplace for all.

Please join with the PSAC and other labour organizations at Day of Mourning events scheduled in your community.

Resources (all .pdf)

• List of 2008 events in BC, provided by the BC Fed
• Day of Mourning Event poster – Victoria
• Resource Information for 2008 Day of Mourning
• Labour Council Notes for April 28th
• PSAC BC Day of Mourning poster (1.32 MB .pdf)

(more…)

The Independent (London, U.K.), March 30, 2008

Mobile phones could kill far more people than smoking or asbestos, a study by an award-winning cancer expert has concluded. He says people should avoid using them wherever possible and that governments and the mobile phone industry must take “immediate steps” to reduce exposure to their radiation.

• Discuss in the H&S forums!
• See more Health & Safety related information.

The study, by Dr Vini Khurana, is the most devastating indictment yet published of the health risks.

It draws on growing evidence — exclusively reported in the IoS in October — that using handsets for 10 years or more can double the risk of brain cancer. Cancers take at least a decade to develop, invalidating official safety assurances based on earlier studies which included few, if any, people who had used the phones for that long.

Earlier this year, the French government warned against the use of mobile phones, especially by children. Germany also advises its people to minimise handset use, and the European Environment Agency has called for exposures to be reduced.

(more…)

New Occupational Health and Safety Directive – April 1, 2008

The Executive Committee of the National Joint Council (NJC) is pleased to announce that it recently accepted the report of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee (OHSC) in regard to the Cyclical Review of the Directive.

This NJC Occupational Health and Safety Directive (OHSD) was developed in partnership by representatives from Federal Public Service Bargaining Agents members of the NJC, the Employer and departments. Its provisions form part of the collective agreements of the participating parties under the By-Laws of the National Joint Council.

The new NJC Occupational Health and Safety Directive is effective April 1, 2008.

Highlights of Changes

On May 16, 2007, the Executive Committee tasked the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Committee with the cyclical review of Group A of the Occupational Health and Safety Directive.

Group A includes:

• Part I of the amalgamated directive (Application, Definitions, etc.)
• Part II – Use and Occupancy of Buildings (Permanent Structures)
• Refusal to Work
• Committees and Representatives
• Part XV –Hazardous Occurrence Investigation, Recording and Reporting
• Part XVI – First Aid

The next group cyclical review of the directives of Groups B, C and D should be initiated in the fall of 2008.

Some changes are editorial in nature to facilitate the use and understanding of the Directive: updated reference information, additional definitions, new sequence to enhance clarity and logic, renumbering of subsections to accommodate additions and/or deletions.

Read more at the National Joint Council website. The full text of the directive is also available.

Cheers to Monique Bakker, Chief Safety and Health Officer, Union of Environment Workers Local 20147 for forwarding this ergonomic self-assessment information!

1. YOUR THIGHS should be parallel to the floor: Adjust the height and/or angle of the chair seat.

2. YOUR FEET should lay flat on the floor or on a footrest: Adjust the height of the chair seat.

3. BACK OF THE KNEES should be clear of the front edge of the seat: Adjust the depth of the chair seat so that you can easily place your fist behind your knee. Be sure to specify the appropriate seat depth length when ordering a new chair.

4. YOUR BACK: lower and mid-back should be well supported: Adjust the height, tension, and angle of the backrest, to ensure the lumbar support is positioned at your waist.

5. YOUR FOREARMS should be supported and your shoulders relaxed at all times: The height of and distance between your armrests should allow freedom of movement for your forearms when performing tasks, yet provide support for them during rest periods or when using your mouse. Avoid hunching your shoulders and ensure that the elbows/upper arms remain close to your torso.

6. YOUR ELBOWS should be at approximately the same hight as the keyboard: Adjust the height of your keyboard tray or work surface so the keyboard is at the height of your elbows.

7. YOUR WRISTS should be straight at all times and your hands in line with your forearms: Adjust the angle and height of the keyboard tray or work surface to ensure straight wrists. If your keyboard tray or work surface is not adjustable, adjust your seat to ensure straight wrists. You will need to use a footrest if you have raised the seat and your feet are not flat and well supported on the floor.

8. THE MONITOR should be at a comfortable reading distance and height: The viewing distance should be within 16” to 29” (40cm-74cm). About one arm’s length. The monitor height should allow the neck to be in a neutral position when looking at the top row of text on the screen.

Read more in these two pdf’s: Ergonomics – adjusting and adapting your computer workstation and Ergonomics – self assessment

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

The purpose of this notification is to request any and all PSAC members to submit proposals for consideration in the upcoming review of Group B, C, and D of the National Joint Council OHS Directives.

• Interested in Health and Safety issues? Visit the Health and Safety minisite or forum.

In order to ensure full consideration of any recommendations made by our members, it is requested that all recommendations be submitted by June 2, 2008.

Group B includes:
1. Part IX – Sanitation;
2. Part X – Hazardous Substances;
3. Part XII – Personal and Protective Equipment and Clothing;
4. Part XIV – Materials Handling; and
5. Pesticides Directive.

Group C includes:
6. Part III – Elevated Work Structures;
7. Part IV – Elevated Devices;
8. Motor Vehicle Operations Directives
9. Part XIII – Tools and Machinery; and
10. Part XI – Confined Spaces.

Group D includes:
11. Part V – Boilers and Pressure Vessels;
12. Part VI – Lighting (currently not detailed in directives);
13. Part VII – Noise Control (Levels of Sound); and
14. Part VIII – Electrical Safety.

You will find attached the NJC proposal templates (pdf) that you may wish to use to assist you in capturing your input.

Should you have any questions please contact James Little, PSAC BC. Your completed forms should be sent to either James Little or Denis St-Jean

Thank you for your cooperation, James Little

The new (amended) Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulation XIX Hazard Prevention is now available. The regulation was amended to include Ergonomic Activities.

• Download the amended section here (pdf) the new language is in bold type. The full regulations are available at laws.justice.gc.ca

• Visit the Health & Safety ‘minisite’. Discuss health & safety issues in the forum.

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