Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

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.

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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.

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

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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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.

Here are some Q&A’s regarding upcoming changes at Health Canada.

Introduction

A full evaluation of the Public Service Health Program (PSHP) was completed in 2007/08. In light of this review, the Treasury Board Secretariat and Health Canada have agreed that the occupational health service delivery support that Health Canada provides to the federal public service through the PSHP must be adapted to ensure future sustainability for the program.

In order to do this, beginning in 2009, the PSHP is transitioning to a new program model known as the Occupational Health Medical Services model (OHMS). This transition will ensure that deputy heads can rely on Health Canada to provide occupational health support in areas that are best delivered through an internal common service. On the other hand, those services which are available elsewhere and can be delivered at the departmental level will no longer be provided by the PSHP.

While the PSHP will cease to provide some of its current services, the transition to the OHMS model will involve strengthening other services. This will improve the program�s focus on the provision of high quality and timely medical services that respond to the unique occupational health needs of the federal public service. The overriding objective of the PSHP remains excellence in service delivery.

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Here an article written by a PSAC member and published in the June 3 edition of the Terrace Standard. Tony Vincenzi is a former light house keeper (UCTE) and has been battling WCB and Sun Life since 2004. We are happy to say Tony, assisted by James Little (H&S/WCB Rep in the Victoria RO), has just been successful in winning a Section 23(3) loss of earning award from WCB.

JANUARY 4, 2004� at 14:20 hours is the recorded time that I joined a very elite circle of people. It�s the exact time I became a member of British Columbia�s permanently disabled work force.

I lost the independent life of being a member of the Canadian Coast Guard. I was relegated to a life of ongoing pain, of days of despair, of sleepless nights, and of the torment of the unknown.

It was a life admittedly I wished I could have ended on occasion.

These five years have resulted in the evolution of a completely new person. I am not able to judge if this person is of greater or lesser value than the man that was, but I do know that I have been able to become a man with which I can now live.

Physically I have aged at least 20 years. The outdoor existence that was my true nature has been forfeited. I have yet to develop a substitute, but I no longer rage at its passing. I valued my treasurers not by losing them but by enjoying them when I was able.

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The following document is available at the Treasury Board website and we are making it available here as well … download the Workplace Health and Disability Guide for Employees and Those Supporting Them (pdf)

Purpose of the guide

The primary purpose of this document is to guide you through the main aspects of health and disability support in the core public administration workplace. The guide is designed to give you an overview of what you need to know if you are absent from work for health reasons and to direct you to more detailed and comprehensive information that can be found elsewhere.

The guide is also a resource for those assisting you during your illness or return to work, such as your spouse, family, friends, or co-workers.

Content

The first sections of the guide outline basic principles related to workplace health and disability, and introduce the plans and programs.

The next sections focus on roles and responsibilities, what you need to do, and what you should expect in different situations, from well-being and disability prevention to retirement.

These sections are designed to help you quickly find useful and practical information related to your current situation.

via The Public Compensation Coalition

Our brothers and sisters from the United Steelworkers Union have completed a very moving video on the devastating effects of asbestos and the impact that changes to the WCB legislation have had upon those suffering from this disease. They have posted an excerpt from that video on �youtube�. It features the 2009 Day of Mourning event that was attended by the many PSAC delegates in Vancouver for the National Convention …

The observance this year of the International Day of Mourning on April 28 marks the 25th anniversary of this solemn day, marked annually to commemorate workers who have been killed, injured or made ill because of their work.

• Day of Mourning events are scheduled throughout BC, watch for posters or check back here for details.

Established first in Canada by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984, the April 28 date was chosen to commemorate the passage of Ontario’s Workers’ Compensation Act in 1914 � the first such legislation in the country.

In December 1990, the Canadian Parliament passed the Workers Mourning Day Act and observance of the Day of Mourning became a national event. Across the country flags are flown at half-mast and a moment of silence is observed at 11 a.m. as part of the many ceremonies and observances that are conducted.

In 1996, April 28 was adopted as the International Day of Mourning and now workers from more than 100 countries join Canadians in marking the day.

The annual observance of the Day of Mourning serves to strengthen everyone’s resolve not only to establish safe conditions in the workplace for all but to demand an end to the suffering caused by hazardous working conditions.

February 28, 2009 marks an important milestone, the 10^th anniversary of the International RSI Awareness Day � a day set aside each year to focus attention on repetitive strain injuries. Held on the last day of February, it is the only �non-repetitive� day on the calendar and is officially observed on February 29^th (in non-leap years, RSI Awareness Day is observed on February 28^th.) On this day, workers and their Unions participate in various activities to help raise awareness about RSI and the need for action aimed at prevention, rehabilitation and compensation.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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