Hello all,
I am a new Health & Safety rep so I attended a workshop today that I signed up for through Access ONA (the online portal) called Health and Safety: What you need to know.
I think it is important to share some of the key points. Please know that you can reach out to me or Laura Gale if you have questions related to health & safety at QCH. We can also help you navigate problems with workplace violence and harassment.
- All employees are legally required to report unsafe or potentially hazardous working conditions. Usually the first person step would be to take concerns to your unit manager. If you are dealing with verbal aggression or intimidation then the first step is to tell the individual to stop. It is strongly suggested but not required to report issues in writing. I would recommend using the RL system so there is a paper trail.
- If you are injured at work you should seek medical attention (you have the right to choose where) and complete a WSIB Form 6 as soon as possible. This form provides WSIB with your account of the events and then they will follow up with the employer. If you obtain medical care the treating MD/NP will need to complete a Form 8.
- Issues that are not resolved through JOHSC are escalated to the Ministry of Labour. If you encounter a critical health and safety concern that needs to be addressed immediately you have the right to call the MoL directly to report.
- The hospital is legally unable to reprimand you for reporting safety concerns (section 50 of OHSA).
- You are always entitled to have an ONA rep present when meeting with the employer to discuss or report issues regarding health & safety, violence and harassment. ONA advises members never to sign a non-disclosure agreement as this would prevent you from accessing support from ONA related to these issues.
Health and Safety Committee Rep Julissa Edgar moc.l1732063649iamg@1732063649assil1732063649uj.ra1732063649gde1732063649