Module 4.1 - You are not alone
It’s a sad fact that in some workplaces, nobody pays much attention to safety. In these workplaces, it’s all about doing the work as quickly as possible or producing as much as possible. If someone questions the way things are being done, they may get a dirty look, but nothing is done to make things safer. People in workplaces like that are often afraid to do anything about it because they don’t want to be reprimanded. So they keep quiet. That’s not the case at uOttawa.
If you see an unsafe act or condition that could hurt someone, you need to report it to your supervisor or the University. You can also inform your health and safety committee members. Additionally, if you are a unionized employee, you can seek assistance from your union. You can also contact the Office of the Chief Risk Officer for additional, internal assistance, by email at [email protected].
As you can see, there are a number of internal resources available to resolve a health and safety concern. However, if the supervisor or University doesn’t address the concern or problem within a reasonable timeframe, you can call the Ministry of Labour. You can anonymously call toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-877-202-0008.
Remember that it’s against the law for the University or your supervisor to reprimand you (or even threaten to do so) for doing what the OHSA expects you to do, or because you asked others to do what the OHSA expects them to do.
Module 4.2 - More information and resources
Remember when we said that you aren’t alone? There are additional internal resources to assist you.
Protection Services(ext. 5411) — The University’s own emergency response team. Protection Services has offices on every campus (main, Roger Guindon and Lees), which you should contact immediately during an on-campus emergency. Dial ext. 5411 on any University phone or 613-562-5411 from a cellphone. If your office is located off campus (where Protection cannot immediately respond in the event of an emergency situation), call 911. When it is safe to do so, report the matter to Protection Services.
Health and Wellness Office (ext. 1473) — Promotes physical, psychological and social wellbeing and works to help employees by:
- Managing cases involving short and long term absences
- Promoting rehabilitation following long absences
- Promoting proper ergonomics in the workplace
- Following up with employees who report health problems caused by their work environment
- Holding health and wellness activities, vaccination clinics, etc.
- Assisting employees who require workplace accommodation
- Promoting the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Providing information to managers and supervisors regarding the interpretation of policies and procedures related to leave
- Assessing the fitness level of employees who must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform their job duties
- Monitoring the health of employees who work with designated substances or other hazardous substances
- Following up with employees who have been exposed to hazardous substances or who have been injured in the workplace
The team consists of occupational health nurses, an ergonomist and a leave administrator. All discussions are kept confidential.
Facilities Service (ext. 5000) — Keeps the University functional. The service is involved in everything from capital projects to minor repairs. If you notice anything requiring immediate repair or something that needs to be installed, contact your facility manager. You can also contact the call centre directly at ext. 5000. Less urgent matters can be reported by email to [email protected]. Once call centre staff receive your request, they assign it to the appropriate sector (grounds, plumbing, electrical, locksmiths, instrumentation, architectural, etc.).
Examples of service work include:
- Salting of sidewalks and pathways (you can also use the self-serve buckets located throughout campus for smaller areas)
- Repairing walkways
- Changing light bulbs
- Repairing water leaks
- Cleaning minor non-hazardous spills (juice, liquids, etc.)
- Eliminating bad odours
- Repairing blocked toilets
- Handling special requests (special garbage collection, cleaning)
Office of the Chief Risk Officer ([email protected]) — Located at 139 Louis-Pasteur Private, the Office of the Chief Risk Officer is committed to promoting an environmentally responsible, safe and healthy workplace for University staff, faculty, students and visitors, while supporting uOttawa’s mission of teaching and research.
You can also watch the Super Safety Adventures (YouTube, 5:59).
In addition to these internal resources, you can also find information from resources outside the University. Some examples include:
Ministry of Labour
Develops, communicates and enforces occupational health and safety requirements and employment standards. Develops, coordinates and implements strategies to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, and can set standards for health and safety training.
1-877-202-0008
www.labour.gov.on.ca
Ontario Labour Relations Board
The Ontario Labour Relations Board is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal mandated to mediate and adjudicate a variety of employment and labour relations-related matters under a number of Ontario statutes.
http://www.olrb.gov.on.ca/
Workers Health & Safety Centre
An occupational health and safety training centre for workers, representatives and employers.
1-888-869-7950
www.whsc.on.ca
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers
Six medical clinics located across Ontario that provide occupational health services and information.
1-877-817-0336
www.ohcow.on.ca
Health & Safety Ontario
There are four health and safety associations that provide sector specific consulting, training, products and services.
- Infrastructure Health and Safety Association — Serves electrical, construction and transportation sectors. 1-800-263-5024
- Public Services Health and Safety Association — Serves health, education and municipal sectors. 1-877-250-7444
- Workplace Safety North — Serves mining, pulp and paper and forestry sectors. 1-888-730-7821
- Workplace Safety and Prevention Services — Serves industrial, farming and service sectors. 1-877-494-9777
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
The WSIB administers Ontario’s no-fault workplace insurance for employers and their workers.
1-800-387-0750
www.wsib.ca/en
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
A resource for all jurisdictions across Canada that includes posters, fact sheets and information.
1-800-668-4284
www.ccohs.ca
Module 4.3 - What's next?
Now that you have completed this general awareness program, you are ready to be given more specific information and instruction by your supervisor, as required by the OHSA. You will hear about:
- Specific hazards in your workplace
- The procedure to follow when reporting health and safety concerns, incidents or injuries
- Protective equipment you are required to wear or use
- Where the University health and safety policy is posted
- Where the nearest first aid station is and the names of qualified first aid providers
- The University emergency plan
- Information on hazardous materials in your workplace
- The workplace violence and harassment prevention policy
- Where a copy of the OHSA is posted
- Where the names of the Joint Health and Safety Committee Members are posted
Take a walk with your supervisor to discover these requirements.
The University of Ottawa has also developed specific policies, procedures, and guidelines applicable to the University community. All of the policies can be viewed on the Administration and Governance section of the University of Ottawa website. In addition to the full-length documents, there are also short, one-page "Safety Sheets" available for quick reference.
Knowledge assessment
Successful completion of this training requires that you complete all modules, log in and complete the knowledge assessment. Only successful completion of the knowledge assessment will log your mark in the CODL system.