Health and Safety Committee
The JOHSC of TBRH is composed of both management and non-management representatives.The membership must be comprised of a minimum of 51% non-management representatives. The executive shall consist of three Co-Chairs, one elected by management and two collected by the non-management members. Membership shall include at a minimum two certified members; one representing management and one representing the on-management members.
The non-management Co-Chairs in 2000 were Frank Edgson and Rick Clace, both members of OPSEU. They are both certified members and as such they have the responsibility to :
The Process for Resolving Issues
The process for the resolution of your safety concerns should primarily be addressed with the manager of your work area. If that does not resolve the problem, or you feel that your concerns have been wrongly dismissed by the manager, you should contact your JOHSC representative and ask he/she to review the problem in question . The representative can speak to your manager to find a resolution and failing that, bring your concerns to the committee for discussion. You have the right to bring your concerns directly to the committee if you so wish, however, the Manager will have to be involved at some point. Also the employee has the right to notify the Ministry of Labour.
The Activities of the JOHSC Relating to OPSEU Members
Microbiology leak and corrective actions :
A filtration unit will be purchased and installed on the drain to prevent a build up pf sediment in the drain pipes and the susequent flooding in the Microbiology department.
Transportation of dangerous goods and corrective actions :
New carts equipped with edges that could contain a spill have been purchased and are to be used for the transportation of dangerous goods only. Chemical spill kits are now mandatory on all carts used to transport dangerous chemicals. The staff of the Material Distribution Department have received instrustion on the use of spill kits.
Letter of Concern from Mike Parisien :
The issue could not be resolved by this committee as the form in question was the Unusual Occurence Form. These forms are reviewed by Sally Hamilton and not the JOHSC. Stephen Exley is to ask Mike to speak to Sally with a specific incident.
Letter of Concern from Suzanne Persall :
This was discussed with the Safety Officer for TBRH. The issue as to when to pull the fire alarm was discussed. Staff are supposed to pull the alarm when they smell smoke or what they consider smoke. The issue of unusual smells should be resolved by calling the Maintenance Department.
The JOHSC Benefits all Members of TBRH
Accomplishments include:
(1) Working in a Confined space
(2) Lock out procedure for electrical devices.
Issues Under Discussion By The JOHSC (applying to our current institutions and to the New Hospital).
Submitted by Frank Edgson