Air-quality testing, cold weather travel, and OHS committee changes

Air-Quality Testing, Cold Weather Travel, and OHS committee changes

The Athabasca-location joint workplace health and safety committee (JWHSC) met on January 16 in Athabasca. The committee discussed air-quality testing, cold weather travel, and upcoming changes to AU’s OHS committee structure.

Air-Quality Testing

Inspections of the main building in Athabasca identified staff concerns about air quality. Staff reported sore throats, stuffy noses, and feeling fatigued by the end of the day. The carpets in at least two places are old and obviously dirty.

The JWHSC recommended to the employer that AU conduct air-quality tests (including testing for mold). The last air-quality tests were in 2014.

Cold Weather Travel

Concerns about travelling to and for work during last week’s frigid temperatures were discussed. Workers and supervisors are expected to assess the risks of such travel and take steps to mitigate risks (e.g., delaying travel, working from home).

The committee also discussed how the low level of trust at AU might make some staff reluctant to raise concerns like this with their supervisors. The committee suggested that an email from HR clarifying the process for addressing weather-related travel hazards would be worthwhile. This might include directions for supervisors who receive staff requests to work remotely to avoid unsafe travel.

While the committee expects that most workers and supervisors can sort out ways to address travel-related hazards, the committee also discussed that workers can refuse work that is unsafe or work that endangers their coworkers.

OHS Committee Changes

Presently, AU has four site-specific JWHSCs (Athabasca, Trail, Peace Hills and Calgary).  The government has changed the OHS Act to no longer require site-specific committees. Consequently, AU is considering combining the four committees into a single committee.

The JWHSC discussed the membership of the proposed new committee. AU indicated that it was considering a committee with six employer members and six union members. Presently, there are about 12 union members spread across the four committees.

The JWHSC recommended to the employer that AU retain 12 worker members. This number is required to meet the quarterly worksite inspection requirements. Expecting six union reps to do the work currently done by 12 was viewed as unrealistic.

Rhiannon Rutherford and Bob Barnetson

AUFA Representatives, Athabasca location Joint Workplace Safety Committee