Occupational Health and Workers Compensation

 EHSO has developed a number of programs dealing with occupational health issues, including the following;

Hearing Conservation Program
A comprehensive program has been developed to help staff prevent hearing loss and to meet the requirements as determined by Workplace Safety and Health.  Education, training and annual hearing testing is conducted for all staff exposed to greater than 85dB of noise. Noise monitoring is conducted upon request and areas requiring hearing protection are identified by signage. Follow-up and medical referrals are made as per the WSH Regulations, including an annual report that is forwarded to the Chief Occupational Medical Officer at the WSH Division.

Respiratory Protection Program
Workers who are required to wear a respirator for duties as assigned, are required to fill out a medical surveillance form and to be assessed by the Occupational Health Coordinator prior to having a fit test. A fit test is the use of a qualitative or a quantitative method to evaluate the fit of a specific make, model and size of a respirator on an individual.

Asbestos Medical Surveillance
A program for asbestos exposure follow-up has been implemented in accordance with the WSH Guidelines and the University Asbestos Management Program. Individuals who have a total work exposure time of greater than 100 hours per year are screened in accordance with Workplace Safety and Health Regulations.

Ergonomic Evaluations 
Wi thin the ever expanding world of computer use, there is a growing awareness and concern regarding computer related health problems.The goal of this program is to assist workers to identify, evaluate and control computer related health problems - this includes assessing workers' work habits as well as their equipment. If you would like to have an ergonomic assessment done, please call 474-6438 to arrange an appointment.

Immunization and Post-Exposure Program
An immunization program protocol has been developed for laboratories and animal care facilities.  A post exposure treatment protocol for exposure to human blood/body fluids has been developed and posted for both Ft Garry and Bannatyne Campuses.  (Details)

Workers Compensation Program
Claims management requires prompt and accurate reporting of all incidents and injuries. Injured workers are required to complete a green card at the time of the incident. The occupational health coordinator will be involved in assisting workers and supervisors navigate any work related return to work programs. Green card link

Accident/Incident Investigation procedures and forms have been developed for reporting and follow-up on all accidents/incidents/near miss events. Link to forms