Overview
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Our Safety Learn More
We support the University’s commitment to creativity, innovation and excellence, and strive to achieve these standards in the areas of environmental and occupational health, safety, loss prevention and mitigation.

My Health Learn More
We are committed to supporting employees in a healthy and safe return to work following an injury or illness, facilitating workplace accommodations and fostering healthier work environments.

My Well-Being Learn More
Workplace Wellness is integral to the personal and professional growth of McMaster faculty and staff. Campus and community supports are available to help faculty and staff flourish in their personal and professional lives.
McMaster University is proud to offer the extended benefit of an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) with our partner, Telus Health.
Individuals can contact Telus Health through their website, app or by phone toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to book appointments, or access any EFAP service.
- Toll Free Phone Number: 1-833-366-4544
- Visit: login.lifeworks.com
- Download: LifeWorks mobile app.
Our Safety
University Health and Safety (UHS) is a team of health, safety and risk management specialists committed to supporting the University’s commitment to creativity, innovation and excellence, and strives to achieve these standards in the areas of environmental and occupational health, safety, loss prevention and mitigation.
SAFETY UPDATES

Safety and Health Week Learn More
Thank you to those who were able to join us at the Safety and Health Week BBQ and Vendor Fair.
Congratulations to the nominees and recipient of the Health and Safety Award of Excellence.
Recipient: Daryl Hartz, MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching
Nominees:
Maureen Letang, Education Services
Rita Mukherjee, Registrar’s Office
Mediha Kadic, School of Nursing
Safety and Health Week - Learn More
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Quick Links
Injury/Incident Report Form - Learn More
The employee has the responsibility of reporting incidents promptly. The employee and the supervisor must fill out this form and the employee, supervisor and department chair, manager or director must sign it.
Joint Health and Safety Committee's (JHSC's)
Learn more about Our Safety

Occupational Safety Learn More
Information includes ergonomics, violence and harassment prevention in the workplace, fire safety, standard operating procedures and first aid kit locations.
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Ergonomics - Learn More
McMaster is dedicated to proactively working towards a healthy workplace including offering ergonomic solutions for employees.
In support of the RMM 405 Ergonomic Safety Program, online training is offered by through Mosaic/Avenue to Learn. Making your work experience safer is a responsibility we all share; make a commitment to creating a healthier work environment.
Complete the Ergonomic Self-Assessment Checklist. This self-assessment raises awareness of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) caused within the workplace and provides important information regarding prevention, treatments, and workplace safety. If required after completing the self-assessment checklist, after self-adjustment, acclimation to changes, and microbreaks have been implemented, or when requested, an in-person or virtual Ergonomic Assessment can be requested by completing the Ergonomic Assessment Request Form and submitting through the appropriate safety office eohss@mcmaster.ca or fhsso@mcamster.ca.
Working from Home
The following suggestions will allow employees to continue to work productively and consider proper ergonomic set-up while at home.
- Remote workers are to complete the Ergonomic Self-Assessment Checklist to verify the remote workplace meets the same health and safety standards as those available at the University.
- Working from Home Ergonomics Video
- Strategies for Healthy Screen Habits
- Guidance for Setting Up and Supporting Remote Work Arrangements
UHS Team
For general inquiries please contact us at eohss@mcmaster.ca or extension 24352.
Stacie Cameron
Specialist, University Health and Safety Programs
Stacie Cameron
Specialist, University Health and Safety Programs
Dane DeMan
Associate Director, University Health and Safety, EOHSS

Dane DeMan
Associate Director, University Health and Safety, EOHSS
Stacie Cameron
Specialist, University Health and Safety Programs
Stacie Cameron
Specialist, University Health and Safety Programs
Dane DeMan
Associate Director, University Health and Safety, EOHSS
Dane DeMan
Associate Director, University Health and Safety, EOHSS
My Health
McMaster is committed to supporting employees in a healthy and safe return to work following an injury or illness, facilitating workplace accommodations and fostering healthier work environments.
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Workplace Accommodation Learn More
Workplace accommodation may involve a service, adaptation or adjustment in the work environment that enable individuals to compete for jobs and perform employment activities.
Workplace Accommodation - Learn More
It is McMaster University’s goal to build an inclusive community with a shared purpose, where all members of the University community are treated in a fair and equitable manner. In pursuit of this goal, the University aims to foster a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of all persons.
Workplace accommodation may involve a service, adaptation or adjustment in the work environment that enable individuals to compete for jobs and perform employment activities without discrimination on a prohibited ground. It can include, but is not limited to recruitment, selection, employment and separation processes, including training and career development. It may be short or long-term, with the goal of enabling individuals to compete for jobs and perform the essential duties of their employment.
Workplace Accommodation Policy
McMaster University Guide and Procedures on Workplace Accommodation
Employee Request for Medical Accommodation Form
Family Status Accommodation Application Form
If looking for accessible parking on campus for durations of 2 months and less complete the McMaster University Accommodation Parking Application

Disability Benefits Learn More
Our disability benefit programs include salary continuance, sick leave benefits and WSIB benefits.

Workplace Injury/Illness Learn More
Information regarding workplace injury or illness, Workplace, Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits pertaining to McMaster University employees and to unpaid student placements.
Workplace Injury/Illness - Learn More
Employee Health Services administers WSIB claims and benefits for employees of the University. As such we are committed to increasing healthy and safe workplace attitudes and practices. In supporting and promoting awareness initiatives, we are better able to minimize workplace hazards.
All work-related injuries/illnesses must be reported to the Environmental and Occupational Health Support Services (EOHSS) within 24 hours. We are responsible for reporting to the WSIB.
Reporting procedures for injury/illness are available under My Safety.
Offer of Modified Work – Early and Safe Return to Work Offer Form

Return to Work Program Learn More
We are committed to a fair and consistent approach to early and safe return to the workplace following illness or injury.
Return to Work Program - Learn More
The contributions of employees and their presence in the workplace are essential to the achievement of the University’s goals. The University recognizes that accommodations may be required to assist employees in their reintegration to the workplace.
The Employee Health Services Consultants within Employee Health Services work in a collaborative framework with the workplace parties to facilitate the return to work process. For additional information on the return to work process, roles and responsibilities please refer to the University’s Return to Work Program.

Mental Health Resources and Training Learn More
We are committed to providing mental health and well-being education and training to the McMaster community to support mental health literacy, and help individuals lead healthier lives in and outside of the workplace.

Unpaid Student Placements Learn More
Students who perform experiential learning (unpaid) activities at a third party business or institution for academic credit.
Expandable List
Employee Health Services (“EHS”) manages the disability benefits, the return to work process and employment accommodation needs of employees of McMaster University (the “University”). In order to provide these services to you, EHS collects, uses, maintains and, in some cases, discloses certain personal health information.
You have the right to know how EHS collects, uses, maintains and discloses the personal health information in our possession. Personal health information includes identifying information about you relating to your physical or mental health, including your medical history, the provision of health care to you, and payments or eligibility for health care. You have a right to expect that, to the best of our ability, the personal health information held by us remains confidential and secure.
This document informs you of our ongoing commitment to privacy and tells you the ways we ensure that the privacy of your personal health information is protected. Our ongoing commitment to the protection of your personal health information is reflected in the following ten principles.
1. Accountability
EHS is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your personal health information. Every employee of EHS is bound by a duty of confidentiality and must abide by that duty in the handling of your personal health information. The duty to maintain confidentiality applies to the duration of employment with EHS and continues indefinitely after employment with EHS has ceased.
2. The Purposes of Information Collection
EHS collects, maintains, uses and discloses information about you and your health. This information is collected to help administer disability benefits, initiate return to work processes and implement the employment accommodation needs of employees. These services include:
- direction and guidance on policies and procedures before, during and after an injury or illness;
- safe, timely and appropriate return to work plans and programs following an injury or illness;
- the management of University disability benefits (e.g. Salary Continuance benefits), and
- implementation and management of measures related to workplace accommodation of an injury or illness.
We obtain most of our information directly from you, or from other health practitioners whom you have seen and authorized to disclose information to us. We will limit the information we collect to what we need for those purposes, and we will use it only for those purposes.
3. Informed Consent
You have the right to know and to determine how your personal health information is used and disclosed. We will always obtain your express consent where legally required to do so.
If you provide consent to let a family member or your legal representative, including a trade union, see your personal health information, then the family member or legal representative may be allowed access to the part(s) of the personal health information that you have consented to let them see. Subject to certain conditions, you have the right to withdraw or change the conditions of your consent.
4. Limiting Collection
We collect information by fair and lawful means and collect only that information which may be necessary for purposes related to the provision of our services to you. These services are related to management of disability benefits, return to work processes and employment accommodation needs of employees of the University.
5. Limiting Use, Disclosure and Retention
The information we request from you is used for the purposes defined. We will seek your consent before using the information beyond the purposes for which we have obtained it. Non-identifying information related to the services EHS provides may be used for administration, management, strategic planning, decision-making, research and allocation of the University’s resources.
6. Accuracy
We will make every effort to ensure that all decisions involving your personal health information are based upon accurate and timely information. In turn, we rely on you to disclose accurate and material information on a timely basis and to inform us of any relevant changes.
7. Protecting Your Information
EHS is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of personal health information and has a number of practices in place to protect the privacy of your personal health information. For example, personal health information that is collected by EHS is maintained in a secured file in a location at our office that has restricted access. Some older records may be kept at a secure location off-site. All personal health information is kept in an area separate from all other human resources files. Our computer systems are password-secured, encrypted and constructed in such a way that only authorized individuals can access secure systems and databases.
Only those individuals who are directly involved in providing EHS services or those who have a legal right to see your records are permitted access to your personal health information. Specifically, access is limited to you and the Offices of the Occupational Health Nurse and Occupational Physician who have legitimate reason to maintain and access your personal health information. Access to any other individuals will only be provided with your prior express written consent.
Access to other non-health related personal information is limited to authorized individuals who have a legitimate reason to access such information. For example, with respect to non-health related return to work information, EHS may be required to supply this information to administer the disability insurance program or to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Access to any other individuals will only be provided with your prior express written consent.
8. How We Keep You Informed
EHS has prepared these plain-language principles to keep you informed. You may ask to receive a copy of this document from any EHS staff member. If you have any additional questions or concerns about privacy of your personal health information, we invite you to contact us (see info below) and we will address your concerns to the best of our ability.
9. Access and Correction
With limited exceptions, we will give you access to the information we retain about you within a reasonable time, upon presentation of a written request and satisfactory identification.
We may charge a fee for photocopying services and if so, we will give you notice in advance of processing your request.
If you find errors of fact in your personal health information, please notify us as soon as possible and we will make the appropriate corrections. We will not amend information provided by third parties or information relating to clinical observations or opinions made in good faith. You have a right to append a short statement of disagreement to your record if we refuse to make a requested change.
If we deny your request for access to your personal information, we will advise you in writing of the reason for the refusal and you may then challenge the decision.
10. Challenging Compliance
We encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have about your privacy.
If you send us an e-mail message that includes personal information, such as your name included in the “address”, we may use that information to respond to your inquiry. If your communication involves personal health information, you should not send it electronically.
In the event that you have concerns, we will endeavour to review and respond to your concerns about any aspect of our handling of your personal health information. In most cases, an issue is resolved simply by telling us about it and discussing it. We invite you to contact us – see below.
Our Employee Health Team
Monica Poulin
Acting Program Manager, Employee Health Services

Monica Poulin
Acting Program Manager, Employee Health Services
Monica Poulin
Acting Program Manager, Employee Health Services
Monica Poulin
Acting Program Manager, Employee Health Services
Employee Well-being
McMaster has a strong commitment to create a brighter and healthier world. In 2017, McMaster joined the Canadian Health Promoting Universities and Colleges Network by signing the Okanagan Charter, which is dedicated to advancing human and societal well-being. McMaster’s Healthy Workplace programs strive to advance the well-being of all faculty and staff through the promotion of year round holistic wellness initiatives, including, but not limited to, physical health, psychological wellness, and work-life balance.
Employee Well-being
McMaster has a strong commitment to create a brighter and healthier world. In 2017, McMaster joined the Canadian Health Promoting Universities and Colleges Network by signing the Okanagan Charter, which is dedicated to advancing human and societal well-being. McMaster’s Healthy Workplace programs strive to advance the well-being of all faculty and staff through the promotion of year round holistic wellness initiatives, including, but not limited to, physical health, psychological wellness, and work-life balance.
Employee Well-being
McMaster has a strong commitment to create a brighter and healthier world. In 2017, McMaster joined the Canadian Health Promoting Universities and Colleges Network by signing the Okanagan Charter, which is dedicated to advancing human and societal well-being. McMaster’s Healthy Workplace programs strive to advance the well-being of all faculty and staff through the promotion of year round holistic wellness initiatives, including, but not limited to, physical health, psychological wellness, and work-life balance.
Employee Well-being
McMaster has a strong commitment to create a brighter and healthier world. In 2017, McMaster joined the Canadian Health Promoting Universities and Colleges Network by signing the Okanagan Charter, which is dedicated to advancing human and societal well-being. McMaster’s Healthy Workplace programs strive to advance the well-being of all faculty and staff through the promotion of year round holistic wellness initiatives, including, but not limited to, physical health, psychological wellness, and work-life balance.
- Human Resources
- Employees
- Health, Safety & Well-Being
Employee Well-being
Mental Health Week
Canadian Mental Health Week
May 1-May 7
We have multiple layers and stories that make us who we are and while each year 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental illness or mental health issue, 5 in 5 of us – that’s all people – have mental health. This year’s theme is: My Story.
The Canadian Mental Health Association will spotlight community-based mental health care champions, programs and communities while showcasing the importance of securing universal mental health care, what it can look like and how mental health care can be expressed and nurtured.
Sharing a personal story can reinforce feelings of strength, resilience, and perseverance. It’s also one of the most powerful tools to combat stigma and shame. But protecting your mental wellness is just as important as giving voice to your experience. If you choose to share your story, consider the following tips to help make sure you’re ready to take that step:
- Take your time
- Consider the implications for others.
- Choose the right outlet and scale
- Be prepared to listen
- Consider consulting subject matter experts
- Mention specific mental health resources
Source: Canadian Mental Health Association
Source: Mental Health Commission of Canada

Trees in the City: The Roots of Health & Well-being Learn More
Source: McMaster Optimal Aging Portal

Our Better Nature: How the Great Outdoors Can Improve Your Life (Podcast) Learn More
Source: Hidden Brain

Professor Hippo Learn More
Professor Hippo-on-Campus is a free mental health program to all McMaster employees. All employees have access to the training program which is offered online through a series of online modules.
Professor Hippo - Learn More
Employees who have completed the online modules can get further training through small group workshops offered throughout the year. There is a workshop designed for TMG employees coming up on May 26th. You can register for the workshop here.

Campus Food Charter Learn More
The McMaster Campus Food Charter Survey is live until April 28! Taking the short, anonymous survey will give you the chance to share your perspective on and priorities for the current and future campus food system. Findings from the survey will be used to draft the McMaster Campus Food Charter, which will guide future action and projects related to food on campus.
Campus Food Charter - Learn More
The survey is open to all staff, faculty, alumni, and students. Staff and faculty were directly emailed a link to the survey on April 3, but you can also click this link to participate: https://mcmasterira.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bITbr6bdSaGeoNo
The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Please email jaelm@mcmaster.ca if you have any questions. The Food Charter is a project being undertaken by the McMaster Okanagan Committee in partnership with the Student Wellness Centre and Hospitality Services, and more information can be found on their webpage.
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The Working Mind Mental Health Training
The Working Mind is an evidence-based program designed to promote mental health and reduce stigma around mental illness in the workplace. This training directly supports our shared purpose of promoting and contributing to a healthy and safe community at McMaster University. |

Employee Family and Assistance Program
McMaster University is proud to offer the extended benefit of an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) with our partner, Telus Health.
Upcoming Employee Well-being Events

June 3-Part Planning for Retirement Course
Employee Well-Being, Retirement Planning
Jun 6, 2023 to Jun 20, 2023
10:00AM to 12:00PM

The Working Mind Mental Health Training for People Leaders
Employee Well-Being, Learning & Development, Mental Health, TWM Training
Jun 19, 2023
10:00AM to 3:30PM

The Working Mind Mental Health Training for People Leaders
Employee Well-Being, Learning & Development, Mental Health, TWM Training
Jul 31, 2023
10:00AM to 3:30PM

The Working Mind Mental Health Training for People Leaders
Employee Well-Being, Learning & Development, Mental Health, TWM Training
Aug 22, 2023
10:00AM to 3:30PM
Learn More About Your Well-Being

Prioritizing Yourself

Workload Resources

Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Additional Resources

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Smoking Cessation Resources
Smoking Cessation Resources
Smoking Cessation Resources for: Staff and Faculty
The Homewood Health Plan Smart Smoking Cessation Program empowers you with the information and support you need to help you quit smoking and remain smoke-free. A personal coach will help make it simple to start and guide you step-by-step. The program addresses the psychological and physical dependence and creates a foundation for successful behavior change.
Sun Life Health Benefits
McMaster University has added coverage until June 30, 2023 for employees eligible to participate in the Sun Life Extended Health Benefits. Extension of this date will be reviewed at the time of expiry.
Coverage includes products to help a person quit tobacco that legally require a prescription, up to a lifetime maximum of $500 for each person.
Smoking Cessation Resources for: Community
For news, tips and to be in touch with those who have quit, are trying to quit, or are supporting others, connect on Twitter at: twitter.com/SmokersHelpline.
Hamilton Public Health Services – Telephone Service – Tobacco Hotline
110 King St. West, 4th floor, Hamilton, ON L8P 4S6
905-540-5566
Before you set your quit date you need to prepare. Take time to think about when, where, and why you smoke. If you understand your smoking habits and triggers, you’ll have a better chance at success.
The Canadian Cancer Society quit line is available to help you. It’s a free, confidential service for smokers. Find out more information or register online for the self-directed quit program.
The STOP Program is a province-wide initiative that delivers smoking cessation treatment and counseling support to eligible Ontario smokers who wish to quit smoking. The STOP Program has provided free smoking cessation medication and counselling support to over 100,000 Ontarians who wanted to quit smoking.
The Nicotine Dependence Clinic offers several specialized outpatient treatments for anyone who wants to quit or reduce their tobacco use. We offer assessment, medical consultation, group counselling and medications to quit/reduce smoking. Our clinic provides service to clients with concurrent substance use and/or mental illness as well other medical conditions.
Good Shepherd Breathe Easier
For individuals with a MH diagnosis, The Good Shepherd offers up to 26 weeks of free NRT and weekly group sessions.
Telephone: 905-528-3655
Tobacco Addiction Recovery Program (TARP)
For individuals with a MH diagnosis offers up to 26 weeks of free NRT and weekly group sessions. Telephone: 905-522-1155 ext. 36407
For persons who identify as having an indigenous background, the De Dwa Da Dehs Nye >s offers up to 26 weeks of free NRT and group support.
For individuals seeking service in French, the centre de santé communautaire offers up to 26 weeks of free NRT and counselling.
Hamilton Public Health
For persons who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone interested in education sessions and free nicotine patches, Hamilton Public Health Services offers a 5-week course of nicotine patches.
Telephone: 905-540-5566 ext.1
Your Local Pharmacist
For individuals on Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) can receive 12 weeks of ‘Champix’ or ’Zyban’ at no cost each year.
Employee Well-being Contacts
Karli Dillane
Program Coordinator, Employee Health & Well-being

Karli Dillane
Program Coordinator, Employee Health & Well-being
Karli Dillane
Program Coordinator, Employee Health & Well-being
Karli Dillane
Program Coordinator, Employee Health & Well-being