Observed annually on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is a day dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job or experienced a work-related tragedy.  In Ontario in 2023 there were 2918 critical injuries and 47 fatalities.

On this day we renew our commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace and to preventing further injuries, illnesses and deaths.  We want everyone to go home healthy and safe at the end of their workday.

We will gather the McMaster community in the Gilmour Hall Council Room at 10:45 a.m. to observe this day. Elisa Kilbourne, a volunteer with the Threads of Life will be joining us to share with us how her and her family’s life was profoundly changed by a work-related tragedy in 2013.

Ontario Regulation 559/22 requires workplaces to provide naloxone kits in “certain circumstances”. Employers must provide a naloxone kit when an employer becomes aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, of the following scenarios:

• There is a risk of a worker opioid overdose.
• There is a risk that the worker overdoses while in a workplace where they perform work for the employer.
• The risk is posed by a worker who performs work for the employer.

If all these scenarios are present, the employer must comply with the OHSA requirements to provide naloxone in the workplace.

If any one of these scenarios are not present, an employer does not need to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements to provide naloxone in the workplace.

Because McMaster is very much a community-based setting, we are not immune to the risks noted above.

Campus Safety Services Special Constables along with the Emergency First Response Team (EFRT) are equipped with naloxone kits.

Enhancing McMaster’s response measures, a small group of McMaster students have spearheaded a Naloxone Kit Project to install 32 nasal spray naloxone kits in strategic locations around the University campus. Kits have been placed within a select number of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) SaveStation cabinets to be used by the McMaster community if needed.

A nasal spray naloxone kit contains the following:

• 2 doses of naloxone hydrochloride intra nasal spray
• 1 rescue breathing barrier
• 1 pair of non-latex gloves
• written instructions

You cannot cause harm administering naloxone, even if done incorrectly.

Training for naloxone kit usage is included within standard First Aid Training. Future in-person training sessions will be offered.

Naloxone Kits are located within the following AED SaveStations on main campus.

• Charging: Use the recommended charger and avoid overcharging.
• Storage: Store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Follow Road Rules: Avoid sidewalks, use arm signals when operating an e-bike, use horn or bell.
• Only purchase and use devices, batteries that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
• Stop using if battery has an unusual odour, change in colour and/or shape, too much heat, is leaking, smoking or not keeping a charge.
• Avoid using damaged batteries as they could catch on fire.
• Store away from exit doors.
• Don’t use your phone while moving.
• Wear a helmet.
• Do not block pedestrian pathways.
• Avoid storing e-scooters and e-bikes in buildings due to fire hazard.

Additional law and regulation information can be found on the City of Hamilton Electric Bike webpage.

References:  Harvard Health and Publishing , City of Hamilton Electric Bike Laws and Regulations, NFPA

All employees, graduate students, post-docs, visiting scholars and volunteers are required to complete this awareness training. Training includes the roles, responsibilities, reporting process, and protocols to respond to harassment and/or violence in the workplace.

Policies/Programs
Discrimination and Harassment Policy

McMaster University Workplace Violence Program

Violence in the Workplace Policy

Sexual Violence Policy

Emergency Guidance for Presenters

Emergency Guidance Document for Presenters/Lecturers

Emergency Preparation Guidance for McMaster Event Planning

Classroom Emergency Preparedness

Considerations for Use of Third-Party Technologies in Teaching and Learning

Resources

Employee and Family Assistance Program

McMaster Emergency Guidebook

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

How to talk to an employee who might be experiencing domestic violence (video)

Domestic Violence in the Workplace:  Allen Sawkins Interview (video)

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

First Aid Kits & Rooms will be placed around the University at a set frequency.  Both Kits and Rooms will require one individual per shift to be assigned as the official First Aid Provider for the equipment.

The University’s expectation for First Aid Training is the Standard (2 Day) First Aid and CPR training.  Find the most up to date First Aid training schedule on the Athletics and Recreation website. Note: Individuals must notify Athletics & Recreation in writing to withdraw from a First Aid course. In the event that you do not attend without providing notice, your department will be charged a fee.

RMM 1204 First Aid Program

First Aid locations can be found in Appendix C of RMM 1204 Firs Aid Program (link above).

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Locations

First Aid Regulations 1101ds

Ontario’s Good Samaritan Act, 2001

Note:  The Faculty of Health Sciences Safety Office will be sending out requests to verify your participation in this program.