RPSS March 19 2026

Present: Frank Sgambelluri, Steve Elsey, Steve Girvin, Christina Falcigno, Mike Nazvesky, Tiffany Moore, Laura Ferguson, Hilary Chesterman

Guest: Brenda Huska

Started 1:43 PM

Agenda approved

Minutes 19 February 2026 approved 

1. Old business

1.1   October 31, 2025 Incident Investigation Report and Recommendations

The results of the investigation were shared with the committee.  Many contributing factors were discussed as well as preventative measures suggested by the personnel involved. 

The Investigation team circulated draft recommendations based on their results. Five recommendations related to review of current training, procedures and staffing were accepted by the committee, with an opportunity to provide further input until Monday January 19, 2026.  The committee has approved sending recommendations with any suggested changes after January 19, 2026.

19 February 2026 - Recommendations have been received by senior admin and response anticipated soon.

19 March 2026 - Update on 5 recommendations.  

• Stand alone de-escalation training for guards: currently being scheduled. 

• The recommendation of looking into special constables: Currently reviewing options and feasibility.

• Guards only entering the outpost for life saving purposed: Currently in place and has been communicated to LUSU

• LUSU should review staffing for their security: LUSU has a new policy where they are responsible for patrons who are asked to leave or held until escorted off campus by their security. LU guards will not take custody of these individuals.

• Review staffing levels: Ongoing

1.2 UC0051 - This storage space is packed with document storage in boxes which doesn’t appear to have been accessed in some time.  Its current state may be a fire hazard and clean up is required.  H&S to follow up.

19 February 2026 - Frank to send pictures

2. Injuries/Incidents

1. Injuries

1. MVA - Slip

2.2 Incidents

2. Dollies - Should be thrown away if broken, can’t modify. They are buying more carts to replace broken ones and ones that are wearing. Caretakers need to report when there is a safety risk, OHSA requires this. Steve E and Mike will communicate this information.They are completing lift device inspections in department, but not moving device inspections. This should be added.

3. Inspections 

• Outside areas: Jeff completed, needs to send report

• BL: Tina completed and reports only minor issues that require a few work orders.

• Grounds: Mike completed, multiple safety concerns. Icicles above the garage (no stoppers or dams) the staff have been breaking them with sticks when they get large. The trailer outside is leaning substantially. The staff have put pylons around it, but do go in there for regular maintenance. There are pallets of bricks that are leaning. Lots of burnt out lights. Room numbers are missing. The Mezzanine has a hand rail, but part of it is missing. There is one leaning in that area, but it is not attached. There is also no middle rail on the other guard rail. The fire pull stations were blocked. Insulation falling off the ceiling. The door is not locking, looks to be damaged. 

4. H&S Updates

1. No updates

New Business

5. Plant/Residence Update

1. Vet school work is still ongoing, no additional safety complaints had been made. Tina brought up that in the parking lot there is a crane parked in the staff allocated lot. Tina has pictures and will send it. Unsure if they had spotters, Steve will talk to Kevin.

2. CASES and ATAC renos are ongoing and only complaints are related to noise.

3. Upper lecture theatre roofing is ongoing.

4. There was a watermain break that impacted the fieldhouse. Caused some issues with the powwow that was occurring in the hanger, but everything got resolved. 

5. Residence has a lot of project ongoing and the move out will be happening soon. Extra garbage bins will be out for the move out.

6. Round Table Items

1. CB 0031

The laboratory is off limits until further notice due to risk of respirable silica.

March 19 Update: Laboratory has reopened, hazard has been addressed. 

2. Gas Leak Policy

Security reports challenges in the last few calls requiring the use of the natural gas response procedure.  Fire department tours buildings following the all clear, and have questions mechanical in nature that security team are unable to answer.  Security to review procedure with Plant to address.  H&S will look for scratch and sniff natural gas cards to assist with education campaign.

March 19 Update: No update

3. Question about procedures: If there is not a procedure within a department, but another department does have a procedure for something, would workers follow the other department’s procedure? Answer: No. 

4. Unifor workers are following different procedures dependent on the department they are working in for the same activities. Should this be the same? Answer: This discussion is better suited for union items, following department procedures depending on where an individual works would be the correct response. 

5. Concerns were raised regarding entrance into residence spaces to perform maintenance. This discussion has been ongoing with health and safety and resolutions being determined. Need to ensure there is proper signage, notification to residents, vacancy communication needs clarification. Discussion to continue outside of the meeting.

6. Question regarding ladder usage to change light bulbs, is it appropriate to use a 6ft ladder to change bulbs? Answer: Yes. After discussion, ladder safety will be added to new hire training package for RPSS sections. 

7. Question regarding emergency power: Can backup generator that is being installed for vet school be used to provide backup power to bora laskin building? Answer: Designers have said no, but it is possible that the capacity may allow it. Will need further investigation.

Meeting adjourned to 3:07 PM

RPSS April 16 2026

Membership

Management: Hugh Briggs, Steve Girvin, Steve Elsey, Laura Ferguson, Hilary Chesterman, Tiffany Moore

Workers: Frank Sgambelluri, Christina Falcigno, Mike Nazvesky, Darren Carlin, Jeff Alexander (Alternate: Ian McIntosh)

Ex Officio: Brenda Huska

Present: Frank Sgambelluri, Steve Elsey, Steve Girvin, Christina Falcigno, Mike Nazvesky, Tiffany Moore, Laura Ferguson, Hilary Chesterman, Hugh Briggs

Started 1:35 PM

Agenda approved

Minutes 19 March 2026 - deferred

1. Old business

1.1   October 31, 2025 Incident Investigation Report and Recommendations

The results of the investigation were shared with the committee.  Many contributing factors were discussed as well as preventative measures suggested by the personnel involved. 

The Investigation team circulated draft recommendations based on their results. Five recommendations related to review of current training, procedures and staffing were accepted by the committee, with an opportunity to provide further input until Monday January 19, 2026.  The committee has approved sending recommendations with any suggested changes after January 19, 2026.

19 February 2026 - Recommendations have been received by senior admin and response anticipated soon.

19 March 2026 - Update on 5 recommendations.  

• Stand alone de-escalation training for guards: currently being scheduled. 

• The recommendation of looking into special constables: Currently reviewing options and feasibility.

• Guards only entering the outpost for life saving purposed: Currently in place and has been communicated to LUSU

• LUSU should review staffing for their security: LUSU has a new policy where they are responsible for patrons who are asked to leave or held until escorted off campus by their security. LU guards will not take custody of these individuals.

• Review staffing levels: Ongoing

1.2 UC0051 - This storage space is packed with document storage in boxes which doesn’t appear to have been accessed in some time.  Its current state may be a fire hazard and clean up is required.  H&S to follow up.

19 February 2026 - Frank to send pictures

1.3 Risk assessment framework, did committee use it and is there feedback. Steve E will look at it next week. Security used it and used A.I. to assist with adding in their examples into the tool. 

1.4 Free training with WSPS has been extended and now ends September 2026. 

2. Injuries/Incidents

1. Injuries

1. Slip and between UC and BB, non-medical no report sent in, just heard of it. 

2. Tripped on stairs in UC, non-medical

3. Complaints of slipping in G lot crosswalk by the library, snow clearing issues. 

2.2 Incidents

4. Asbestos containing material fell from ceiling during roofing work into the second floor UC space. There was a hole cut into the ceiling that allowed it to fall into the space. Air testing is being completed and will be done again when roof work resumes. ATAC will be used as a control and multiple spaces in president’s row will be tested. The hole has been temporarily fixed. Seemed to be one piece of material that stayed intact.

5. Inspections 

• UC: May need further inspections to get remaining floors, basement had clutter and fluorescent lights in mechanical spaces. One area without a railing and only one hand rail at stairs. 

• Radio House: Some issues like clutter, uncovered sump pit, and smoke detector removed. Need to determine occupancy.

• 695 Oliver Rd. - Need to add 681 Oliver Rd as well. These spaces are only entered by security.

• School of nursing: No major issues

4. H&S Updates

1. Workplace violence policy has been submitted for review

New Business

5. Plant/Residence Update

1. Roofing has paused for exams, but will resume. 

2. FRP project list upcoming

3. Residence had a deer come through the window in Bartley. Has happened annually, but this time made exit with less issues. Need to possibly look into options to prevent in the future.

6. Round Table Items

1. When the committee is inspecting spaces, they should ensure that the roof is included. In particular, areas with linear metal ceiling. Look for holes and gaps in the paper layer under the slats. 

2. Gas Leak Policy

Security reports challenges in the last few calls requiring the use of the natural gas response procedure.  Fire department tours buildings following the all clear, and have questions mechanical in nature that security team are unable to answer.  Security to review procedure with Plant to address.  H&S will look for scratch and sniff natural gas cards to assist with education campaign.

March 19 Update: No update

April 16 Update: No update

3. Potholes: Asphalt plant is not up and running, are going to look into more cold patch being used. Filling holes in the fieldhouse lot with gravel to help with deep potholes.

4. Delivery trucks were blocking 3 way stop and were told to move, they then blocked parked cars. This was for the CASES project and organized by the contractor. Physical plant will follow up with contractor about properly arranging deliveries. 

5. Library Safety Concerns: Library is open until 5pm in the summer and two individuals are being asked to stay until close while rest of department leaves. Security does a walk through before closing the space. COPE members are being affected and are asked to stay as the sole employee. Concerned about safety while working alone. Tiffany to follow up with this.

6. Supervisor’s toolkit: Training for supervisors specifically in a physical services area. Hugh has attended and found it very useful, looking to host training in Thunder Bay if there is enough interest. Going to talk to the college and possibly school board about interest. Hugh will share more soon.

7. Hugh has taken on roll as management co-chair for the committee. 

8. Unauthorized entry to the power house that resulted in electrical contractors having items taken. Steve has addressed this with his workers and security will check at 4pm. Best should be reminded to ensure the doors are locked and closed. 

Meeting adjourned to 2:39 PM

8th Jan 2025 – Approved Minutes
LU Joint Health and Safety Committee - Orillia
August 27, 2024
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Zoom & OA3041

Minutes
In Attendance: Theresa (T-Bird) Prisciak, Tajinder Kumar, Chris Glover, Rosa Fabiano, Allison Brooks, Tiffany Moore (Thunder Bay Health and Safety), Sara Corcoran, Vicki Te Brugge, Carolyn Rimkey, Sreekumari Kurissery

1. Approval of Agenda
Approver: Theresa (T-Bird) Prisciak,
Seconder: Chris Glover
Moved

2. Approval of the Minutes from the last JHSC meeting
Approver: Theresa (T-Bird) Prisciak,
Seconder Chris Glover
Moved

3. Student Health and Wellness (Sara Corcoran)
Health & Counselling Services
Health and counselling services at the Wellness Centre are resuming as usual for the fall term. We are working with the Huronia Nurse Practitioner-led Clinic now rather than OSMH, but the services and processes are all the same.
Health promotion in September is focused on mental health, sexual health, and substance use, to support students with a healthy transition to the new academic year. Some events to highlight:
•SafeTALK: Tuesday, Sept 10th from 12:30-4:30. Workshop about suicide alertness and prevention. Open to students, faculty, staff
•Naloxone training: Tuesday, Sept 17th from 11:30 - 12:30. Workshop about opioids, opioid poisoning, and how to administer naloxone. Open to students, faculty, staff
•Drop-in outdoor yoga: Thursday, Sept 19, 26, and Oct 3rd. Open to students, faculty, staff
•Consent Awareness Week is September 16-20. It will include postings ( including Posters) and social media messaging, along with a Healthy Relationship Fair on September 18th from 12-2 p.m. in Orsi Family Learning Commons.
Student Health and Wellness launched Supporting Students in Distress: On Demand on D2L. This self-paced learning module teaches faculty and staff how to recognize when a student is struggling, have a conversation with them, and connect them to resources. It was previously delivered as a workshop. The live workshop is still available by request. This was shared in the bulletin on August 27th.

5. Items Arising from the Minutes (last meeting)

Nil

6. Injury and Accident Report

● Staff

None to report at this time

● Sports related

None to report at this time

● Contractors

None to report at this time

● Students

None to report at this time

● Visitor

None to report at this time

7. Labour Officer Visit Update
Observations of the Labour Officer visit were discussed and noted. Compliance for displaying relevant policies has been done, and the Lab will organise Ladder training for two employees.

8. Adjournment/Next Meeting.
The next meeting will be in the next quarter as per schedule.
Meeting adjourned

RPSS February 19 2026

Present: Frank Sgambelluri, Jeff Alexander, Mike Nazvesky, Tiffany Moore, Laura Ferguson, Hilary Chesterman

Guest: Brenda Huska

Started 1:31 PM

Agenda approved

Minutes 15 January 2026 approved

1. Old business

                1.1.        November 20 2025 - Security vests has union grievance. It was sent down to Occupational health level. Will be reuniting the original subcommittee related to vests, with changes required where individuals have left the university. Want 2 RPSS members for transparency. Frank and Jeff have volunteered.

January 15, 2025 - Vest committee met on January 6, 2026 to discuss the concerns.  Committee did not recommend changing to a different soft-body armor at this time.  Committee did recommend that training documents be developed to cover proper measurement and adjustment of SBA to ensure the security team has the most comfortable fit.  Also to be included will be other information provided by the manufacturer to improve comfort.

            February 19, 2026 - a member of the review committee suggested an alternate vest. 

The provider was contacted.  Unfortunately, this option was not available and an

alternate product suggested was equivalent to the model currently provided

1.2       October 31, 2025 Incident Investigation Report and Recommendations

The results of the investigation were shared with the committee.  Many contributing factors were discussed as well as preventative measures suggested by the personnel involved.

1.3       The Investigation team circulated draft recommendations based on their results. Five recommendations related to review of current training, procedures and staffing were accepted by the committee, with an opportunity to provide further input until Monday January 19, 2026.  The committee has approved sending recommendations with any suggested changes after January 19, 2026.

19 February 2026 - Recommendations have been received by senior admin and response anticipated soon.

3*

1.4       UC0051 - This storage space is packed with document storage in boxes which doesn’t appear to have been accessed in some time.  Its current state may be a fire hazard and clean up is required.  H&S to follow up.

19 February 2026 - Frank to send pictures

2. Injuries/Incidents

                2.1.        Injuries

1. PACI - Slip and fall inside on wet stairs, medical aid only
2. Sanders/Fieldhouse - weight fell onto worker’s hand, Lost time (1 day) and medical aid

2.2       Incidents

1. Residence - Recycle bin lid fell onto employee reaching inside, non-medical

3. Inspections

• BSC - inspected after snowfall, some outside walkways did not appear to be shoveled/clear.
• Sanders/Hanger/Wolf Den - floor tiles lifting

                                                                    - fire extinguishers need annual inspection

                                                                        -exits blocked by snow

                                                                        -cleaning chemicals unlabelled

4. H&S Updates

                4.1.        Winter Safety Website

                4.2.        Risk Assessment Framework

                4.3.        Staff Awards

                4.4.        Free Training (WSPS)

                4.5.        Long Term Illness Leave

New Business

4. Plant/Residence Update

Deferred

5. Round Table Items

                5.1.        CB 0031

The laboratory is off limits until further notice due to risk of respirable silica.

                5.2.        Gas Leak Policy

Security reports challenges in the last few calls requiring the use of the natural gas response procedure.  Fire department tours buildings following the all clear, and have questions mechanical in nature that security team are unable to answer.  Security to review procedure with Plant to address.  H&S will look for scratch and sniff natural gas cards to assist with education campaign.

                5.3.        Phones in Labs

A question arose from the TSC members regarding whether all labs have been issued phones and what to do if phones are unplugged.  This will require review with Labs and Studios, in the meantime, H&S will add questions to the job specific training checklist to capture after hours work and phone in the lab.

                5.4.        Needle found in UC bathroom

A needle along with some paraphernalia was discovered by the security team in a washroom in CB.  Best was called to clean up.  A pop bottle was used rather than the sharps container provided to Security.  Security to ensure that patrol/dispatchers are aware of the needle clean-up kit and sharps container and provide to Best in future.

Meeting adjourned to 2:27 PM

Labs and Studios Minutes – February 18, 2026 AC 147 and zoom

Present:   B. Huska,  A. White, H. Staple, A. Diochon, J. Gao, M. Moore, S. Azarhazin

TIME Commenced: 11:00 am hybrid by zoom

Agenda :  MOTION A.D. SECOND H.S. Carried. 

 January 2026 Minutes: No Changes, MOTION J.G. SECOND A.D.

Injuries/Incidents

None

Inspections - 

Completed

• Paleo DNA Lab

• CB0031/CB0038

Outstanding

• Chemistry (Scheduled)

• Science Workshop (Scheduled)

Old Business

• Nominations for secretary – no nominations were received.  Committee is OK with health and safety continuing to take minutes. The vacancy for the secretary will remain open as a standing item on every agenda. In case worker members feel differently in future.

• Management member search still ongoing, have talked to one individual who was not sure if they had interest in joining. Search ongoing. With Steve Girvin’s upcoming departure, Adam White has joined the committee as a new management member. 

• After Hours Access subcommittee membership has been finalized and a meeting is being scheduled. 

• Pool safety protocol review subcommittee has all members from labs and studios and RPSS and meeting is being scheduled, waiting on pool manager’s availability. 

New Business

• Risk assessment tool will be sent to the committee for testing and review. This tool will be available on the website to help supervisors complete risk assessments for their personnel and areas. The tool itself is a google sheets document that contains a tab for examples of risk assessments. These examples are explained fully on a separate walkthrough document. The walkthrough document goes over the decisions made and steps fully. There is also a guidance document that gives an overview of what a risk assessment is and how it is completed. All three of these items are being sent to the committee so they may test out the tool, provide feedback on any of the elements, or provide examples that may be useful that are not covered in the current examples provided. 

• New ESA Leave - Longterm Illness. This is a leave for individuals with a serious medical condition who may not have enough paid leave available to use or cannot access leave for their position. It is unpaid, but protects their employment status. Up to 27 weeks out of a 52 week period may be taken and it does not have to be continuous leave. It can be intermittent amounts of time taken throughout the 52 week period. Information is on the website.

• Winter safety page now up on the health and safety site. This was added as a permanent page instead of sending reminders in the communications bulletins as staff may be missing these. 

• Free training for health and safety is available through WSPS until March 31. There is JHSC inspections courses as well as a number of other training available. You can enroll yourself on their website or reach out to Tiffany Moore to have us enroll you. 

• New staff awards have been created related to community engagement, health and safety, innovation, leadership , and collaboration. Messaging will be going out along with nominations page. Will be done in addition to the existing annual staff recognition award. 

Other Business

Adjournment:  11:43am

NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Mar 18, 2026 TIME: 11:00am 

Joint Health and Safety Committee
November 7, 2023
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
OA 3041 Zoom
Minutes
Regrets: Tiffany Moore (Thunder Bay Health and Safety), Vicki Te Brugge
In Attendance: Theresa (T-Bird) Prisciak, Chris Gouett, Tim Rowe, Chris Glover, Rosa Fabiano, John Siecker, Allison Brooks, Carolyn Rimkey, , Sreekumari Kurissery
Guest: Sara Corcoran, Rebecca Craigie
1. Approval of Agenda
Approver John Siecker
Seconder Chris Gouett
Moved
2. Approval of the Minutes from last JHSC meeting – August 1, 2023
Approver Chris Gouett
Seconder Chris Glover
Moved
3. Housekeeping Items:
● Rebecca Craigie has joined as a guest of the committee today – Welcome Rebecca!
4. Student Health and Wellness (Sara Corcoran)
• Health Services and Counselling:

o Nurse Practitioner, on campus on Thursdays. Online booking, she is consistently booked but not overbooked. Students can get an appointment within 1 week.
o Counselling also switched to online booking - this seems to be working very well as students can book an appointment when it is convenient for them, and there are way fewer incidences of students having a hard time booking an appointment because of playing phone tag with the intake worker.
o Chiro and Naturopathic doctor appointments are running as usual.
o Flu shot clinics were held at HP on Nov 1st and Wellness Centre Nov 6th.

• Health Promotion

o SHW is running a No Stigma November, to revamp the Stop the Stigma Campaign. This campaign launched in September last year and is a campus wide effort to reduce the stigma related to mental health (actions so far have included a survey, sharing normative data, sharing student stories, and stop the stigma workshop)
o No Stigma November will include:

 More normative data - posters, table talkers, TVs
 Stop the Stigma tabling activities focusing on awareness of mental health resources, and when is the right time to get help beyond your usual coping strategies
 Peer Wellness Crafternoons - to encourage open and honest conversation about mental health
 Peer-led events in residence
 Faculty and Staff can participate by:

• Coming by out tabling activities
• Supporting Students in Distress (Nov 22nd) and Stop the Stigma (Nov 9th) Workshops
• SafeTALK - Nov 29th
• Checking out the Stop the Stigma Tool Kit which includes resources and strategies for staff and faculty to embed in their spaces that support student wellbeing.

o After November we will be transitioning into stressbusters and more passive programming throughout the exam period.

5. Items Arising from the Minutes (last meeting)
● Fire Plan

o The Fire Plan is on hold until the new Human Resources Business Partner starts

● Violence Incident at the University of Waterloo

o Follow up to last meeting. No further questions at this time

6. Injury and Accident Report
● Staff

o None to report at this time

● Sports related

o Two incidents off-site

▪ During intramurals a student was hit in the face with a ball
▪ During a hockey tournament a hockey player broke their collarbone.
▪ Athletics is following up with these incidents

● Contractors

o None to report at this time

● Students

o Accident with injury – no medical aid – When opening the door to the dining hall the student caught their foot on the door. The foot was cut and started to bleed. Dana Hospitality Staff provided a bandage and cleaned the cut. Student reported the incident to Security. No further action was known.

● Visitor

o None to report at this time

7. Lab Update
• Everything is going well
• Lab doors are to remain closed during sessions

o There are some who keep the door open during sessions
o These staff have been reminded to keep the doors shut
o Lab Staff have been checking the doors during the day however this takes time away from other duties
o Lab Staff will continue to remind staff to keep the doors shut. If this does not work then the next step is to contact the supervisor of the staff involved

• Completed training for Security Team regarding Lab Safety

o Security Team found this to be beneficial

8. Items for Discussion
• Protective Vests for Security Staff

o The vests have been approved
o The vest have been approved for under the shirt before. The Security Staff did not adopt this option because of a number of comfort issues with the vest
o Now external vests have been approved for use

 Security Staff are happy with this option
 The use of the vest is voluntary – if a Security Staff member wishes to have a vest the Security Department will pay for it
 Pictures of the vests were reviewed by the JHSC

9. Adjournment/Next Meeting.
● Next meeting February 6, 2024
● Meeting adjourned

Joint Health and Safety Committee
August 1, 2023
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Online Meeting via Zoom
Minutes
Regrets: Rosa Fabiano, John Siecker, Allison Brooks, Carolyn Rimkey, Tiffany Moore (Thunder Bay Health and Safety), Sreekumari Kurissery
In Attendance: Theresa (T-Bird) Prisciak, Chris Gouett, Tim Rowe, Vicki Te Brugge, Chris Glover,
Guest: Sara Corcoran, Rebecca Craigie
1. Approval of Agenda
Approver Chris Glover
Seconder Vicki Te Brugge
Moved
2. Approval of the Minutes from last JHSC meeting – May 2, 2023
Approver Chris Gouett
Seconder Vicki Te Brugge
Moved
3. Housekeeping Items:
● Hannah Campbell has resigned from Lakehead University to accept a new opportunity. Thank you to Hannah for being on the committee
● Nandakumar Kanavillil has completed his term as Acting Chair. Thank you, Nanda, for being on the committee. Sreekumari Kurissery has rejoined the committee. Welcome back Sree!
● Rebecca Craigie has joined as a guest of the committee today – Welcome Rebecca!
4. Student Health and Wellness (Sara Corcoran)
● Health Services and Counselling – Appointment requests during the summer have been low. We expect them to ramp up a week or so before classes start
● Over the summer Health Services are not available in the Wellness Centre– we continue to refer to virtual and community partners
● All the same health and counselling services from 2022/2023 Academic Year are returning for this 2023/2024 Academic Year – Naturopathic Doctor, Chiropractor, Sexual Wellness Clinics, Counselling
● We are partnering with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team to have a nurse practitioner on campus on day per week beginning in September. Appointments will be on Thursday and this will be available to all students including international students. Appointments will be booked online.
● Counselling will also be switching to online booking which will hopefully make it easier for students to access appointments.
● Wellness Events and Programs
- Orientation events – weekly WellU Wednesday to support a healthy transition to post-secondary and raise awareness of health and wellness supports and services
- SafeTALK – we have now offered two workshops, and have a few more scheduled: August 24, 2023, September 14, 2023, and October 10, 2023
- Interest has been shown in Assist Training. It is a two-day training. Currently looking for an instructor for the training.
- Naloxone Training: September 20, 2023
- Supporting Students in Distress - 1.5 hour virtual workshop designed and instructed by our Manager of Wellness Services, and it is specifically meant to help faculty and staff at Lakehead feel more equipped to help students who are struggling. There is also a print resource available that is based off this workshop. Upcoming dates are:
- Wednesday Sept 27th, 1-2:30 pm
- Wednesday Oct 25th, 1-2:30 pm
- Wednesday Nov 22nd, 1-2:30 pm
5. Items Arising from the Minutes (last meeting)
● Fire Plan
o The Fire Plan is on hold until the new Human Resources Business Partner starts.
● AED at Heritage Place
o It has been installed.
● Door Card Update
o Up and running
o No issues so far
o Better than last system - quicker
6. Injury and Accident Report
● Staff
o Accident with injury – no medical aid. Intern was washing beakers and got a cut on part of the glass. The beakers were not broken and the intern was wearing nitrile gloves. The small cut on the finger was cleaned and a bandage applied.
o Accident with injury – no medical aid. Residence employee was checking closets in multiple residence rooms. While closing one the door slid faster than expected. Jammed middle finger between two sliding panels. Finger bled. Cleaned the wound. Felt light headed and faint. Security applied ice and taped the finger. Checked blood pressure for light headedness. Suggested being more cautious when testing the doors as they are heavy and sliding varies from room to room. Went to hospital and had an x-ray. Everything was fine.
● Sports related
o None to report at this time
● Contractors
o None to report at this time
● Students
o Incident – no injury. Student was mixing sulfuric acid to acetic anlydirde. It began to smoke into the fumehood. All safety precautions were followed. Spill was cleaned properly and will be disposed of safely. Care to be taken to follow experimental procedure to prevent such spills in the future. Student was not injured and there was no damage. Experiment was performed again by the faculty supervisor and observed the same results. Replaced the chemical with a fresh batch/bottle to avoid and possible contamination. Modified the procedure to add a reduced amount of chemicals in the same volume. The student repeated the procedure with proper personal protective equipment (as before) with the Lab Tech Staff present. The experiment was completed without any issues.
● Visitor
o Accident with injury – no medical aid. High School Student was visiting campus as part of an event. Students were moving down the staircase (Simcoe Hall) in a group of 12. The student slipped of the edge of the step and fell forward. She caught herself with the railing. She slid on her right side, down a few stairs. Injuries were scrapes and bruising on shin, right leg and inside of left knee. First aid applied by Security and Staff – ice pack, wrap and bandages, wrapped right shin
7. Lab Update
• Busy in the labs through the summer
o Undergraduate project work
o Graduate Students working
o Chemistry Labs during the summer for the first time
 Small number of students – it is going well
 Challenging to balance research and labs
o Working on inventory planning and getting ready for the fall term
8. Items for Discussion
• Violence incident at the University of Waterloo
o In a Gender Studies Class the male suspect entered the class and attacked a teacher and two students with knives
o It was a planned attack
o Suspect was arrested by Police and Campus Security
o A review of the incident showed
 It took 90 minutes for the alert to go out because there was no security in the building at the time of the attack
 Everybody ran and called 911. Nobody called Security
o For the Orillia Campus
 Remember to call Security as soon as possible.
 Being a smaller campus Security hears things easier than at a larger campus
 University of Waterloo is a bigger campus. They are looking at hiring more security staff and posting one security team member at each building
o Always things we can do to improve
 We can learn from other schools to see what they are doing – adopt best practices
 Continue to prepare ourselves for things that may happen
o Discussion
 We should continue to discuss events such as this and improve our systems
 During Orientation and Training talking about contacting Security first in all emergency situations
 Security would like to have meetings with Front Line Staff to review safety procedures.
 Would like to have a Table Top Exercise with the group – possibly part of the next meeting
 Interest has been shown to meet in person again as a group
 Lakehead University does have an Emergency Response Policy
• What happens in event of an emergency
• Response Group based on type of emergency
• Will discuss this process as part of a future meeting
9. Adjournment/Next Meeting.
● Next meeting November 7, 2023
● Meeting adjourned

Joint Health and Safety Committee
May 2, 2023
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Online Meeting via Zoom
Minutes
Regrets: Nanda Kanavillil, Chris Glover, Rosa Fabiano, Hannah Campbell
In Attendance: Theresa (T-Bird) Prisciak, Chris Gouett, John Siecker, Allison Brooks, Carolyn Rimkey, Tim Rowe, Vicki TeBrugge, Tiffany Moore (Thunder Bay Health and Safety),
Guest: Sara Corcoran
1. Approval of Agenda
Approver Chris Gouett
Seconder T Bird
Moved
2. Approval of the Minutes from last JHSC meeting – February 7, 2023
Approver T Bird
Seconder Carolyn
Moved
3. Housekeeping Item:
● Sara Corcoran will be attending future meetings to talk about Student Health and Wellness. Thank you, Sara.
● COVID related items will be discussed in future meetings as required
4. Student Health and Wellness (Sara Corcoran)
● Health and Wellness Services at the Wellness Centre have concluded for the academic year
● Students taking classes on campus during the summer months can still request counselling services and will be connected with a counsellor
● The focus is on virtual appointments. On campus appointments are still possible
● If a student is not currently enrolled and requests counselling services we will work with them to connect with a counsellor, either here or in the student’s home community
● Overall health and counselling requests go down. Student Health and Wellness Services is still available as required
● In September all services are set to resume as usual
● Working with the hospital and the Couchiching Family Health Team to develop a service agreement where a Nurse Practitioner would be on campus one day week. Will update the committee at the next meeting if successful
● Health Promotion Updates
- Shift from In Person Events to more asynchronous and passive events. This allows for more participation from employees
- It’s your move 100-hour strata challenge – beginning May 15th for employees and students to help promote physical activity over the summer
- Partner with Indigenous Initiatives to support Birch Tree Gardens Afternoons. Every Friday during the summer from 1-4pm to promote mental, physical and spiritual benefits of gardening
- Looking to begin Safe Talk training for employees and students
- Four-hour training so that the participant becomes Suicide Alert
- Recognize and engage with someone who is thinking about suicide
- Overcome attitudes that act as barriers to get help
- Talk openly about suicide
- Connect with intervention resources for further support
- Safe Talk Training does not teach intervention techniques. Safe Talk Training teaches how to connect someone who requires help with someone who has suicide intervention training
- The Security Team is a great resource for suicide awareness and intervention. The purpose of the Safe Talk training is for participants to be more aware of resources and become more comfortable making a warm hand off to the Security Team. They can also bring these principals in any other communities they exist in
5. Items Arising from the Minutes (last meeting)
● Fire Plan
o Human Resources will be working with Physical Plant regarding any outstanding items and finalizing the plan
o Hannah will update at the next meeting
● AED at Heritage Place
o AED is ordered and awaiting delivery
● Door Cards Update
o New door card system is in
o The system is stand-alone. Anyone who needs to get access will visit Security to manually enter in the system
o Only Security can enter and delete access
o In the event of employee turnover, Security will be advised by Human Resources so they can change access
o Lab Access is updated from the Lab Access List supplied to Security
o There are new two “Lockdown Buttons” on Campus
● Workplace Violence Prevention Program
o Lakehead University has a Workplace Violence Prevention Policy. Lakehead University is in the process of creating a Program to accompany the Policy
o Documents were sent to the Joint Health and Safety Committee to review
o Health and Safety Department is looking for feedback from the Joint Health and Safety Committee
o The Joint Health and Safety Committee will send any comments received so far to the Health and Safety Department. Any further comments from the Committee can be sent to the Health and Safety Department directly
o Question was asked if the employees who work at Georgian College as part of the Lakehead Georgian Partnership would fall under this program as well. That question will be forwarded to Health and Safety Department
▪ This question has been responded to. Regardless of where the employee works if they encounter workplace violence they should report it to Lakehead University as per the policy
● Campus Snow Removal and Sidewalks
o The contractor came and cleaned up the piles of sand on campus after the snow melted
o Some repairs to complete on campus as a result of snow removal (signed that were knocked over while removing snow) – Security will be following up with the contractor
6. Injury and Accident Report
● Staff
o Accident with an injury – medical aid. Employee twisted knee while trying to catch self going down stairs. Knee felt tight during the day but not sore. Became sore overnight. It was suggested that the employee seek medical advice. Employee saw a Doctor regarding the injury. Employee had an MRI that showed they broke a bone near the knee. Employee is resting the knee and applying ice and heat. They appear to be fine and have a follow up appointment. Paperwork has been filed with the Health and Safety Department
o Employee – Accident with injury, no medical aid. Residence employee accidentally let go of a vacuum canister and if fell on their foot. There was bruising and swelling on the right foot. No further update.
● Sports related
o None to report at this time
● Contractors
o Contractor – Accident with injury, no medical aid. Kiosk Clerk with Food Services Contractor was getting out of their truck, slipped on some ice, fell. Their left arm above elbow, lower back, and read end were sore. They used over the counter pain medication. No further update.
o Contractor – Accident with an injury – medical aid. Cleaner was cleaning windows using a step stool. They mis stepped and fell off the step stool. They suffered a concussion and neck sprain. They went to the hospital. No further update.
● Students
o None to report at this time
7. Lab Update
• Labs have been completed for this academic year
• In the process of storing everything back where it belongs
• Starting inventory of various pieces of equipment and chemicals
• Starting inventory of chemical waste for pick up
• Also have COVID swab tests that need to be picked. Will coordinate so that the tests and chemical waste can be picked up at the same time
• Tiffany Moore will be visiting to complete a Bio Safety Walkthrough for the Labs
• Working towards getting things running properly
o Water system in OA 3002 – waiting for parts so it can be repaired. Water system in OA 3001 works and is being used in the interim
• Neutralizing tank in the basement will be inspected this week. It is inspected every year
• Fume hoods certifications are being scheduled
• Several projects students using the labs this summer
• Researchers and Faculty will be using the lab through the summer
8. Items for Discussion
• Workplace inspections – Are scheduled for May
• Bat in office – there is currently a bat in the Security Office. The advice given is to close the office and open other exits (windows) for the bat to escape
o Our pest removal vendor had suggested a specialist regarding live bat removal when the Residence had a similar issue in the past – will look into that
o Suggested that housekeeping go through and clean the office thoroughly after the bat has left
9. Adjournment/Next Meeting.
● Next meeting August 1, 2023
● Interest shown regarding meeting in person again. Will look into the possibility to booking meeting rooms in advance
● Meeting adjourned

Joint Health and Safety Committee

February 7, 2023

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Online Meeting via Zoom

Minutes

Regrets: Nanda Kanavillil, Tiffany Moore (Thunder Bay Health and Safety), 

In Attendance: Theresa (T-Bird) Prisciak, Chris Gouett, John Siecker, Allison Brooks, Carolyn Rimkey, Tim Rowe, Chris Glover, Rosa Fabiano, Hannah Campbell, Vicki TeBrugge Guest:  Sara Corcoran

1. Approval of Agenda  Approver Seconder Moved John Rosa 

2. Approval of the Minutes from last JHSC meeting – November 1, 2022  Approver Seconder Moved  Rosa Hannah

3. Housekeeping Item:  Sara Corcoran has been invited to the meeting to talk about Student Health and Wellness.  Welcome Sara.

4. Student Health and Wellness (Sara Corcoran)

● New Naturopathic Doctor – Dr. Michelle started on January 26, 2023 – taking over from Dr. Alison 

- Services available on Thursdays in-person and virtual

- By appointment via the MySuccess

● Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program - -

- Has appointments on campus for students who are part of that structured counselling program

- It is a self-referral program

- More structured than counselling that is provided on campus on Tuesdays 

- Geared towards more specific types of anxieties

- Another option that students have available to them

● Counselling remains available on Tuesdays in person and virtually throughout the week

● Chiropractor available Wednesday afternoons

● Maintaining partnership with Huronia Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic for virtual appointments

● Referring students to The Couchiching Family Health Team Unattached Patient Clinic 

- Able to see domestic and international student

- Clinic is off-campus

● Working on outfitting the Wellness Centre Space to be more of a Medical Space - Will update Joint Health and Safety Committee as this project progresses

● Partnered with the Health Unit to provide a STI Clinic on February 9, 2023 - STI Clinics are running in the community as well

● GO VAX bus has been coming to Campus twice a semester.  Last visit was in January, 2023.  A visit has been scheduled for March 18, 2023 from 11:00am to 5:00pm

● Running Health Promotions related to the Student Life Cycle including; 

- Sexual Health and Healthy Relationships

- Safe Substance Use

- Nutrition

- Mental Health and Stress Management

● Question was asked regarding how busy the counselling services are.  Response:  In person is consistently full and virtual is very busy as well.

- Asked if there will be an increase of in-person available.  Sara responded that this is something that is being looked into.  Right now, it is one day a week.  Speaking with the service provider to balance their capacity with the need

- Student Health and Wellness is doing health promotion that focuses on mental health and stress management to support students with mental health literacy and skill building, as well as highlighting other mental health resources (Good2Talk, Talk Campus, WellU Key, etc.) that are available

5. Items Arising from the Minutes (last meeting) 

● Fire Plan 

o HR will be working with Physical Plant regarding any outstanding items and finalizing the plan

● AED at Heritage Place

o Funding has been finalized o Will be working on purchasing the item and installation

● Door Cards Update 

o Contractor has installed parts

o Ordered a server to connect to the door system

o During Spring Break the doors will be connected to the system

● Field School Accident Follow Up (Vicki)

o When planning for Field School a number of items are covered

▪ Site visit

▪ Duration of session

▪ Time of day

▪ Length of hike

▪ Bathroom Breaks

▪ Snack Breaks

▪ Potential Hazards

▪ Other items that may occur

o Site visits are done every year before sessions

o Go to sites that have been visited before or that a member of the team has visited before so the team has knowledge of potential issues

o Follow University Protocol to fill out Pre-Field Trip Form

▪ Helps the team step through all questions and things to think about before field school

▪ Outline the potential hazards and issues for team and students

▪ It is signed by the team and approved by The Chair of the Department

o Present to the students 

▪ Where they are going

▪ What possible risks/potential hazards

▪ Students identify any issues/concerns they may have and how to mitigate these issues/concerns 

o An example was present where last year a student had been injured prior the trip.   

▪ Created a plan for the student 

▪ Identified what they could do/not do and created an alternative programming for parts they could not do

o This year a student had a bee sting while on the trip

▪ Bee stings/bug bites are listed as potential hazard on Field School Plan and Waiver Form that students sign as part of Field School.  It was also part of the review of potential hazards with the students prior to the trip

▪ In this case the student had informed the Field School of their allergy to bee stings and carried an Epi Pen with them.  There was another student in the group with an Epi Pen as well

▪ The bee sting happened on the middle of a difficult trail

▪ The Field School followed their plan to move the student to safety

▪ Called 911 on the way out of the trail.  The ambulance met them at the entrance to the trail.  The medics applied the Epi Pen

▪ Ensured the other students on the trip were safe and back on the bus

▪ Vicki TeBrugge followed the ambulance to the hospital and wait for the student’s parents arrived

▪ Vicki TeBrugge followed up with the student and their parents

▪ Vicki TeBrugge was in contact with the Security Team during the event.  Thanks to Security Team for their support

▪ The student is well and the episode went as planned

▪ Question was asked if the plan worked as well as it could and if any changes would be made to the plan.  Vicki responded that the plan worked well 

6. Injury and Accident Report 

● Staff 

o Accident with injury – no medical aid.  Employee slipped on some ice – Simcoe Hall, West Stairwell Exit Door on January 9, 2023.  Fell on their back and experienced soreness

o Accident with injury – no medical aid.  Employee slipped on some ice – Sidewalk in front of Residence on January 18, 2023.  Right knee sore and swollen.  Back is achy

o Accident with injury – no medical aid.  Employee slipped on some ice – Sidewalk in front of Residence on January 19, 2023.  Right hand and knee sore

● Sports related 

o Injuries that occurred at sporting events off-site

▪ Two at a Soccer Tournament in Vaughn, Ontario and one at an Ice Hockey Tournament in Lindsay, Ontario

▪ Two potential concussions, which are being assessed and one arm injury

▪ All connected to the sport they were playing

● Contractors

o None to report

● Students

o Accident with injury – no medical aid.  Student slipped on some ice.  Outside of Bookstore on January 9, 2023.  Behind is sore.

o Accident with injury – no medical aid.  Student slipped on some ice.  Residence parking lot on January 19, 2023.  Reaggravated sprained ankle.

7. Lab Update 

• Lab is busy

• No late labs this semester

• Many days having back to back labs

• Going well

• Currently experiencing issues with one of the water systems in OA 3002.  Possible reverse osmosis membrane issue.  Obtaining quotes for repair.  Working off water system in OA 3001.  Hopefully repairs will occur over Reading Week • No other major issues

• Looking forward to the door card issue being resolved.  Working with a key sign out system at present 

8. Items for Discussion 

• Campus Snow Removal and Sidewalks (T-Bird) o Campus experienced slips and falls during changes in conditions.  In some cases, those who fell were wearing footwear such as flats, crocs, high heel shoes, etc

o Reminder to staff and students to wear proper footwear for the weather o If staff or students find the conditions on campus icy please let Security know and they will contact our snow removal contractor

• Draft Workplace Violence Prevention Program (Hannah)

o Document relating to the Lakehead Workplace Violence Prevention Program had been send to the Joint Health and Safety Committee prior to the meeting 

o These documents are to be approved by the Joint Health and Safety Committee

o Members of the Joint Health and Safety Committee have been asked to review the documents sent and send an email to the email listed on the documents indicating any notes they have 

9. Adjournment/Next Meeting.   

● Next meeting May 2, 2023

● Meeting adjourned