President's message
Week 10
Administration COVID Bonus
You have likely seen the Toronto Star that some boards, namely Toronto, paid administrators, etc., a COVID bonus for their efforts in the summer and this fall.
If you are not already aware, the UGDSB did not provide this bonus pay to administrators.
Reorganization
We have not been given any data on the next reorganization that will impact EAs and ECEs. All movement will be communicated before Nov. 30 with the intent that movement will be completed by this date.
General Supervision and Educational Assistants
Educational Assistants may be assigned general supervision duties before and after the instructional day, ONLY!! This means before the first bell in the morning and the last bell at the end of the day.
During the instructional day (Nutritional Breaks included), EAs should only be working with their Spec Ed students. If you are unsure if the supervision you are providing is general supervision or not, consider this...Are you the only adult assigned with more than your Spec Ed students? If you left with your Spec Ed student(s) would there be supervision for the students who remain? Are there Spec Ed students in the group of students you are assigned to? If you answer NO to any of the above statements then it would appear that you have been assigned general supervision during the instructional day, which is contrary to the collective agreement. Please contact us so we can support you in rectifying this situation. You can email me directly, or call my cell, 519-835-0031
How often should I change my gown? PPE Important information
PPE –Personal Protective Equipment
What is PPE?
PPE is any protective equipment, clothing, or device. PPE includes but is not limited to: masks, gloves, gowns, eye protection (shields, goggles), safety shoes (steel toe, closed-toe), machine guards, ear protection, arm guards, safety harnesses. PPE is intended to decrease or prevent a worker’s exposure to a hazard. PPE must fit correctly in order to be effective.
Do I have to wear the PPE provided by the employer?
Yes. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) states that workers must wear the PPE provided by the employer. The employer is required to train workers on the use and care of the PPE and must take all reasonable precautions to protect workers from workplace hazards.
Should PPE be shared among co-workers?
No. PPE is personal—it is meant to be used by 1 (one) person only. PPE should not be cleaned and shared among co-workers. This means that masks, face shields, goggles, gowns, and gloves are for single personal use only.
What if my PPE is damaged?
Report any damaged or defective PPE to your supervisor. It is the responsibility of the employer to replace or repair the affected PPE. PPE that is damaged or defective must be replaced as it is not effective in protecting the worker from exposure to a hazard.
Should I have open access to the PPE?
Yes. PPE must be readily available and accessible to all workers. Your supervisor must ensure that the PPE is accessible.
Where do I dispose of my used PPE (masks, face shield, gowns & gloves)?
Used PPE should be disposed of in a lined garbage can.
When do I wear and replace my PPE?
PPE Type
Medical Masks
e.g. procedural/
surgical
When to Replace
Daily
When soiled
“One & Done”
Circumstances for Use
Must be worn at all times
At all board locations as required by the Ministry of Education until further notice
Situations where it is not possible to maintain 2m (6 feet) physical distancing
Assisting a student/staff member in the isolation room for suspected COVID-19
On the person exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 (if tolerated)
PPE Type
Face Shield
When to Replace
Every 15 work days
Circumstances for Use
Situations where it is not possible to maintain 2m (6 feet) physical distancing
When there is a potential for contact with bodily fluids, i.e. toileting, performing first aid, spills clean up (chemical or bodily fluid)
Attending to a student/staff member in the isolation room for suspected COVID-19
Other situations as prescribed
PPE Type
Goggles
When to Replace
Unlimited life span
Circumstances for Use
Situations where it is not possible to maintain 2m (6 feet) physical distancing
When there is a potential for contact with bodily fluids, i.e. toileting, performing first aid, spills clean up (chemical or bodily fluid)
Attending to a student/staff member in the isolation room for suspected COVID-19
Other situations as prescribed
PPE Type
Gloves
e.g. nitrile, vinyl, non-latex
When to Replace
After each usage
When soiled
“One & Done”
Circumstances for Use
When the worker will come into contact with bodily fluids, i.e. toileting, performing first aid, spills clean up (chemical or bodily fluid)
When the worker has non-intact skin (i.e. cuts, open sores, etc.)
Attending to a student/staff member in the isolation room for suspected COVID-19
As per the safety data sheets for cleaning and disinfecting products
Other situations as prescribed
PPE Type
Gowns
When to Replace
After each usage
When soiled
“One & Done”
Circumstances for Use
When the worker will come into contact with bodily fluids that may splash, i.e. toileting, performing first aid, spills clean up (chemical or bodily fluid)
Attending to a student/staff member in the isolation room for suspected COVID-19
Other situations as prescribed
Sources: OHSA, UGDSB 2020-2021 School Reopening Health and Safety Guidelines
Health & Safety Concerns?
Contact: Julie Wagner, Health & Safety Officer
Email:
Phone: 226-962-7508