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

Upper Grand Employee Assistance Program

If you are finding yourself or a family member or a colleague is needing additional support or resources please refer to the board's employee and family assistance program. This service is free and confidential. The board is not given the names of members who are using the service. It has been a challenging year with COVID and many of us are dealing with other challenges unrelated to COVID. This resource may be of help to members who need it.

Access the Upper Grand District School Board’s Employee & Family Assistance Program 24/7 by phone, web or mobile app 1-800-387-4765  |  www.workhealthlife.com