September 28th 2009 Meeting Minutes

1

ONTARIO POLICE HEALTH AND SAFETY ASSOCIATION “Protecting Those Who Protect Us”

Ontario Police Health and Safety Association Meeting September 28th 2009 Hosted by Ottawa Police Service Held at Ottawa Police Association Building 200-141 Catherine Street - Ottawa - Ontario 9:35

Darwin Trojan – Chair of the Ontario Police Health and Safety Association welcomes members to the OPHSA September meeting at the Ottawa Police Association Building. Brian Bonderud - Ottawa Police Association – welcomed OPHSA to the Ottawa Police Association Building. Al Burns - Ottawa Police Service Inspector welcomed OPHSA to Ottawa and introduced the three Guest Speakers for the meeting:

Guest Speakers

1. 2. 3.

Inspector Sterling Hartley - An overview of the Respectful Workplace Project and development of the program (Inspector Hartley was the Project Manager) Constable Laurie Boon - Professional Development Centre – the training Ottawa Police Service members receive (Constable Boon is the Respectful Workplace Trainer) Michelle Rathwell - Director of Resourcing & Development - Ottawa Police Service - How Ottawa Police Service deals with complaints

9:40 – 10:05 Inspector Sterling Hartley - An overview of the Respectful Workplace Project and development of the program (Inspector Hartley was the Project Manager) The Program Summary can be located at www.respectnet.ca March 2004 - Charter developed April 2007 - One day training – Civilian and Sworn August 2008 - Training completed Bill 168 - An Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darwin Trojan, Chair C/O York Regional Police Service 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4W5 [email protected] Telephone # (905)895-1221 Ext. 7908

2 When passed, the legislation will require employers to develop: • • • • •

Violence and harassment policies and programs Employee reporting procedure (incidents, threats and complaints) Incident investigation procedure Emergency response procedure (violence only) Process to deal with complaints, incidents and threats

10:05 – 10:40 Constable Laurie Boon - Professional Development Centre – the training Ottawa Police Service members receive (Constable Boon is the Respectful Workplace Trainer) Contract Workers must also adhere to the Policy. Options on www.respectnet.ca where employ can look at resolutions from any computer – home or at work. 10:40 – 10:50 Break 10:50 – 11:15 Michelle Rathwell - Director of Resourcing & Development Ottawa Police Service - How Ottawa Police Service deals with complaints Deborah Aarenau is the Manager of the Respectful Workplace Program http://www.respectnet.ca/en/view_posting.cfm?pg=1&name=182 This is the first known program in Canada – Vancouver and the RCMP are enquiring at this time. 11:16 Minutes of the last meeting – June 4th 2009 Windsor - approved without additions, deletions, questions or concern. 11:20 Section 21 Committee Doug Allan (PAO) spoke regarding the previous Section 21 Meeting. Those that attend the Section 21 Meeting whom also attend OPHSA Meetings are Doug Allan from the PAO, Cindy Bahm from the Ontario Provincial Police Association, Peter Penlington from the Ontario Senior Officer’s Association, Nick Dzudz from the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards - Joe Watkins from Municipal Health and Safety Association of Ontario (Observer Status) and a member from the Ministry of Government Services (Observer Status). Guidance Notes are posted on the PAO Website at http://www.pao.on.ca/ Enter PAO and Unity for user name and password located under the left side tab ‘OHS Notes and Advisories’. A Draft Advisory note with Dr Jack Callaghan has been initiated as The MOL has ordered a review of cruiser ergonomics in York - Skeletal Muscular Disease (MSD’s) 43% of lost time (WSIB) is due to MSD’s in the Policing Field. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darwin Trojan, Chair C/O York Regional Police Service 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4W5 [email protected] Telephone # (905)895-1221 Ext. 7908

3 A York Regional Police study started last week – a survey and use of cameras to download bio-mechanics – the study is to finish October 30th (University of Waterloo and York Regional Police) to see if areas of improvement can be made in design and use of equipment – ergonomics and MSD prevention. Advisory Note – alert to what is coming Guidance Note – recommendation to follow best practice Exposure to Chemicals - A Program was initiated by WSIB - “Program for Exposure Incident Reporting” (PEIR) – keeps track of exposures (no medical attention) – this program will be subject of an advisory note again – forms are on the WSIB Website – Health and Safety Committees should look at it. London Police Service advises the form is good for Units such as Identification who attended drug/blood/disease infested homes and want a record of their attendance to an exposure scene. Motor Vehicle Collisions – most recorded cause for Police Officer deaths – Section 21/PAO/MTO/MHSAO/ and possibly OACP are sponsors to a poster to cause awareness to MVC’s causing deaths. H1N1 – follow the Ministry of Health guidelines – the MOH conflicts with most collective agreements as most Dr’s will not want to see you if you are symptomatic of H1N1 (to get a Dr’s note for absence) – management may have to send you home to keep others safe from your illness – the outbreak could cause other issues such as work refusals etc. – a decision needs to be made within the Police Service prior to an issue occurring as to how it will be resolved. November – EMS/Police/Fire having a joint health and safety meeting regarding operational concerns, scene communications, safety equipment and best practices at a scene. Must be trained in safety equipment if issued (under the Health and Safety Act) – a conversation regarding N95 Masks – problems with supply acquisition – fit and facial hair – H1N1 flu spreads like any other flu virus, mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Touching objects or surfaces with flu viruses on them and then touching their mouth or nose can infect people. Not one mask is best for all – fit testing is a huge issue. Bill 168 – unwelcomed behaviour – a Policy must be supplied on violence and harassment, measurements and procedures to assess and method to deal with it. The Ministry will want to see how the Policy is implemented. Courses are available – Google bill 168 and course will be plentiful. The Bill is in its first reading and will be proclaimed in the fall. Guidance Note #9 – Violence Prevention in Police Facilities is on the PAO Website as well as the MHSAO under Emergency Services http://www.mhsaemerg.ca/index.cfm?section=1

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darwin Trojan, Chair C/O York Regional Police Service 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4W5 [email protected] Telephone # (905)895-1221 Ext. 7908

4 If there is a Provincial Issue that applies to all Services, Section 21 will bring it to the MOL who will do the research. 11:55 – 12:40 LUNCH OPHSA BLOG - http://ophsa.blogspot.com/ - Meeting Minutes are posted within a link on the BLOG – some have had an issue with printing the documents however the majority report this is a good way to receive the minutes. Let the secretary know if you are having difficulties with the site. Round Table York Regional Police Service The boot issue is continuing. Bill 168 was discussed with MOL orders and compliance. Logistics of N1H1 and preparedness was discussed. Police Association of Ontario Reflective chevrons on the back of Police Vehicle bumpers are being looked at as well as striping on the inside of the trunk lid when open – both for visibility. Guelph Police Service Cleaning pf contracted courthouse is an issue – hand washing / water issues for cleaning. The Health Unit in London made recommendations regarding the use of water for floors and desks (not to be the same water). Windsor Police Service Looking at 8mm gloves. Security issues at the courthouse are being reviewed after a murder trial having many issues. Body Armour – A CUPE Strike has caused a stop in new orders. Ontario Association of Police Services Boards St. Thomas Ford Plant is rumoured to close but a Police Vehicle build is being examined. Carbon Motors in the USA is building a Police Vehicle – smaller than the Charger – see the Police Vehicle at http://www.carbonmotors.com/machine Chatham-Kent Police Service Radio issues – no testing to ensure the system meets the needs – in Tilbury the radios will switch towers and no radio contact at times. Pembroke had an order issued by the MOL for a radio review. London’s system is ‘one voice’ which is a system for all emergency services. Olympic Question – Chatham-Kent wishes to send people but equipment is acceptable to South Western Ontario – the consensus was the Olympic security detail should be a zero cost for Police Services. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darwin Trojan, Chair C/O York Regional Police Service 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4W5 [email protected] Telephone # (905)895-1221 Ext. 7908

5 Stratford Police Service Since the radio system went digital, there is no radio reception in the Psychiatry Ward of the hospital. An older issue of stop sticks were mounted on the roof of the trunk of the cruiser and caused an injury to the Member’s face when the trunk was closed. A Roofer Contractor call regarding the safeness of their work environment was made to the Police Service – what authority do the Police have to shut them down? A suggestion was made to call the MOL and stay clear of their issue. Ontario Provincial Police Association The Health and Safety Committee is jointly chaired across the Province. Technology – I Phone / Blackberry etc – transmissions are being heard on scanners and the public has more access now than ever before – no encryption. The OPP are in consultation for a new system in the next 5 years – most Services (and all in attendance) are encrypted – except for the OPP. Ottawa Police Service A BC law (Bylaw) has ‘new construction must have radio capabilities to allow Police Radio Transmissions) – Ottawa Airport recently installed a $150000 booster to allow radio transmissions. `School Cars do not have in car radios – the problem is the portable radios do not pick up the transmissions at all times. The school cars were changed and the others are being looked at. Scented Products – a Guideline (not Policy) has been implemented for the Police Service in line with the City of Ottawa. Winter Tires – detective cars do not possess winter tires. London advises they use tires that are ‘Winter Rated’. North Bay Police Service No issues to report at this time. Peel Regional Police Service A handgun conversion resulted in 40 cal magazines are not interchangeable and old magazines are not re-issued. Hybrid Schedule – 65% work 12 hour shifts while 54% live outside the region and commute – now looking at quiet rooms – space is now designated as sleep areas. A rule exists known as the 20 hr rule – if work in excess of 20 hrs, part of the next shift is off with zero penalty. Suspenders – before the only way to acquire them was with a Dr’s note – now you can request them without a note. Personal Protection Strategy – recruits are trained – scenario based – how important it is to the member and how to deal with risks – strategy to get Officers to deal with risks of disease etc. Halton Regional Police Service Fit testing? – Halton issuing N95 Masks – Sudbury did – York is doing a study on whom to outfit – working forward. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darwin Trojan, Chair C/O York Regional Police Service 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4W5 [email protected] Telephone # (905)895-1221 Ext. 7908

6 Radio System – vender to be selected by the end of the year – MOL did come in – management advised they would replace prior to the MOL attending. A baseline-hearing test is being completed in Communications and the Tactical Team. Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service The Peterborough Station has completed renovating that included asbestos and lead removal prior to a complete renovation. A current issue with the renovation is a half dozen people with an unexplained skin rash after moving up to the renovated top floor. One communicator suffers hives on exposure to the comms room – WSIB will not honour a claim (no time loss at this time) – air testing done by a private company that tested for all ‘common’ air borne contaminants – none resulted in levels that extended beyond the acceptable range – an allergist is involved – requesting advice again. On the advise of York Regional Police, an air scrubber to clean the Communications air is purchased. Details will follow on it’s worth. H1N1 Preparation – installed antiseptic hand cleaner stations – posters etc. Darwin Trojan advised H1N1 is .18% per 100000 people while the seasonal flu is 3.3% per 100000 (mortality rate) as per the report of Arlene King - Chief Medical Officer of Health. Municipal Health and Safety Association Ontario Annual National Conference – June 10-12th 2010 – the Chateau Laurier Ottawa October 2009 – filming water rescue video with Ottawa Police and OPP as well as Volunteers. Ontario Provincial Police Ongoing testing of lead in the range is occurring. Greater Sudbury Police Service A report was provided to OPHSA regarding a water safety issue involving the service’s Officers – the report may assist other Officers in a similar situation. The report will be posted to the OPHSA Blog - http://ophsa.blogspot.com/ London Police Service Proposal to have supervisors trained in health hand safety – this will be brought to the floor at the net conference in PEWI next week. H1N1 – hand wash stations are supplied near handrails within the station – mounted within cruisers on the cage walls – VIROX surface wipes for the MDT’s, steering wheels etc. An addition on the building ios nearly complete - 25 million reno – indoor range New communications -7 Million dollars – towers – inclusive with Fire Services (One Voice). Hamilton Police Service N1H1 Preparedness is underway. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darwin Trojan, Chair C/O York Regional Police Service 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4W5 [email protected] Telephone # (905)895-1221 Ext. 7908

7

Meeting adjourned at 2:00 PM

December – in Hamilton The Next Meeting of the Ontario Police Health and Safety Asociation will be hosted by Hamilton Police Service on Thursday December 3rd 2009. The Meeting will be held at the Hamilton Police Association building located at 555 Upper Wellington. Directions can be found at http://www.hpa.on.ca/ Further information, questions or concerns - Contact Mark Ballantine - Secretary [email protected]

WWW.OPHSA.BLOGSPOT.COM for all OPHSA INFORMATION

FUTURE MEETINGS OPHSA

Thursday December 3rd 2009 Hamilton Wednesday March 31st 2010 London

Members in Attendance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darwin Trojan, Chair C/O York Regional Police Service 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4W5 [email protected] Telephone # (905)895-1221 Ext. 7908

8 Mark Ballantine Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service [email protected] Jody de Haas North Bay Police Service [email protected] Bob Baltin Peel Regional Police Service [email protected] Lori Taylor Halton Regional Police Service [email protected] Rob Hawthorne Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service [email protected] Joe Watkins Municipal Health and Safety Association [email protected] George Borbely Ontario Provincial Police [email protected] Dan Zembrzycki Greater Sudbury Police Service [email protected] Todd C. Zimmerman Greater Sudbury Police Service [email protected] Brent Shea London Police Service [email protected] Darwin Trojan York Regional Police Service [email protected] Joe Fiume York Regional Police Service [email protected] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darwin Trojan, Chair C/O York Regional Police Service 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4W5 [email protected] Telephone # (905)895-1221 Ext. 7908

9

Jim McCaffery Niagara Regional Police Service [email protected] Doug Allan PAO [email protected] Natalie Hiltz Peel Regional Police Service [email protected] Matt Jotham Guelph Police Service [email protected] Wayne Parsons Windsorl Police Association [email protected] Nick Dzudz Windsor Police Services Board [email protected] Joel Rehill Chatham Kent Police Service [email protected] Al Burns Ottawa Police Service [email protected] Brian Bonderud Ottawa Police Service [email protected] Joanne Englehardt Hamilton Police Association [email protected]

Cindy Bahm Ontario Provincial Police Association [email protected] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darwin Trojan, Chair C/O York Regional Police Service 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4W5 [email protected] Telephone # (905)895-1221 Ext. 7908

10 Deb Bentley Stratford Police Service [email protected] Lorne Watters Ottawa Police Service [email protected]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Darwin Trojan, Chair C/O York Regional Police Service 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4W5 [email protected] Telephone # (905)895-1221 Ext. 7908