Associated Ambulance & Services (Whitecourt) Ltd., Collective Agreement 2020-2025

Article 30: Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness

1. The parties recognize that the Occupational Health and Safety Act will change from time to time and will work collaboratively to implement any changes. The parties will cooperate to the fullest extent in the matter of occupational health, safety and accident prevention for a safe and healthy workplace.  Required safety equipment and devices will be provided where necessary by the Employer.
2. The Employer shall establish a Health and Safety Committee which shall be composed of representatives of the Employer and at least one (1) Employee representative of the Union and may include representative of other Employee groups.  This Committee shall meet at least once per quarter. HSAA Labour Relations Officers are permitted to attend such meetings providing they inform the Employer in advance. The committee shall be advised, and an investigation will be initiated within ten (10) days of receiving a written complaint regarding occupational health or safety.
3. The applicable rate of pay shall be paid to an Employee representative for time spent in attendance at a meeting of this Committee.
4. The Committee shall develop their Terms of Reference including, but not limited to, discussions and making recommendations regarding:
   1. Participation in investigations;
   2. Employee safety;
   3. Safety on the premises;
   4. Fatigue management;
   5. Harassment and violence in the workplace; and
   6. The right to refuse dangerous work.
5. Where the Employer requires that the Employee receive specific immunization and titre, as a result of or related to their work, it shall be provided at no cost.
6. No Employee shall operate equipment, administer drugs or use any new technique until trained in that particular procedure or technique.  An Employee may, during the training period, administer, use or operate as stated above under direct supervision of a qualified Employee.
7. The Employer shall pay for the medical fee on behalf of all Employees when such medical examination is requested by the Employer.  Such examinations shall be arranged through the Employer, and shall be on the form presented by the Employer.
8. The Employer shall have the right to obtain a current driver’s abstract for each Employee. The Employer shall provide each Employee with a consent form authorizing the Employer to obtain the abstract at the Employer’s cost. If an Employee chooses not to sign a consent form, the Employee shall be responsible for all cost related to obtaining the abstract and shall be obligated to submit a current copy to the Employer within (5) business days of the Employer’s request.
9. 1. Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness education, training and instruction shall be provided to Employees, at the applicable rate of pay, to fulfill the requirements for training, instruction or education set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation or Code.
   2. The Employer shall provide training at no cost to all Employees on the Committee to assist them in performing their duties on the Committee. Such training shall be provided at the Employee’s applicable rate of pay.
10. The Employer recognizes the importance of psychological health for its Employees and shall have procedures in place to support their mental health. The Health and Safety Committee will review on an annual basis the programs and procedures in place and will provide recommendations to the Employer.
11. The parties recognize fatigue as a health and safety concern and will take meaningful measures to prevent fatigue from affecting all Employees in accordance with the OHS Act, Regulations and Code.