Carewest Collective Agreement 2020-2024

Article 42: Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness

1. The parties to this Collective Agreement will cooperate to the fullest extent in the matter of occupational health, safety and accident prevention.  Required safety equipment and devices will be provided where necessary by the Employer.  The Employer and Employees will take reasonable steps to reduce or minimize all workplace safety hazards.
2. 1. The Employer shall establish a Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness Committee (WHSW Committee) which shall be composed of representatives of the Employer and at least one (1) Employee representative of the Union and may include representatives of other Employee groups.  This Committee shall meet at least once a month.
   2. The parties will provide available relevant information to all applicable parties at least five (5) days prior to any discussions or meetings to ensure meaningful discussion of safety concerns, incidents, and issues. Relevant information that is being referred to in this article may include, but is not limited to: incident reports, Employer policies and procedures, assessment reports (such as hygiene, environmental etc) and WHS Officer reports.
3. The number of Employer representatives on the Committee shall not exceed the number of representatives from the Union and other Employee groups.  The Committee will, on an annual basis, discuss and determine the most effective means of chairing meetings.
4. The basic rate of pay shall be paid to an Employee representative for time spent in attendance at a meeting of this Committee.
5. The parties recognize that the work of the WHSW Committee is conducted jointly by Employee and Employer representatives.  The Employer shall allow the WHSW Committee reasonable access to the workplace to conduct safety inspections.
6. The Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness Committee (WHSW Committee) shall also consider measures necessary to protect the security of each Employee on the Employer’s premises and may make recommendations to the Employer in that regard. Should the recommendations not be implemented and adequate steps taken towards implementation within two (2) months from the date the recommendation is made, the Health and Safety Committee may request and shall have the right to have their recommendations presented to the Board.  The Board will reply in writing to the Health and Safety Committee within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the recommendation.
7. Employer policies related to harassment, personal protective equipment and working alone shall be reviewed annually by the Committee.
8. 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.
9. 1. If an issue arises regarding occupational health or safety, the Employee or Union shall first seek to resolve the issue through discussion with the applicable immediate supervisor in an excluded management position.  If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, it may then be forwarded, in writing, to the Committee.
   2. Should an issue not be resolved by the Committee, the issue shall be referred to the Site Director or designate.  A resolution meeting between the Union and the Site Director or designate shall take place within twenty-eight (28) calendar days of the issue being referred to the Site Director or designate and a reply in writing will be provided to the Union within fourteen (14) calendar days.
   3. Should an issue not be resolved under Article 42.08(b), the issue shall be referred to the Chief Operating Officer (or designate).  A resolution meeting between the Union and the COO (or designate) shall take place within twenty-eight (28) calendar days of the issue being referred to the COO.  The COO (or designate) shall reply in writing to the Union within fourteen (14) calendar days.
10. Employer policies and procedures related to Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness Committee, harassment, personal protective equipment and working alone shall be reviewed annually by the Committee.