OHS Bulletin 09-001 - OHS Committees and Representatives Role During a Pandemic

OHS-09-001 (3)
January 24, 2020 (Revised)

As the regular flu season sets in and as specific viral outbreaks become more frequent around the globe, OHS Committee members and OHS Representatives are reminded of their on-going duties and responsibilities in maintaining a healthy and safe work environment.

During a pandemic

While committees and representatives do not have pandemic-specific duties, management may call upon committees and representatives more frequently to carry out their normal duties, which may include:

• identifying OHS issues and providing recommendations to management on matters that are related to the workplace;
• conducting regular workplace inspections; and
• participating in the Internal Complaint Resolution or Refusal to Work processes.

Committees and representatives may also be called upon to support management in communicating to employees the Departmental position provided in ESDC’s National Pandemic Preparedness Plan.

Training

Should OHS committee members or representatives not be trained on their duties under the Canada Labour Code, Regional Committees should ensure that these individuals receive training as soon as possible, using the online training package.

More Information

Regional OHS Advisors (ROHSAs) are there to assist you by providing advice and guidance on OHS issues. For more information, please contact your ROHSA.