BC Housing has recently become aware of an evolving trend in the opioid crisis of consumption habits switching from injection to predominantly inhalation of unregulated substances. This switch to inhalation of unregulated substances, is creating a new risk to workers for 2nd hand smoke of unregulated substances, mostly methamphetamine and fentanyl, in the housing sector for emergency shelters and supportive housing. As this impacts the housing sector, we are currently communicating and coordinating with various regulatory bodies such as WorkSafeBC and BCCDC.We want to identify the extent of the exposure/risk to workers and will be conducting a risk assessment;BC Housing will maintain Prime Contractor responsibilities at Muncey Place and coordinate the occupational health and safety activities with the two primary supportive housing contractors (Our Place Society and Cool Aid Society) and their sub-contracts. Develop an on-boarding and orientation package for all workers. Once developed, will distribute to current workers at Muncey Place for review and have signed-off forms. Initiate regular site safety meetings between BCH and the two other supportive housing providers to communicate on and coordinate first aid, fire safety, accident and incident reporting and investigations, regular inspections, communicate known hazards"Measures to Ensure Compliance: Follow WorkSafeBC regulations to demonstrate effective "Prime" control and coordination of the site including, but not limited to the following:1) Process to complete and document site safety meetings;2) Safety Committee meetings (provide meeting dates, agendas, and minutes first three meetings;3) Provide evidence of the reviews of the contractor safety systems, in particular violence risk management and exposure to unregulated substances;4) Complete and provide copies of next three site safety inspections;5) Provide evidence of how incident investigations are completed and reviewed;6) Provide copy of site first aid coordination plan;7) Provide evidence of site orientation process and implementation;8) Provide evidence of a review of and integration with site based violence risk assessments;9) See obligations under order OHS5.2 and regulatory reference for "owner" obligations.
Onboarding and Orientation Package for Workers at Muncey Place
Onboarding and Orientation Package for Workers at Muncey Place
Introduction
As part of BC Housing’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, this Onboarding and Orientation Package is designed to prepare all workers at Muncey Place for the unique challenges posed by the evolving opioid crisis. The package outlines essential safety protocols, training requirements, and compliance measures related to exposure to unregulated substances, particularly methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Objectives
1. Ensure Worker Safety: Equip workers with knowledge about potential hazards and safety measures.
2. Promote Awareness: Increase awareness of the risks associated with inhalation of unregulated substances and secondhand smoke.
3. Facilitate Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements set forth by WorkSafeBC and other relevant bodies.
Package Contents
1. Welcome Letter
- Introduction to BC Housing and its mission.
- Overview of Muncey Place and its role in the community.
- Importance of safety and compliance in the workplace.
2. Orientation Checklist
- Review of orientation topics with signatures for completion.
- Checklist includes:- Introduction to organizational policies and procedures.
- Safety protocols regarding unregulated substances.
- Emergency procedures (fire safety, first aid).
3. Safety Training Modules
Module 1: Understanding Exposure Risks
- Overview of unregulated substances, focusing on methamphetamine and fentanyl.
- Health effects of secondhand smoke exposure.
Module 2: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Types of PPE required in different scenarios.
- Proper usage and maintenance of PPE.
Module 3: Emergency Response Training
- First aid procedures specific to overdoses and exposure incidents.
- Protocols for reporting incidents and accidents.
4. Regular Site Safety Meetings
- Schedule for site safety meetings with dates and agendas.
- Documentation process for meeting minutes.
- Communication strategies for sharing outcomes with all workers.
5. Safety Committee Meetings
- Structure of the safety committee involving BCH, Our Place Society, and Cool Aid Society.
- Documentation requirements including meeting dates, agendas, and minutes for the first three meetings.
6. Contractor Safety System Review
- Outline of the process for reviewing contractor safety systems.
- Focus on violence risk management and exposure to unregulated substances.
7. Site Safety Inspections
- Documentation template for recording site safety inspections.
- Requirements for completing and providing copies of the next three inspections.
8. Incident Investigation Process
- Step-by-step guidelines for conducting incident investigations.
- Template for documenting findings and action plans.
9. First Aid Coordination Plan
- Overview of first aid resources available at Muncey Place.
- Responsibilities for coordinating first aid response among workers.
10. Orientation Process Evidence
- Outline of the orientation process including training schedules and materials.
- Evidence of implementation, such as sign-in sheets from training sessions.
11. Review of Violence Risk Assessments
- Integration plan for violence risk assessments into daily operations.
- Documentation of any reviews and updates made.
12. Compliance Obligations
- Summary of obligations under order OHS5.2 regarding owner responsibilities.
- Regulatory references available for further review.
Implementation Plan
1. Distribute Package: Share the onboarding and orientation package with current workers at Muncey Place for review.
2. Training Sessions: Schedule training sessions based on the modules outlined above.
3. Documentation: Collect signed-off forms from all workers to confirm understanding and completion of orientation.
4. Regular Communication: Initiate regular site safety meetings to reinforce safety protocols and address new concerns as they arise.
Conclusion
The Onboarding and Orientation Package is an essential tool for ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers at Muncey Place. By adhering to these guidelines and actively participating in safety training and meetings, we can create a safer work environment that effectively addresses the risks associated with inhalation of unregulated substances. Together, we can uphold the highest standards of workplace safety while serving our community effectively.