July 20, 2020
- Adoption of the agenda
The agenda was adopted. - Presentation: Radon (Kelley Bush, Manager, Radon Education and Awareness and Michel Gauthier, Manager, Radon Technical Operations, Health Canada)
Speakers from Health Canada presented an overview of radon, radon exposure, its causes, risks and what is being done to mitigate those risks. Radon is a radioactive gas emitted from the ground and is present in all homes at varying levels. Radon represents 50% of a person’s lifetime radiation exposure and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
While all homes are exposed to radon, testing should be done to assess the level of exposure and determine whether mitigation techniques should be implemented (e.g. foundation repairs, increased ventilation, Active Soil Depressurization).
Since 1988, regulations around radon and radon testing have been put in place and have contributed to a wealth of information which has assisted in targeting the Government’s efforts at prevention and mitigation. Although the Canada Labour Code limits exposure levels in buildings to 800 Bequerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3); in 2007, Federal guidelines supported a more stringent level of 200 Bq/m3. This shift was found necessary following additional testing and research which revealed that tolerance levels across different demographics varied, supporting the need for a lower threshold.
With respect to the Federal Public Service, in 2007, the Federal Building Testing Program was launched, resulting in over 21,000 buildings being tested for radon. After providing an overview of the testing methodology, results revealed that 97.6% of buildings were at acceptable levels, while 2.1% experienced levels over 200 Bq/m3 and 0.3% with levels over 600 Bq/m3. Of the buildings found to have increased levels of radon, 308 buildings were mitigated by Health Canada.
Committee members expressed concerns that this information and data on specific buildings was not readily available. It was indicated that the results of the Federal Building Testing Program is currently being validated and will be published on Open Data by the end of the year. In the interim, the presenters welcomed individual email inquiries related to the Program.
It was highlighted that radon is present in all buildings (residential and non-residential) and while it does not pose an immediate risk, it has long term effects which can easily be reduced through testing and various mitigation techniques. The presenters indicated that radon education and awareness programs are crucial and informed members that November is Radon Action Month. The Committee supports the battle on radon and offered to assist in raising awareness by facilitating links with respective OHS Communities. - Presentation: It’s More Than Just a Storm : Preparing For Major Climatic Events in the National Capital Area (Maria Mottillo, Senior Electrical Engineer, Public Services and Procurement Canada)
With the rise of extreme weather events such as the Ottawa River flooding and recent wind storm, the Government of Canada has committed to examining the capacity of Federal Government workplaces to withstand the elements and enhance climate resiliency.
PSPC recently completed a climate hazard study in the National Capital Area, which assessed the present and future climate hazards to PSPC assets (e.g. buildings, central heating plants…etc.). Using historical data and varying levels of future greenhouse gas emissions, climate projections were developed for the 2030s, 2050s and 2080s. Overall, future forecasts predict an increase in the number of cooling degree days (days in which cooling systems need to be run) and a decrease in the number of heating degree days (days in which heating systems need to be run). This shift will result in hotter days and more instances of extreme heat, which negatively affects buildings and their materials, softens roads and places increased stress on central cooling systems.
In addition, increases are also expected in annual precipitation amounts, storm intensities and instances of steady snowfall. Probability for tornadoes, wind gusts and thunderstorm-related extremes remain uncertain as data gaps make these events hard to predict; preparation will be critical however, as these events have severe consequences.
The Committee recognized the value in preparing for the future and encourage the presenter to share its findings with stakeholders such as Public Safety, Business Continuity Planning groups, as well as OHS Committees and Property Management Groups. It was indicated that the report was recently finalized and will be translated before dissemination.
Given the findings, a Committee member asked if a mitigation plan was being proposed. It was indicated that the information would be provided to departments, who in turn, would have to assess their needs and cost any proposed changes.
In consideration of the consequences of the recent Ottawa flooding, a Committee member asked if work was being done with the City of Ottawa and Gatineau. It was indicated that PSPC buildings have been assessed to ensure business continuity; however, corporations such as Ottawa Hydro would need to conduct their own assessment to examine the risks specific to their infrastructure.
In terms of next steps, PSPC intends to examine trends across the country with an aim to safeguarding assets at high risk and identifying the impacts of climate change hazards to client services. Climate change considerations will also be incorporated into business processes, future design, construction and operation of all major real property assets. - Presentation: Accessibility in the Built Environment (Marie-Pierre Dagenais, Senior Analyst, Public Services and Procurement Canada)
With the Accessible Canada Act (Bill C-81), receiving Royal Assent on June 21, 2019, the Committee was provided with a presentation on how PSPC is leading the Accessible Government Built Environment Initiative which seeks to conduct technical accessibility assessments in 500 properties over the next 5 years to ensure that buildings are meeting and exceeding new accessibility requirements.
Using an “above and beyond criteria”, PSPC intends to assess and propose short term (2019/2020) and medium term (2023/2024) improvements to increase user experience and access in all leased portfolios. The aim is to ensure that all present and future fit-ups, renovations, service contracts and investments exceed regulatory standards and requirements.
In the meantime, PSPC is suggesting low costs updates which yield high results. For example, ensuring entrances are more easily accessible, utilization of high contrasting displays, keeping travel routes clear, more visible signage to reception and service counters, and washrooms identified using contrasting paints and equipped with grab bars at recommended heights.
Upon completion of assessments, a final report and submission will be made to the Treasury Board Secretariat to invest in the appropriate advancements.
As this initiative gets underway, the Committee stressed the importance of consulting with OHS Committees. It was also suggested that PSPC consult with the NJC’s Joint Employment Equity Committee.
The Committee was intrigued with the various ways accessibility could be improved and how something as simple as contrasting paint could make a considerable difference. The Committee expressed the need for functional specialists and property management teams to better recognize accessibility consideration when advising clients and perhaps consulting with OHS Committees before implementing any changes. The Committee was assured that training will be a priority as the Act progresses and regulations unfold.
The Committee highlighted the importance of conducting accessibility assessments prior to investing and retrofitting office space, as far too often, changes are implemented without proper consideration, resulting in additional costs to be in compliance. It was added that assessments and standards should be individualized as older and/or non-traditional workplaces face different challenges. Finally, while modernizing entrances is of significant value, equal consideration should be given to improving exit routes and egress.
In order to address individual workplace concerns, a TBS Committee representative volunteered to connect the presenter with the OHS Community of Practice. - Memo from the Joint Employment Equity Committee (JEEC) - Legalization of Cannabis
The NJC’s Joint Employment Equity Committee (JEEC) recently submitted a memo to the Executive Committee, highlighting concerns regarding the implementation of departmental policies related to the legalization of cannabis. These policies may have a disproportionate adverse or discriminatory impact on equity groups by requiring employees to unnecessarily reveal their medical conditions and reporting any and all medication being taken within the workplace. The Executive Committee discussed the issue and subsequently referred the matter to the SWOHS for consideration.
Bargaining Agent Side members expressed concerns raised by their members at various departments. It was noted that many new policies are targeting medication and very few address the underlying issue of impairment and functional limitations, which can be triggered by a variety of sources. Bargaining Agent Side members agreed that departments need more central guidance when tackling the issue of impairment and should develop policies which distinguish between culpable and non-culpable impairment.
Given the concerns raised by the JEEC, the Committee agreed to strike a JEEC/SWOHS sub-committee to examine the issue and develop a solution. It was agreed that an exploratory meeting would be scheduled with interested members from the JEEC and SWOHS to discuss a possible scope and mandate for the sub-committee and define goals, whether it be a future communiqué, FAQ or a recommendation to the Executive Committee. - GCworkplace Site Visits
The Committee Advisor informed that the GCworkplace site visits will be conducted on August 7, 2019 and a proposed agenda will be circulated once received from PSPC. The Committee was also informed that the raw data associated with the Pilot will not be available until the fall. It was suggested that the accessibility presenter from PSPC be invited to attend the site visits. - Update from the Sub-Committees:
- Competent Persons
C. Seeton advised that the sub-committee recently met to review its work plan. The sub-committee agreed that next steps would include developing a Statement of Work as well as an assessment tool to evaluate competent investigators. It was noted that the materials developed to date have received positive feedback from users and respective communities. The sub-committee also received a presentation from Health Canada’s Specialized Health Services Directorate regarding a proposal to curate a roster of competent persons. Sub-committee members were pleased to hear the details of this initiative and it was agreed that the speakers should present at the next Committee meeting. - Guarding Minds at Work Survey (GM@W)
A. Peart and A. Payette advised that they are still awaiting a meeting with the JEEC to discuss the way forward. - OHS Training/Learning Sub-Committee
B. Christianson advised that the sub-committee continues to develop its OHS training curriculum for all employees. It was indicated that 8 out of 12 modules have been developed and the sub-committee is currently providing feedback on the modules secretarially. Once all modules and the training package have been finalized, it will be presented to the full Committee for approval. The sub-committee anticipates presenting the training package to the Committee at its September meeting.
- Competent Persons
- Standing Items:
- Asbestos
The Committee deferred discussion on this item pending an update from the PSPC Committee Representative. - Legionella
The Committee was informed that the Legionella communiqué was sent to OHS Policy Co-Chairs and posted on the NJC’s website.
- Asbestos
- Round table
N/A - Next Meeting
- September 26, 2019
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:08 p.m.