Article 43. Health and Safety
43.01 The Employer and the Union shall co-operate in improving policies and practices for the health and safety of employees.
43.02 The function of the Health and Safety Committee shall be to assist in creating a safe place to work and to recommend actions which will assist in improving the effectiveness of an accident-prevention program.
43.03 A Health and Safety Committee, as provided for under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, shall be established composed of not more than eight (8) members composed of an equal number of representatives of the Employer and of an equal number of representatives of the Union.
43.04 An Employer and a Union representative shall be designated as joint Chairpersons and shall alternate in presiding over the meetings.
43.05 The Health and Safety Committee shall hold meetings as the need arises, on the request of the Employer or the Union, but in any event, every two (2) months.
43.06 The Committee shall deal with all unsafe and hazardous or dangerous work conditions.
43.07 Copies of minutes of all Committee meetings shall be sent to the Employer and the Union.
43.08 Representatives of the Bargaining Unit on the above-mentioned Committee shall, subject to operational requirements and the prior approval of the Employer, be granted time off without loss of pay, benefits, and seniority while attending to the work of the Committee.
43.09 Upon request, the Employer and the Union agree to furnish each other, in writing, any information they possess respecting conditions in the workplace.
43.10 In recognition of the legislative and regulatory requirements which exist relating to safety related training and certification under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, the University will ensure that employees will be provided with necessary training and certification at no cost to the employee. Further, the Employer will monitor the expiry date of employee certifications to ensure that any necessary certifications are kept current.
43.11 Upon the request of an employee, the employer shall provide an ergonomic assessment of the workstation. Appropriate chairs and desks shall be provided by the employer.