Humber employees are covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The OHSA is based on an internal responsibility system and identifies roles and responsibilities for employers, supervisors and employees or “workers”. The Act also gives workers specific rights for the protection of their own health and safety.

Workplace Responsibilities

Humber as the Employer

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) sets out many duties, or responsibilities, that the employer must follow. The overriding purpose of these requirements is the creation and maintenance of a healthy and safe workplace. As an employer, Humber must:

• make sure workers know about hazards in the work they are doing by providing information, training, instruction and supervision on how to work safely
• create workplace health and safety policies and procedures and ensure that they are being followed
• ensure supervisors are competent, as defined in the OHSA, and that they know what is required to protect their workers’ health and safety
• ensure that the equipment, materials and protective devices, as prescribed by regulation, or required by Humber, are provided, used and maintained in good condition.
• provide information and assistance to our Joint Health and Safety Committee to allow the Committee to carry out its duties effectively

It should be emphasized that the employer has a general duty to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.

Supervisors

As defined in the OHSA, a supervisor is a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker. The OHSA requires the supervisor to follow the Act and regulations as well as the policies and procedures that the employer has made a requirement of the workplace.   

Supervisors must:

• advise workers about hazards in the work they are doing and respond to worker concerns
• show workers how to work safely and ensure that they follow the OHSA, applicable regulations and workplace policies and procedures
• make sure workers wear and use the proper protective equipment and devices correctly
• The supervisor must also take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of their workers.

Employees or “Workers”

All Humber employees are considered “workers” under the OHSA.

Workers must:

• follow the OHSA and regulations as well as Humber policies and procedures
• report any hazards and injuries to their supervisor
• wear and use any required protective equipment
• work in a way that will not injure themselves or others: the OHSA prohibits a worker from using equipment in a manner that may endanger himself/herself or another worker and from engaging in any pranks or horseplay in the workplace

Worker Rights

All Humber employees are considered "workers" under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). 

As set out in the OHSA all workers have the right to:

• know about existing and potential hazards in the workplace and how to protect themselves
• participate in health and safety; this may mean discussing safety issues with your supervisor or participating in Humber’s Joint Health and Safety Committee
• refuse unsafe work. See Humber’s refusal procedure for more details.

Thank you for reviewing this information. Tomorrow’s message will focus on Scent – Related Issues, and remember that Friday’s message will offer the opportunity to win prizes!

HR Services | Health and Safety Services

NAOSH Week is led by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE).
More information about NAOSH Week can be found at www.naosh.ca or www.csse.org.

Slips, trips and falls may at times result in nothing more than a bruised ego, but they can also cause a great deal of pain and suffering. At Humber one of the leading causes of workplace injuries is slips, trips and falls from surfaces on the same level. Minimizing the risk associated with these hazards is important in keeping our workplace safe. 

What are some common types of hazards to watch for?

• Slippery floor surfaces caused by spills
• Weather related hazards (e.g. snow/ice) in parking lots and walkways
• Floor mats that are loose or have upturned edges
• Cords and cables running across walkways or other routes of travel
• Tools, equipment or debris left on the floor
• An uneven, or sudden change in floor surface
• Poor lighting

What should you do if you see a slip, trip or fall hazard?

• Report building or grounds-related hazards to Security (416-675-8500) and/or Facilities Management (ext. 4444 or use the Pervidi work order system: pervidi.humber.org
• Report hazards specific to your work area to your supervisor

What other actions can you take to minimize slips, trips and falls?

• Select footwear that is appropriate for your work activities and environment
• Don’t rush; adjust your pace to suit the walking surface
• When carrying objects, ensure that they do not block your view
• Keep walkways and floors clear of boxes, extension cords and litter
• Use the handrail on stairs
• Use a stepstool or step ladder rather than a chair or other convenient object to reach an upper shelf, bulletin board or other elevated item

Thank you for reviewing this information. Tomorrow’s message will focus on Workplace Rights & Responsibilities, and remember that Friday’s message will offer the opportunity to win prizes!

HR Services | Health and Safety Services

NAOSH Week is led by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE).
More information about NAOSH Week can be found at www.naosh.ca or www.csse.org.

Ergonomics is fitting the task to the employee. It is aimed at ensuring that equipment, tools, and job tasks are properly designed and/or arranged to minimize the risk of injury, to reduce discomfort and to promote efficiency.

Many Humber staff use computers regularly throughout the day. Sitting for extended periods of time at a computer workstation in poorly designed/adjusted equipment, and in awkward postures can introduce a number of ergonomic risk factors that can lead to musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, as well as eye strain.

Please review the following general office ergonomics guidelines as they relate to your own computer workstation:

Chair: 

•  Chair height should allow your feet to rest flat on the floor or on a foot rest, with your thighs roughly parallel to the floor. 
•  There should be about two inches of space between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees.
• You should be able to maintain contact between your back and the chair’s backrest while working on the computer to allow proper back support.KEYBOARD/MOUSE POSITION: 
• Your elbows should be bent at about a 90 degree angle when your fingers are on the home row of the keyboard, with your upper arms hanging naturally from your shoulders.
• When using a mouse, your wrist should be in a neutral position.
• The mouse should be located beside the keyboard, and you should be able to move it freely on the work surface.

Monitor and Workstation::

• Position the monitor about an arm’s length away; and the top of the monitor should be at, or slightly below, eye level.
• Regularly used equipment, such as a phone or files, should be located within an arm’s reach.
• When computer work requires entering information from source documents, document holders should be located beside the screen and on the same plane.
• There should be adequate leg-room under the desk.

Lighting:

• Too much or too little light, or glare on the screen can have an impact on your eyes.
• Task specific lighting and appropriate brightness settings on the computer itself are important to consider.

Remember to vary your posture and tasks throughout the day to reduce fatigue and discomfort. To obtain further information, or to fill out our Office Ergonomics Self-Assessment Checklist, click here.

Thank you for reviewing this information. Tomorrow’s message will focus on Slips, Trips and Falls, and remember that Friday’s message will offer the opportunity to win prizes!

HR Services | Health and Safety Services

NAOSH Week is led by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE).
More information about NAOSH Week can be found at www.naosh.ca or www.csse.org.

Design Product News – March 3, 2013 – Humber students work with Festo to achieve success
Article mentions Humber’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology advanced diploma students, Zachary Piskun and David Da Costa representing the college at the WorldSkills Competition in Leipzig, Germany this summer.
www.dpncanada.com/Video-Library/Events/Humber-students-work-with-Festo-to-achieve-success.html

The Globe and Mail – March 13, 2013 – What students are looking for in college business courses?
Article features Humber’s Business School and an interview with Alvina Cassiani, dean of the Business School.
www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/business-education/what-students-are-looking-for-in-college-business-courses/article9695230/

The Globe and Mail – March 13, 2013 - Best employers for new Canadians for 2013
Humber is mentioned in the article as one of the top employers for new Canadians.
www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/top-employers/best-employers-for-new-canadians-for-2013/article9716847/?page=all
Also published in The Weekly Voice

South Asian Focus – March 14, 2013 – Getting into the Canadian mainstream
Article mentions Humber’s nearly 1,400 continuing education programs.

Omni TV Mandarin News – March 15, 2013 – Perspectives
Segment features Perspectives, Humber’s Ningbo/Jimei student’s photography exhibit of their experiences in Canada.

The Epoch Times – March 15, 2013 – College Finishing School for University Grads?
Article features an interview with Humber’s president Chris Whitaker. He discusses the college’s degree programs.
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/canada/college-finishing-school-for-university-grads-363027-all.html
Also published on pressdisplay.com

The Toronto Star –March 16, 2013 - Unpaid internships: experience or exploitation?
Article mentions Humber’s internship opportunities with small businesses.
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editors/2013/03/16/unpaid_internships_experience_or_exploitation.html

The Toronto Star – March 21, 2013 – Guiding lights, helping hands toward the future
Article features Eileen DeCourcy, Humber’s associate vice president of teaching and learning discussing that colleges must be ready to help fulfill educational goals on the fly.
www.thestar.com/life/coursesandcareers/2013/03/21/guiding_lights_helping_hands_toward_the_future.html

Toronto 24 Hours – March 25, 2013- Research is key to a rewarding degree
Article features interview with Humber’s John Rose, student recruitment adviser talking about students visiting schools before choosing the right program for them.
www.dropbox.com/s/gaiako3iccsnzc7/25.03.2013-Toronto%2024%20Hours%20-Research%20is%20key%20to%20a%20rewarding%20degree?m
Also published on Vancouver 24 Hours, Ottawa 24 Hours and Edmonton 24 Hours

The Toronto Star – March 26, 2013 Queen’s park embarks $27 million to tackle mental health issues on Ontario campuses
Article mentions Humber receiving $750,000 funding toward addressing student mental health and features interview with Jen McMillen, Humber's director of student access.
www.thestar.com/yourtoronto/education/2013/03/26/queens_park_earmarks_27_million_to_tackle_mental_health_issues_on_ontario_campuses.html
Also published on Metro Toronto

Now Toronto – March 30, 2013 – Options unlimited: Changing your life through continuing education
Article mentions Humber’s more than 790 online and correspondence courses in areas including makeup and esthetics, emergency management, human resources management, millinery, catering operations management and more.
www.nowtoronto.com/lifestyle/classaction.cfm?content=191816

The Toronto Star – March 31, 2013- Getting a degree booster shot can help you land new job
Article features Humber’s continuing education programs and features interviews with Darlene Smart and Blair McMurchy.
http://www.thestar.com/life/coursesandcareers/2013/03/21/getting_a_degree_booster_shot_can_help_you_land_new_job.html

T.O.Night Newspaper –April 2, 2013 - Continuing education for the masses
Article discusses Humber’s continuing education certificate and diploma courses and features an interview with Tara Kuipery, continuing education student services advisor.
www.dropbox.com/s/lyxtjj0w5gyvz8h/02.04.2013-Tonight-Continuing%20education%20for%20the%20masses

Etobicoke Guardian –April 3, 2013 – Humber to spearhead mental health training
Article mentions Humber receiving $750,000 funding toward addressing student mental health.
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/2518240-humber-to-spearhead-student-mental-health-training/

Metro Toronto – April 9, 2013 – Humber can help you choose wisely
Article mentions Humber’s online career finder and an interview with John Rose, student recruitment advisor.
www.dropbox.com/s/baw1pzy66ri66aq/09.04.2013-Metro%20Toronto-Humber%20Can%20Help%20you%20choose%20wisely

The Toronto Sun – April 14, 2013 – eLearning for those who want to get ahead
Article features Humber’s online certificate programs and an interview with Mark Ihnat, director of learning at Humber’s Centre for Teaching and Learning.
www.dropbox.com/s/mdlo7sgx7646861/14.04.2013-The%20Toronto%20Sun-eLearning%20For%20those%20who%20want%20to%20get%20ahead
Also published in 24 Hours Toronto
www.dropbox.com/s/vu1bd6nvjysbt74/15.04.2013-Toronto%2024%20Hours-elearning%20for%20those%20who%20want%20to%20get%20ahead

Metro News – April 16, 2013 - Becoming a leader can be learned, take a course
Article features Rumeet Billan a professor in Humber’s School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, discussing the leadership course she teaches.
metronews.ca/features/talentegg/636359/becoming-a-leader-can-be-learned-take-a-course/
Also published in Metro Calgary, Metro Regina, Metro Saskatoon, Metro London, Metro Ottawa, Metro Winnipeg, Metro Edmonton, Metro Vancouver and Metro Toronto

Now Toronto- April 17, 2013 – Where to study Business
Article mentions Humber’s Business administration and Business management programs.
www.nowtoronto.com/lifestyle/classaction.cfm?content=192095

T.O.Night Newspaper – April 23, 2013 – The Best in Full-time Continuing Education
Article mentions Humber’s more than 1,400 continuing education courses.
www.dropbox.com/s/vu1bd6nvjysbt74/15.04.2013-Toronto%2024%20Hours-elearning%20for%20those%20who%20want%20to%20get%20ahead?m

The Globe and Mail – April 25, 2013 – With shortage of drivers, this trucker loves his job on the road
Article mentions Humber’s Transportation Training Centre and features an interview with Rick Mikula, program liaison officer.
www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/with-shortage-of-drivers-this-trucker-loves-his-job-on-the-road/article11553496/#dashboard/follows/

Rogers Daytime Toronto – April 26, 2013 – Humber College and Mental Health training
Jen McMillen speaks to Daytime Toronto regarding Humber’s mental health training.
www.dropbox.com/s/gf8vrynvtjbvg9m/26.04.2013-%20Rogers%20Daytime%20Toronto%20-%20Humber%20College%20and%20mental%20health%20training.wmv

Omni TV Mandarin News – April 26, 2013 – Celebrating success
Feature segment on Humber and Jimei/Ningbo program graduation Ceremony.
link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1265500564001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAFOzDiwE~,6Yig_ZA7wquIAjVAZS1F6iSZMTpmTkW_&bclid=407555583001&bctid=2330877282001

The Toronto Star – April 27, 2013 - Dorm life fosters friendships community
Article features Humber’s residence and includes comments from Shari Walsh, Residence Life Manager and students.
www.dropbox.com/s/0twnyeezkvz5x5r/27.04.2013-The%20Toronto%20Star-Dorm%20Life%20fosters%20friendships%20community

Ontario Technologist – April 30, 2013 – Humber wins gold at WorldSkills Americas
Article mentions Humber’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology advanced diploma students, David Da Costa and Zachary Piskun wining gold at WorldSkills America.
www.dropbox.com/s/syahukal1mwrxwe/30.04.2013-Ontario%20Technologist-Humber%20wins%20gold%20at%20Worldskills%20Americas?m

Ontario Restaurant News – April 30, 2013 – Food on Campus: a seminar in service
Article features Humber’s culinary program and discusses how the students prepare food for sale on campus.
www.dropbox.com/s/rjunjq885qvywnv/30.04.2013-Ontario%20Restaurant%20News-Food%20on%20Campus%20a%20seminar%20in%20service