After more than 10 years of outstanding dedication and service, Jason Galea, Associate Dean, Liberal Studies in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences has accepted the position of Dean, Liberal Arts and Access Programs at Georgian College and will be leaving Humber effective June 5, 2015.

Jason made some very significant contributions to LAS and Humber in the many different roles he occupied during his tenure.  As a faculty member, coordinator and then Associate Dean, he worked tirelessly to ensure that Humber students had access to the most comprehensive and exceptional liberal studies courses and curriculum in the province.  He lead one of the largest reviews of general education in the history of the community college system the results of which allow students across the entire province of Ontario to better understand the transfer credits they can earn as they progress through their academic studies and explore pathways to further post-secondary education.

Beyond his immediate contributions in the Department of Liberal Studies, Jason also gave of his time, passion and insight on a variety of committees and councils at Humber.  He was an active member of the Policy and Procedures Committee, Academic Reference Group, and Academic Education Technology Council to name but only a few.

I hope that you all share with me well wishes as he pursues this new and exciting career opportunity where I am sure he will again foster innovation and creativity while supporting student success and access.

Sincerely,

Paula Gouveia
Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Increasing Awareness on Scent-sitivities
Fragrances are found in a wide range of products, including perfume, cologne, deodorant, soap, shampoo, hairspray, air fresheners, and cleaning agents. Although it is a personal choice to use fragrances, fragrance chemicals are by their very nature shared.   Exposure to fragrance chemicals in scented products can trigger health reactions in susceptible individuals such as those with conditions such as asthma, allergies, migraines, or chemical sensitivities.

What Can You Do To Help?
It is important to understand that some of the people in the College workplace may have a sensitivity to scented products.  If you use scented products, use them sparingly or consider using unscented alternatives.  A general guideline is that the scent should not be detectable more than an arm’s length away from the user.  Be considerate and respectful when a scent issue or concern is raised. 

If You React to Fragrance Chemicals
If you experience health effects or discomfort from exposure to scented products used by a particular individual, you may wish to approach that person directly.  Let them know in a cordial and respectful manner that you react to fragrances and ask for their cooperation in avoiding or minimizing the use of the fragrance.  If you are uncomfortable about approaching the individual, discuss the issue with your manager. 

If You Are Approached About the Scented Product You Wear
If an employee, student or supervisor informs you that the scented product that you use is a problem and asks that you reduce its use, or not use it at all, you may initially feel hurt, puzzled or annoyed.  Understand that it is not about you as a person or about your choice of fragrance but it is about the effect the fragrance chemicals are having on others.  Discuss the issue in an open and respectful manner, and work with cooperation and understanding towards a satisfactory resolution. 

Further details on Humber’s guidelines for scent in the workplace can be found by clicking here.
As promised, today’s announcement offers the opportunity to win some great prizes.  Click on the link below, answer a few questions about the NAOSH

Week topics which were published in the Communique this week, and enter your name for a chance to win. We will be accepting entries until 5:00 pm on Friday, May 15^th, 2015.

CLICK HERE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

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.

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.

Humber College is committed to providing a learning, working and living environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Key to maintaining this commitment is Humber employees’ awareness and observation of their responsibilities as outlined in section four (4), page four (4) of Humber’s Human Rights Policy. Humber employees’ are required to:

1. Foster a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and rights of each individual;
2. Familiarize themselves with Humber’s policies, procedures and practices and exhibit the appropriate behavior for dealing with human rights;
3. Prevent, report and discourage discrimination and harassment by others; and
4. Participate in ongoing professional development education and training that may enhance their ability to act in an anti-discriminatory manner. 

The College has the right, as well as the legal and moral responsibility, to ensure that all its members are treated fairly, equitably, and respectfully.

The Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Diversity | HR Services is available to all employees to provide support and advice in the area of human rights. If you suspect that an issue you are dealing with in the classroom or in your department is human rights related, please contact Nancy Simms, Director, Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Diversity for a quick consultation at nancy.simms@humber.ca or 416.675.6622 ext. 4425.

For more information on Humber’s Human Rights Policy visit: humber.ca/policies/human-rights-policy