CBSA
Minutes of the Rainbow Health and Safety Committee
Date: October 23, 2009

Present: Al Fornasiero , Mark Vukmanic, Shelly Kurgan , Rob Von Massow, Ben Elia, Bruce Scott

Old Business

  1. Rainbow bridge cleanliness continues to be an issue.

NFBC and IT need to coordinate to unplug computers and have work stations vacuumed and cleaned on a regular basis. Anita will be setting up time for both parties to participate. This has not happened yet. With the onset of flu season this is a priority. On-Going

 2. Pedestrian walk:

Ergonomic study to be revisited. Some issues not yet resolved
Safety and Security of back door to be resolved with the possible installation of a crash bar on the back door.
Security screens for the computers have been approved and will be priced and purchased.
Investigate the possibility of a deeper counter. This may resolve the need for the keyboard trays which have not been replaced. 
Investigate alternate footrests.
Al and Ben submitted a drawing outlining a redesign of the counter at the Ped walk with the following suggestions

• add a lower counter area under the existing counter to provide added distance from the client as well as provide space for the keyboard
• Foot rests to be added under the counter

This issue is on-going

  3. 8 hours between shifts for employees.

This issue has been addressed by Chief Strasser with a memo to Superintendants to allow an employee 8 hours off between shifts if held over at work past their regular shift for enforcement. The employee would report to work and use other paid leave for the absence at the start of the next shift.

  4. Cleaning supplies for the lunchroom have been purchased.

The committee recognized improvements in the cleanliness of the lunchroom and would like to thank those who have made this happen. On Going

  5. Swine Flu shots

We have not had any confirmation that the staff will receive the H1N1 vaccinations. The official response is that we are not considered to be first responders and will not be receiving the vaccine at this time.

  6. Ergonomics study of Primary booths has been completed.

The committee has not yet reviewed the results of this study. On Going

Concern received from staff about straining to reach identification from travellers        
The committee will experiment with cones to see if the cars will pull closer to the
booth.                                                    

  8. The committee would like to investigate the possible purchase of defibrillators.

The staff has all been trained in the use of this life-saving tool and the committee feels that it would in the best interest of the staff if a defibrillator was available in case of an emergency.

New Business

  1. In response to an incident at the Rainbow bridge concerning a client that was displaying signs of an infectious disease the Health and Safety committee has learned that CBSA officers are not designated as Quarantine Officers.

Contact numbers have been posted for future incidents of this nature                                       

The committee will attempt to obtain policies in place at airports                             

Child size masks are required / will request                                                                          

The committee will seek to establish SOP’s for situations of possible infectious diseases after the point of quarantine including officers and decontaminating areas of contact.

  2. Bruce noted that the fan noise in the main lobby is louder than usual indicating a possible defect.

  3. The door mechanisms in the PIL booths need to be serviced regularly to prevent injuries.

  4. In response to the incident that occurred involving a vehicle crashing into the Superintendent’s office the committee has the following recommendations

• Officers should utilize the emergency brake at all times when parking a vehicle
• Post’s / barriers recommended for the entire area to protect staff and clients on the sidewalk and interior of office

  5. Health Canada will be conducting Radon testing

  6. NFBC should be contacted to provide traffic directors at peak times to assist with parking and directing vehicles into and out of the parking lot.