Hospitals and the Ministry of Labour must work harder to ensure consistent and rapid adherence to health and safety standards across the affected region, or there could be more work refusals, says OPSEU.
Hospital professionals such as respiratory therapists, x-ray technologists, and other professional and support staff are still at risk of contracting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) due to inconsistent practices from institution to institution; slow fit testing, and staff shortages, says OPSEU President Leah Casselman.
“All hospitals must be vigilant and thorough in ensuring the health and safety of their staff,” she said. “The front-line workers still have many questions. If they don’t get answers they are ready to do health and safety work refusals.”
“Why is the fit testing of respirators taking so long? Why are staff members at some hospitals being fit tested after being exposed to possible SARS cases? Why isn’t there more Joint Health and Safety Committee involvement? Why do protection standards vary from hospital to hospital?” she asked. “While we plan to participate in the upcoming SARS
inquiry, we need action now.”
Casselman also questioned the use of non-professionals, including patients (at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) and even students, as SARS screeners. “If this is not ample evidence of the shortage of hospital professionals, I don’t know what is.”
OPSEU represents 100,000 public employees including professional and support staff at about 100 hospitals, ambulance paramedics, and technologists at provincial laboratories. The union represents staff at Lakeridge Health, Scarborough Hospital and other Toronto hospitals currently dealing with SARS.
-30-
For further information:
David Cox, OPSEU Communications: 416-443-8888 (ext 314)
