Severe Allergies in Your Schools

 A survey of random teachers made it quickly apparent that many were not aware of the changes made this past September to the School Act, despite all of the attention the changes got on the news.

The changes to the Act are entitled the Anaphylactic Protection Order and the supporting document which has been developed, The BC Anaphylactic and Child Safety Framework - September 2007. Of equal concern is that most teachers are unaware that our District had its own Anaphylaxis Policy, which can be found on its website.

The School Act and its framework, of course, take precedence over District policy and puts the onus of responsibility on the employer and in particular on the principal. This means that teachers need to be aware of these and know which questions to ask their principal. Having an anaphylactic student in your class can be stressful for any teacher. This new framework based on a philosophy of awareness, education and risk reduction should help reduce anxieties and in fact make teachers more confident in protecting students with anaphylaxis. Here are some important questions that you can begin to ask your principal:

• Does your school have a plan?
• Have TOCs who will be working with anaphylactic students been made aware and trained in how to administer the anaphylactic students life-saving medicine?
• Have other school employees been trained in signs, symptoms of anaphylaxis?
• How is your school community being made aware of anaphylaxis and the part they can play to reduce risks to students in your school?

These are all expectations of the Anaphylactic and Child Safety Framework which is expected to be implemented by January 2008.

School Act Anaphylaxis Protection Order http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/legislation/schoollaw/e/m232-07.pdf

BC Anaphylactic and Child Safety Framework September 2007 http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/health/bc_anaphylactic_child_safety.pdf

Ontario has made similar changes in their province and has implemented the Sabrina Law which also emphasizes awareness, education and risk reduction. They have developed an online e-workshop designed for teachers and school employees. It takes between 20-30 minutes.

Sabrina Law in Ontario: e-workshop for teachers http://www.eworkshop.on.ca/cfmx/edu/anaphylaxis/

For those needing a refresher every once in a while there are online demonstrations for both the Epipen and the new Twinject that many students are choosing to carry.

Free Training materials: Are available from both the Epipen and the Twinject site, including practice injectors, videos and posters. These can be ordered for your school. They also have online training videos that only take a few minutes to review. Online Epipen Training Video: https://www.epipen.ca/EN/howtouseEpi.html

Online Twinject Training Video: http://www.twinject.ca/en/stepbystep.php

Presently there is some discrepancy around administering the second dose of the new Twinject. Health Nurses will no longer be teaching this second step and the BCTF is now looking into the details of this decision and any impact this will have on teachers.

Health & Safety Workshop Slides

Look here soon for slides presented at the fall 2007 Staff Rep training day, which provide basic information on your rights and responsibilities under the worksafe BC legislation.

Always Use a Proper Safety Step Ladder

• Do not stand on chairs or tables.
• Always use a safe step-up ladder with a hand rail.
• If there are not enough step-up ladders in your school, or you need one in your classroom, insist that they be provided.

WCB Claims Process

If you are injured at work or have symptoms of a work-related illness - even if you are not seeking a compensation claim - observe the following steps:

1. Report the injury to Administration, as soon as practicable. A simple email or note is adequate. They are required to use these reports in discussions with the Health & Safety Committee.
2. Report the injury to the first aid attendant, if applicable.
3. Seek medical attention, if required, and tell your doctor your injury is work related. The employer is responsible for your transportation costs from your workplace to a doctor’s office or hospital.
4. Complete a Workers’ Report of Injury or Occupational Disease to Employer, Form 6A (also available at www.worksafebc.com) and submit to the employer.
   On both pages of Form 6A write "The worker requests a copy of the employer's report be sent to the Workers' Compensation Board."
5. Fax a copy of the completed Form 6A to the GVTA at 595-0189. This will be forwarded to BCTF staff who are responsible for tracking the progress of member claims.

If you are seeking a claim for compensation, complete and submit an Application for Compensation and Report of Injury or Occupational Disease to Employer, Form 6. Fax a copy to the GVTA at 595-0189. This will also be tracked by the BCTF.

Although there is one year in which to file a claim, the WCB Regulation specifies that as soon as is practicable after an injury occurs or an occupational disease is contracted it must be reported to the employer. Unnecessary delays in reporting have often resulted in denial of claims.

The GVTA and BCTF can assist with your WCB claim. Please contact the GVTA office if you have questions or concerns.

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

The WorkSafeBC web site is the best place to get the most up-to-date version of the Workers' Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and the Workers Compensation Act are the sources of the rules under which we can ensure that our workplaces are healthy and safe.

Health & Safety Contacts

Ideally your school will have a Health & Safety Committee or Representative to help you with your concerns. The Workers' Compensation Act requires that a Health & Safety Committee or Representative be established at each workplace. If you need help establishing these please contact the GVTA.

There are other individuals you may contact to assist you.

Teacher Representatives to the Greater Victoria School District Health & Safety Committee

• Bruce Thomas
  
• Benula Giasson
  
• Darren Companion

GVTA Local Health & Safety Contact

• Bruce Thomas
  

BCTF Health & Safety Contacts

• Karen Langenmaier co-ordinates the BCTF Health and Safety program. He assists locals in addressing their health and safety issues, and is responsible for co-ordinating training to locals and members.
  
• Patti McLaughlin serves as an advocate for members who have filed for WCB compensation. She co-ordinates and conducts member appeals of WCB decisions, and advises locals and members concerning WCB claims.