The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) has produced a video entitled Prepare Yourself For H1N1. This video is part of an initiative by CFNU and the member unions to increase awareness of nurses across Canada. The video provides information for nurses on how to protect themselves from contracting the H1N1 virus at their workplace.
CNFU has also developed and distributed a pocket sized pamphlet and a poster as part of this initiative. The pamphlets and posters were printed by CFNU and will be distributed by the member unions.
UNA will be sending out the brochures with the next edition of the UNA Newsbulletin.
Get Fit Tested! - The Multi-Employer/UNA Joint Committee has reached an agreement regarding N95 Respirator Provision and Fit Testing, which requires the employer to provide N95 respirator fit-testing to all employees covered by the Multi-Employer/UNA Collective Agreement. Fit-Testing is mandatory as per Article 35.02 (a)
Ensure you have enough N95 respirators - The Joint Committee agreement obligates the Employer to ensure that an appropriate supply of N95 respirators is available.
You may be temporarily transferred - In the event of an emergency Article 44: Mobility (44.05 (e)) allows the Employer to reassign Employees from any site to perform work at any other site in emergency circumstances. An emergency is defined as “an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action”. Contact you Local representative or Labour Relations Office for additional information regarding emergency transfers.
Do not report to work if you are sick - Nurses should not be reporting to work if they have influenza like illness (fever and respiratory symptoms). Nurses who do report to work are putting patients and their co-workers at risk of infection and illness. The Alberta Government is asking that individuals with flu like symptoms stay home from work and avoid public places when ill.
You do not have to put your health at risk - The agreement between the parties states that employees who have not been fit-tested for an N95 respirator or are unable to achieve an effective facial seal shall not be expected to enter or provide services in an area where a suspected or confirmed case of swine influenza A has been identified. These Employees may be deployed to another area.
You need to assess whether you believe that you need to provided with N95 respirators (fit-tested), gown and eye protection. If your employer refuses then ask to be reassigned.
April 29, 2009 from Public Health Agency of Canada
PHAC GUIDANCE DOCUMENT - VERSION 1- Interim Guidance: Infection prevention and control measures for Health Care Workers in Acute Care Facilities - Human Cases of Swine Influenza A
(H1N1)
April 28, 2009 from Public Health Agency of Canada
PHAC GUIDANCE DOCUMENT - Interim Guidance: Infection prevention and control measures for Health Care Workers in Acute Care Facilities - Human Cases of Swine Influenza A (H1N1)
