Occupational Health Centre

Roselyn Advincula is a Neighbourhood Immigrant Settlement Worker and an OHC Community Trainer. Read about her decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine on the provincial government website. Thank you for your leadership Roselyn! https://protectmb.ca/roselyn-advincula-neighbourhood-immigr

OHC is honoured to accept this Public Health Care Champion award from the Manitoba Health Coalition - MHC! Please join us at this event on June 2 at 12:00 p.m.

We can all step up to support retail and grocery workers!

"Around one in three COVID-19 cases in Manitoba are from people working in food manufacturing, and 59 per cent of COVID-19 cases in people of colour are attributed to people working in the industry." https://www.winnipegfreepress.com//vaccine-task-force-lead

The new Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave assistance will provide employers with up to $600 per employee for up to 5 days for COVID-19 related sick leave.

An important look into the experience of meat processing workers during the pandemic

A little louder for the people at the back?

Are workers at your workplace working from home or considering it? Join us for this important session!

In case you missed it, you can now watch the launch of the report "Communities are Partners" about OHC's Cross Cultural Community Development Program written by Dorothy Wigmore and celebrating the 20th Anniversary of our work with newcomer and migrant workers! Thanks to Manitoba Research Alliance and Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives - Manitoba Office for making this report & launch possible! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksI5L1M3pcw&feature=youtu.be

The Public Health Agency of Canada has updated its advice on non-medical masks. A mask or face covering should: be made of at least 3 layers... 2 layers should be tightly woven material fabric, such as cotton or linen the third (middle) layer should be a filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping allow for easy breathing fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty maintain its shape after washing and drying https://youtu.be/iYE0A-5wd14

NEW! Free training opportunity for workplaces on creating a culture of consent and addressing sexual harassment at work. To book this online workshop for your workplace, visit: bit.ly/consentABC A joint project of Sexuality Education Resource Centre Manitoba, SERC, OHC, and Klinic.

"Both the gender divide and burden on parents has remained consistent throughout the pandemic."

IMPORTANT! Those without provincial health insurance in Manitoba can access COVID-19 screening and testing for free without a health card. Many in Manitoba do not have provincial health coverage: migrant workers with work permits less than one year, international students, and refugee claimants. MANSO Immigration Partnership Winnipeg Migrante Manitoba IRCOM - Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba

We're so excited for the virtual launch of this report documenting the 20 year history of OHC's work with newcomer communities! Please join us!

"’SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spreads from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets and aerosols created when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, shouts, or talks,’ the updated guidance said.

Helpful tip sheets if you experience a hate-motivated crime. Available in 5 different languages. Download the original .pdf files at http://www.ipwinnipeg.org/dondiscriminatemb

Translations of OHCs Information Sheets on Protecting Workers from COVID-19 are now available! Information sheets are available for Cleaning/Janitorial Workers, Grocery Store Workers, Meat & Poultry Processing Workers and Security Guards. Available languages include Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi, Mandarin, Spanish, French, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese. Find them all on our website: http://mflohc.mb.ca//information-sheets-for-essential-wor/

November is Domestic Violence Prevention month. Domestic violence affects the lives of many workers in Manitoba. Workplaces have an important role to play to support employees and develop strategies to protect their safety. Find out what your workplace can do at this page from Ending Violence Across Manitoba. https://bit.ly/3en3ZlV

Upcoming online presentation on Ventilation during COVID-19!

Translations of OHC's Information Sheets on Protecting Workers from COVID-19 are now available! Information sheets are available for Cleaning/Janitorial Workers, Grocery Store Workers, Meat & Poultry Processing Workers and Security Guards. Available languages include Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi, Mandarin, Spanish, French, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese. Find them all on our website: http://mflohc.mb.ca//information-sheets-for-essential-wor/

Dynamic graphic simulations show how the coronavirus is transmitted in various indoor settings -and the effects of different measures such as masks, ventilation, and reducing duration of time in each setting.

Now Available! OHC's recorded online presentation "Protecting Workers from COVID-19: Transmission, Ventilation & the Law" covers the latest science about how the virus spreads, offers principles and practical information about ventilation, and the legal requirements involved.

Research project looking for immigrant home care workers in Manitoba to interview.

Today we commemorate Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirited People Honouring and Awareness Day. Visit Manitoba Moon Voices to follow their photo series launching today of families impacted by the loss of a loved one. Learn about the 231 Calls to Action from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: ... https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca///2019/06/Calls_for_Justice.pdf See more

Important new report on anti-Asian racism in Canada during COVID-19. Per capita there have been more reported incidents of anti-Asian racism in Canada than the U.S. We all need to combat racism by reporting, speaking up, and supporting those affected.

This year, it’s more important than ever to get your flu shot while we’re also dealing with COVID-19 infections. Find out where you can get yours at the link below. According to Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living (MHSAL), International students and out-of-province visitors continue to be eligible to receive the flu vaccine free-of-charge regardless of third party insurance and/or MHSAL coverage.

Good overview of issues related to ventilation improvements in the workplace to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

OHC's phones are not working properly since our move. The best way to contact us is by email: [email protected]'s phones are not working properly since our move. The best way to contact us is by email: [email protected]

In the midst of challenging times, we still have things to celebrate! Last night we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of OHC’s Cross Cultural Community Development Program at the online launch of the report about our work by Dorothy Wigmore, published by Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives - Manitoba Office. Find the report on their website: https://www.policyalternatives.ca//communities-are-partners

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Many people struggle with suicidal thoughts or behaviours, but that does not mean you have to act on them. No concern is too small, and no problem is too big. Suicide is not the answer and you are not alone. Call Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line 1-877-435-7170. www.reasontolive.ca

Starting Today, September 28, 2020 in Winnipeg Metropolitan Region: Mandatory masks in all indoor public places and all indoor and outdoor gatherings. Gatherings will be restricted to 10 people, both indoors and outdoors.

New on OHCs Website! Find information & resources on improving ventilation at your workplace to prevent transmission of COVID-19. http://mflohc.mb.ca/covid-19/ventilation-resources/

Still time to register for the report launch tomorrow evening about OHC’s work with newcomer and migrant communities. Join us to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of this program!

The hierarchy of controls is an important concept & practice in the field of occupational health. This info graphic from CCOHS show how to apply it to COVID-19 in the workplace. Always start with the most effective solutions such as remote work and ventilation improvements before moving to other solutions such as personal protective equipment (PPE).

Appointments for COVID-19 tests are now available in Winnipeg at testing centres and drive-up sites at: 604 St. Mary’s Rd. 2735 Pembina Hwy 1181 Portage Ave.... Call 1-855-268-4318 or visit https://patient.petalmd.com/#/login?groupId=5930&locale=en to make appointments for a COVID-19 test. Coming soon to other regions.

Today is Back to School, in a year filled with uncertainty for everyone who works in schools, students, parents and caregivers. A reminder to all school staff to bring your health and safety concerns forward to your workplace health and safety committee. Improvements and adjustments to school health and safety plans should be made throughout the year. A reminder to parents and caregivers to keep your children home from school if they have any symptoms related to COVID 19, eve...n if you believe it is unrelated. This is one of the most important things you can do to contribute to a healthy school community. Use the screening questions available here: https://www.gov.mb.ca//cor/covid19_screening_checklist.pdf Take care of yourselves & each other and stay safe

New on OHC's Website! Find information & resources on improving ventilation at your workplace to prevent transmission of COVID-19. http://mflohc.mb.ca/covid-19/ventilation-resources/

Indoor and outdoor gathering size will be reduced from 10 to a maximum of five people in the Winnipeg region starting Monday, October 19. Read today’s bulletin for further measures being put in place.

Upcoming workshops from SEED Winnipeg Inc. and Community Unemployed Help Centre

Face shields can be worn with masks but cannot replace masks.

Easy to understand basics on ventilation with practical strategies for indoor spaces. https://www.fastcompany.com//this-is-the-safest-indoor-spa

Mask up! Starts Saturday

OHC believes in listening to the voices of workers in matters that affect their health. We support this call from the workers.

Signs are up at our new space at 167 Sherbrook Street! For more information on our recent move, check out our website: http://mflohc.mb.ca/

Many thanks to the Manitoba Federation of Labour for the kind gesture on our last day at Broadway!

Addressing ventilation in schools is a key part of a health & safety plan to protect students and everyone working in schools. https://tgam.ca/3aoOp7i

OHC is moving! As of Monday, August 17th, find us at 167 Sherbrook Street, co-located with Klinic Community Health & SERC. For how's and why's of this exciting change, please see our blog post: http://mflohc.mb.ca/ohc-move/

Companies are reviewing if they have gone far enough with policies on mask-wearing, sealing off conference rooms and upgrading ventilation systems.

Precarious health coverage and immigration status have made migrant workers especially vulnerable to COVID-19.

New Resources from OHC now available for Workers working through the pandemic. Go to our website to find information sheets for: -Cleaning & Janitorial Workers -Meat & Poultry Processing Workers -Grocery Store Workers -Security Guards... http://mflohc.mb.ca/covid-19/

OHC recently hosted a virtual presentation with Blaine Duncan, Safety and Health Specialist with the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU), and Bernie Wood, Health and Safety Activist, discuss worker's rights and how and when to use your right to refuse unsafe work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out the video of the presentation below! https://youtu.be/Fa9ug3kvWj0

Good advice and strategies in this article for workplaces to support workers mental health during the pandemic. https://bit.ly/3fte6VM

Our hearts are with OHCs Community Trainer, Maysoun and her children during this devastating time. We know the Syrian community and broader newcomer community are also feeling this tragedy deeply. Our hearts are with all of you

Good advice and strategies in this article for workplaces to support workers' mental health during the pandemic. https://bit.ly/3fte6VM

Learn more about the different types of masks, their purposes and limitations. Remember, all masks should be replaced or cleaned when they're wet, damaged, dirty, contaminated, or hard to breathe through. ow.ly/WjKO50A7Xej

Lets not forget the plight of refugees during the strain of the global pandemic. Join MANSO this June 19, on World Refugee Day.

https://tgam.ca/2UnlNVo

Black Lives Matter. Today and every day. May we deepen our understanding, practice and commitment to anti-racism in our homes, our workplaces, our organizations, and our communities. In solidarity with all those at the event today, and with Black people and communities across the world.

Make sure to work safely in the heat. Follow these tips from CCOHS!

Many workers have underlying chronic health conditions. Workplaces need to be ready to accommodate the needs of these workers.

Job opportunity! OHC is looking for our next Occupational Health Nurse. This 0.6EFT role works with an interdisciplinary team to support workers and workplaces to remove or mitigate workplace hazards, prevent illness and injury, and implement evidence-based solutions at the organizational/systems level. Please see the job posting at http://mflohc.mb.ca/ohn-posting-2020/

Screening workers for symptoms is an important part of workplaces reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find an example from CCOHS here: https://www.ccohs.ca//pandemicco/pdf/covid-screen-tool.pdf

A reminder that although many businesses are open again, they need to follow strict social distancing and other public health requirements, according to their industry. For more information on these requirements go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/phase-one.html All workers deserve to be treated with respect at all times. Employers must ensure workers are protected from harassment and violence in the workplace.

Frigid temperatures. Cramped conditions. Long hours. Meat processing workers are at higher risk for contracting the novel coronavirus.