CWing FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions – Indoor Air Quality Testing – Oct 2018

What is the concern in the C-wing?

Recently there has been concerns raised to Administration and the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) regarding the environmental safety of the older areas of the college; more specifically the C-Wing. In order to address these concerns and ensure this and all other areas of the building are safe, the College is undergoing recommended Industrial hygiene testing and a building science review.

How is this review being completed?

The Sutherland JHSC is working alongside College administration to ensure that every reasonable precaution is being taken to make certain that our employee workspaces and student learning spaces are safe. We are working with industry leaders in industrial hygiene, as well as, our local health unit to establish recommended workplace testing parameters. While some of the indoor air quality (IAQ) testing was pre-planned as a post-SIF project commitment, we have expanded the scope of the testing to include other areas of concern within the college.

Once completed, a full report of the IAQ test results will be made available to various experts (see below) as well the JHSC for review, recommendations and next steps. The full report will also be made available to all employees via the H&S portal and the HS bulletin board located near the staff lounge at Sutherland and within the staff lounge at Frost.

What resources is the college utilizing to ensure the process is thorough, transparent and the results professionally reviewed?

We have welcomed the support of third party experts from the Peterborough Health Unit (PHU), Ministry of Labour (MOL) Occupational Health Centres for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) and Pinchin Environmental. We are also currently seeking a building science engineer to review more structural aspects of our buildings. Expertise from each of these organizations will be providing guidance to the JHSC and the college as we work through this process.

Who represents the workers for Health & Safety concerns?

The Joint Health and Safety Committee is an advisory committee comprised of workers and management that represent the various employee groups within the college. The function of the JHSC is to support the Internal Responsibility System for workplace health and safety by:

  • Meeting regularly
  • Conducting workplace inspections
  • Identifying potential health and safety hazards
  • Being consulted about workplace testing
  • Making recommendations to improve workplace health and safety

Fleming College has a dedicated Joint Health and Safety committee at Sutherland, Frost and Haliburton campuses, and Health and Safety Representatives at smaller locations such as our Crew offices and Cobourg location.

What is the Internal Responsibility System?

The internal responsibility system is the underlying philosophy of the occupational health and safety legislation in all Canadian jurisdictions. Its foundation is that everyone in the workplace – both employee and employer – is responsible for his or her own safety and for the safety of co-workers. Everyone has a responsibility to report health and safety concerns to their direct manager. Managers have a responsibly to investigate and respond in a timely manner.

Where can I find more information about the JHSC?

All of the committee agendas and minutes are posted in the college H&S portal and to the local H&S bulletin board.  Also you will see who is on the committee should you have any questions.

As this concern is about the C-wing, does that mean the staff lounge is unsafe?

We have no reason to believe the newly constructed area of the staff lounge is unsafe. The renovation of this space adhered to strict regulations that ensured the safety of the construction workers during renovation, as well as, any building occupants in surrounding areas. The area was subjected to Indoor Air Quality testing prior to construction, as well as, post demolition air clearance tests to validate this process. Recent indoor air quality testing also took samples from this area and with results expected soon.

Has there been consideration for a structural review of this area of the building to possibly identify if there are any potential yet to be identified hazards?

In an effort to ensure our review is as thorough as possible, we are enlisting the expertise of a building science engineer to review the structural components of the C-wing, both past and present. This type of comprehensive review will identify, if any, areas of unique character or special concern.

How is the college ensuring the review is authentic and transparent?

The college has reached out to a variety of experts (detailed above) to ensure that every reasonable precaution is taken to provide our employees and students with a safe and healthy work environment. The Joint Health and Safety committees are fully engaged and are contributing to the process through a transparent sharing of knowledge, information and recommendations. The college will continue to communicate to the wider employee group through various channels, including updates to the H&S portal .

Is there any other information available regarding occupational illness? 

Ontario Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) is a resource for workers who feel they would like to learn more about occupational illness. They have provided the attached OHCOW document as an education tool to help workers better understand this issue.

Sutherland and C-wing Review Plan update Feb 19

Building Science Review – C-Wing

ESA Phase 1- Sutherland

Should you have any further questions please contact your manager, a JHSC member or Kim English, Manager of H&S.