To All Commissioners
Re: 2018 Work Program – Human Resources – First Quarter Update
Recommendation
The report be NOTED and FILED.
Background
The following report is provided as an update on major projects as set out in the 2018 Work Program that were scheduled to commence and/or be completed in the first quarter, with the lead on same being the primary responsibility of Human Resources.
Occupational Health and Safety Work Program
The following provides an update on activities scheduled and/or completed from the Occupational Health and Safety Work Program for the first quarter of 2018:
- A Working Group was established to investigate options for reducing forces when releasing maxi-brakes in the Excelsior model of bus, noting there are approximately 120 of this model in the LTC fleet. A prototype tool was developed which significantly reduced the force required to release the maxi-brake. Feld testing by experienced Operators occurred, and with their feedback several tweaks were made. The tool was introduced to Operators during the March 2018 sign-up and is currently being installed in all requisite buses.
- A Working Group was established to review and investigate potential blind spots on the articulated buses. A recommendation was approved to install a camera overtop of the rear door in the articulated buses, so as to improve an Operators sight line during passenger alighting. The cameras have been installed in all requisite buses, and were introduced to Operators during the March 2018 sign-up.
- In 2017, a noise survey was conducted for Fleet and Facilities at 450 Highbury Ave. The testing was performed by OSHTECH Incorporated. Personal noise dosimeter measurements were obtained from five employees in the garage to assess their noise exposures from routine mechanical bus maintenance activities. Personal noise dosimeter results of the five maintenance employee ranged from 78.8 to 93.0 dBA (Lex,8), three of which exceeded the MOL compliance criterion of 85 decibels averaged over an eight-hour shift. Further testing was required with respect to specific job tasks and was completed in March 2018. Upon final results, a required noise conservation program will be developed and implemented.
London Transit’s Mental Health Strategy Update
Mental Health Strategy
Highlights of the 2018 Mental Health initiatives for the first quarter of 2018 are as follows:
- Human Resources, with the assistance of an external consultant, developed “Understanding and Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace from a Co-Worker/Union Perspective”. The training was delivered in the first quarter to the ATU, Local 741 Executive, Inspectors, JHSC members and Wellness Committee members.
- Continued retraining of Human Rights, Mutual Respect in the Workplace and Diversity policy/procedures for all employees.
Human Resources Annual Reporting
In the first quarter of each year, per the Work Program, Human Resources completes a number of assessments comparing year-over-year trends relating to employee attendance, human rights and mutual respect complaints, employee grievances and corporate training. These reports are utilized to identify key trends and issues that require focus in the upcoming year, as well as those which may require specific initiatives to be undertaken in an effort to reverse and/or slow the rate of troubling trends.
The continued focus on employee mental health included in the 2018 Work Program, and the increased focus in the area of diversity in the workplace are examples of the latter.
Recommended by: Joanne Galloway – Director of Human Resources
Concurred in by: Kelly S. Paleczny – General Manager