Staff Report #6
January 29, 2025
To All Commissioners
Re: Occupational Health & Safety Work Programs – 2024 (status) and 2025
Recommendation
The report be NOTED and FILED.
Background
Each year, the Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committees (JHSC) hold a workshop to review the progress made against the annual Health & Safety Work Program and to recommend to the General Manager the proposed Health & Safety Work Program for the following year. Throughout the year, items may be added to the list and prioritized accordingly due to emergent issues.
2024 Work Program Status
A summary of the 2024 Work Program status is set out in Enclosure I. The following provides a high-level summary of the key initiatives included in the 2024 Program.
Workplace Violence Prevention Program
Continuing to take the necessary steps to reduce and/or mitigate workplace violence incidents for London Transit Operators remains a key priority of the Joint Health and Safety Committee and the organization. Each year, the JHSC reviews on-road incidents and the programs in place to mitigate these incidents and, where warranted, recommends enhancements with the overall objective of reducing and/or mitigating workplace violence incidents.
In 2015, the Workplace Violence Prevention Training Program was entirely revamped. The revamp included the re-development of a two-day Operator Training Program on LTC’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program and the development of an Advanced Customer Service Program for Operators. Since the rollout, all Operators have cycled through the Program twice.
In 2024, the JHSC recommended a comprehensive review of the Workplace Violence Prevention Program and Advanced Customer Service Program to ensure they continue to meet the needs of Operators and the organization while ensuring Operator safety. A Working Group comprised of representatives from the JHSC employee members, Operations Management, the Training Supervisor, and the ATU Local 741 Executive Representative completed the review, coupled with the types of incidents faced by Operators in today’s environment, and recommended the re-development of the overall Program. The Program will be re-written with increased focus on the following:
- Ensuring the modules and material reflect the latest SOPs;
- Implementing industry best practices;
- Reinforcing the importance of Operators focusing on observation and reporting rather than enforcement of policy violations;
- Focusing on empathetic responses and de-escalation techniques in interpersonal skills training; and
- Adding new scenarios to provide Operators with practical, hands-on experience through real-life scenarios. The module will contain interactive scenarios, role-playing exercises, case studies, feedback and reflection, and assessment.
First Aid Program
Approximately 15% of LTC employees are required to hold First Aid Certification. This includes Fleet Managers, Relief Supervisors, Lead Hands, Inspectors/Reliefs, and Ticket Clerks/Reliefs who must have the Certification. Certification is a two-day, eight-hour-per-day program with recertification at the three-year mark, which is a one-day, eight-hour-per-day program. The training has been held off-site at various organizations. The majority of First Aiders are in Fleet and Facilities. These employees work various shifts and scheduling an afternoon or night shift employee for the requisite training is challenging. For those in the afternoons or nights, Fleet management must change the employees’ schedule for the entire week, even though the training is one to two days. This can cause staffing challenges for Fleet and Facilities. The JHSC tasked a working group to investigate alternative training opportunities to better meet the organizational structure. The Working Group recommended that LTC designate two internal First Aid Certified Trainers who will be certified to conduct First Aid training in-house. As approved, the new Program is anticipated to be implemented by the end of February 2025. First Aid Certified Trainers will conduct training on direct employee shifts to reduce shift modifications. Further, the Working Group also recommended and as approved, all First Aid Certificate holders undergo an annual refresher training program in addition to the regular certification training that is a requisite.
LTC’s Process for Guarding Procedures
In 2024, the JHSC recommended that a Working Group be formed to review LTC’s current guarding practices in Fleet and Facilities. The following approved recommendations have been put in place:
- Management audits monthly inspections completed by the Stationary Engineers for compliance;
- Add to the Fleet and Facilities Annual Safety-Talk Program the requirements of guarding; and
- Fleet & Facilities management ensures compliance with guarding procedures.
Campaign on Healthy Habits in the Workplace
A new Healthy Habits in the Workplace Campaign was developed in 2024, targeting healthy lifestyle tips. The campaign focuses on self-care in terms of physical health, embracing balanced nutrition, practicing stress management techniques, ensuring sufficient sleep, fostering positive relations, and maintaining appropriate work-life balance. The healthy tips have been incorporated into training for all employees, and in 2025, a monthly campaign on each tip will be rolled out, including posters, quick tips, and handouts. The objective is to ensure healthy habits are incorporated into employees’ daily routines, enhancing overall well-being and contributing to a thriving and supportive workplace environment.
2025 Health & Safety Work Program
The 2025 Work Program, as set out in Enclosure II, has been reviewed and approved by the General Manager. In addition to multi-year programs and those carried forward from 2024, new initiatives for the 2025 Program include:
Workplace Violence Prevention Program
As previously noted, in 2025, the focus will be the development of the new Workplace Violence Prevention Training Program, with the anticipated rollout of same in late 2025/early 2026.
Review of LTC’s Defensive Driving Program
Over the last several years, LTC has experienced an increase in motor vehicle accidents deemed preventable, where the Operator was found to have some culpability in the accident. These incidents can affect the health and safety of our Operators, some of whom have experienced workplace injuries relating to the incidents. The JHSC recommended that the defensive driving training programs be reviewed to ensure they adequately address issues faced by Operators, recognize varying levels of experience in operating large vehicles, and ensure Operators have the appropriate skill levels to drive effectively in all weather conditions encountered in Southwestern Ontario.
Review of Mobility Securement on board Buses
This initiative will see a review of best practices and ergonomic enhancements to mitigate injuries relating to the securement of mobility devices on conventional transit buses. Any recommendations resulting from the review will be implemented as they are approved.
Health and Safety Policy and Procedural Review
In 2025, Human Resources, with the respective departments, JHSC members and external resources, will undertake a review of all related policies and procedures to continue to ensure legislative compliance and best practice, with the overall objective of ensuring the workplace is safe for all employees. This is a multi-year project.
Enclosures
I – 2024 Occupational Health & Safety Work Program – Status
II – 2025 Occupational Health & Safety Work Program
Recommended by:
Joanne Galloway, Director of Human Resources
Concurred in by:
Kelly S. Paleczny, General Manager