Joint Health and Safety Committee
The mission of the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW) is to prevent occupational illness and injuries, and to promote the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of all workers. OHCOW responds to requests from Joint Health & Safety Committees (JHSCs), Health & Safety Representatives, Unions, Employers and Communities.
OHCOW’s interdisciplinary team can perform walkthrough tours of the workplace at which time they will observe how the work is being done; speak with workers to understand their concerns and symptoms; and make recommendations to reduce or eliminate exposures in the workplace.
In some cases, OHCOW can assess several workers from one workplace. They will look for a connection between the health problems and the workplace conditions.
OHCOW staff can work with the joint health and safety committee to help it understand very technical reports it must deal with. The OHCOW team can also design health questionnaires and assist with the administration of surveys.
JHSC Services Offered
Presentations
Presentations on the role of OHCOW in the occupational health & safety system as well as methods and tools OHCOW has developed in addressing occupational health & safety needs.
Workplace Tour
OHCOW interdisciplinary team can perform walkthrough tours of the workplace at which time they can observe the work flow and processes are being done; speak with workers to understand their concerns and symptoms; and make recommendations to reduce or eliminate exposures in the workplace.
Education
Occupational health promotion for groups of workers regarding specific exposures and their impact on health. Assist the JHSC to help it understand very technical reports it must deal with and help design sampling strategies. Customized presentations based on your needs (eg. work related asthma, office ergonomics, etc).
Survey
The use of occupational health surveys in which symptoms and exposure relationships are investigated. The OHCOW team can also design health questionnaires and assist with the administration and analysis of surveys.
Groups of Workers
In some cases, OHCOW can assess several workers from one workplace. They will look for a connection between the health problems and the workplace exposures.
Community Outreach
Targeting vulnerable and under-serviced populations and their respective organizations (immigrants, temporary workers, women). Informing public health institutions, community health centers, etc. re: occupational health issues.
Please feel free to call or e-mail the OHCOW clinic nearest your worksite to discuss what OHCOW can do for you.
