Occupational Health Program

In recognition of its responsibility to provide a safe working environment, the University has adopted this program for the protection of faculty, staff, and students from health risks which may result from working with animals or in animal care activities, with class 3b and 4 lasers, with human pathogens and toxins, and with respiratory hazards.

Programs

 
 

Objectives

  1. Protection of individuals from hazards associated with animal care and use.
  2. Ensuring that individuals are thoroughly informed of the risks associated with their work.
  3. Provision of preventative medical services and delivery of prompt and adequate medical care and advice.
  4. Rehabilitation of employees whose health has been compromised due to occupational exposures.
  5. Ensuring that individuals are physically able to perform their assigned tasks without undue risk to themselves or fellow workers.
  6. Protection of animals from diseases they may contract from humans.

General Statement of Policy

Individuals involved in dangerous activities are given protection from health risks through the following mechanisms: (1) education and training, (2) isolation and containment of high risk activities, (3) evaluation of health status prior to exposure, (4) periodic health assessment, (5) provision of emergency health care, (6) administration of immunization or other prophylaxis for protection from specific risks, (7) exclusion of unauthorized persons from animal facilities, (8) exclusion of persons with active infectious diseases that are hazardous to fellow workers or to animals, (9) use of appropriate apparel, equipment, and facilities, (10) veterinary management of animal health, and (11) maintenance of records of illnesses, occupational diseases and injuries.

This policy requires confidentiality in the handling of medical information. Individuals required to undergo any medical examinations, treatment, or monitoring must be fully informed of the associated benefits and risks.

The services are to be provided at no cost to the individual. All activities related to this program are to be available during normal working hours.

Note that for personnel in contact with non-human primates, as well as class 3b and 4 lasers, participation in the Occupational Health Program is mandatory.

Registration

IF YOU ARE WORKING IN A HOSPITAL OR HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, please contact your local Health Office. They have their own occupational health program.

For McGill staff and students, contact the Occupational Health Program Administrator

 

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