News

Cold Weather Alert

The combined effect of cold air and wind speed is expressed as wind-chill temperature. Over the next few days, outdoor wind-chill temperatures are expected to be well below –25C. At these low temperatures, work in outdoor environments can present a significant risk for workers performing such work when appropriate precautions are not taken.

Medical Information for Short Term Absences

The University and the USW want to ensure that members of the bargaining unit understand what medical information is required in instances of short term absences for medical reasons that fall under Article 16.04 of the collective agreement.

The following medical information is to be provided directly to Occupational Health and Wellness by way of a signed medical certificate completed by the employee’s treating regulated health professional:

1.  The general nature of the illness or injury;

2014 CPP and EI rates

New contribution levels have been announced by the Canada Revenue Agency for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI).

For 2014, the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE), on which CPP contributions are based, has been increased from $51,100 (2013 level) to $52,500. This means that CPP contributions will be deducted at a rate of 4.95% up to a maximum contribution level of $2,425.50.

AEDs Located across Campus

Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) are in a number of Guelph and Regional Campus facilities. 

Training on the use of AEDs is available through every First Aid course. This 14 minute video will also provide a quick review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4J1YCR9pAc

Upcoming Guelph campus First Aid courses are listed at http://www.uoguelph.ca/ehs/courses/index.cfm

For additional information, please see the @Guelph article found at http://atguelph.uoguelph.ca/2012/09/how-to-save-a-life/#

Update on Acupuncture Practice in Ontario and Employee SunLife Coverage

The profession of practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture is regulated in Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Quebec. In these provinces, a licence to practise this profession is required from the appropriate regulatory body.

For acupuncturist services provided in Ontario, beginning in April 2013, only acupuncturists meeting the regulatory requirements for practising acupuncture in Ontario will be eligible providers for claims reimbursement from Sun Life. 

CCOHS Poster on Chemical Exposure Routes

Please find attached a free chemical exposures poster by CCOHS, feel free to print and display in areas where users are to be aware of chemical exposures in your work environment. If you require specific guidance related to chemical exposures in your work environment please contact EHS at ehs@uoguelph.ca. Additionally, If you have concerns regarding chemical exposure and require an evaluation contact Rachel Pinto, Occupational Hygienist at rpinto@uoguelph.ca or Ext. 54855.

2013-2014 Leave for Change Volunteers Announced

Eight members of the University of Guelph community have been selected to participate in Leave for Change for 2013-2014.

“The response from the University community this year was wonderful,” said Martha Harley, Assistant Vice-President (Human Resources).  “We could not ignore the talent and passion of the candidates.”

The two U of G professors and six staff members who were selected will volunteer their knowledge and skills overseas during short assignments in developing countries before March 2014.

Discover the Power of Your Personal Leadership

Each day, no matter our job title or position, we have an opportunity to be a leader and make a real different in client, staff and leadership satisfaction. 

Learn more about your personal form of leadership through Learning & Development's popular "Personal Leadership at Work" core program for University of Guelph staff which will be offered in February 2013.  

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