Forest Fires

Wildfire season is early again this year. Fires are already raging in northern British Columbia and Alberta, and it is very likely that many communities will have to be evacuated over the coming months. In some part of Canada, the winter was mild with very little precipitation, increasing the risk of outbreaks. Therefore, we must once again be vigilant and ready to take the necessary measures to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

Last year, air quality was greatly affected by forest fires across the country. This may happen again, making physical work even more difficult for our members at Canada Post, TransForce International (TFI), and for all workers in these areas.

People with respiratory problems are particularly affected by forest fires and need to pay special attention to the situation.

In 2017, Canada Post and CUPW jointly adopted an operational policy to ensure that appropriate precautionary steps are taken in locations where poor air quality puts people’s health at risk, based on Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI):

https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/index_e.html

When air quality is poor, it is important to take preventive measures. Every day, Environment Canada’s experts measure the AQHI across the country and publish on their website (see link above) the quality of outdoor air on a scale of 1 to 10. The higher the number, the greater the health risk.

To ensure that everyone is working in a safe environment, it is essential to have the AQHI assessed by members of the Local Joint Health and Safety Committee (LJHSC) or health and safety representatives.

A LJHSC member or health and safety representative should participate in the implementation of preventive measures based on the AQHI.

If the measured air quality reaches 10 or above (very high risk), based on the AQHI, Canada Post will apply the following measures: 

• Each day, determine the preventive measures required to keep workers safe; 
  
  
• Allow workers the autonomy to decide whether it is safe to deliver the mail; 
  
  
• Employees who choose to deliver the mail will be provided additional support, including face masks, water, throat lozenges, etc.; 
  
  
• Employees who choose not to deliver the mail will be provided with other work (inside duties, e-learning, safety audits, etc. They may also contact neighbouring depots to see if they need any  help.

Employees who feel unsafe doing their jobs due to the poor air quality should speak to their local health and safety representative or a union member of the LJHSC.

Workers can exercise their right to refuse to work under these conditions at any time. Urban members can refer to clause 33.13 of their collective agreement, and RSMCs and private sector unit members are governed by the health and safety provisions of the Canada Labour Code.

Any disagreement or issue that cannot be resolved by the LJHSC or the health and safety representative should be referred to the regional office.

We urge all members to report any incident or discomfort pertaining to poor air quality caused by forest fires.