ORN THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO   ONTARIO ROOFING NEWS – WINTER 2018/19  13 Impairment or “Fit-for-duty” Policy If employers already have poli- cies and procedures that address all sources of impairment or fit- ness for work, the legalization of cannabis should not really affect workplace health and safety. It is simply necessary to broaden the definition of impairment and widen the focus on causes be- yond drugs and alcohol. The positive side to all the media coverage about cannabis is that it’s creating the opportunity to discuss the subject of impairment with everyone. In fact, clear communication between all groups in a workplace about the importance of a safe and healthy work environment is one of the things that will reduce the impact of impairment in the workplace. Policies should also be ap- plied fairly and consistently, and both supervisors and employees need to be trained so that they will know what their responsi- bilities are for dealing with any source of impairment. What makes a good impairment policy? 1. It encourages a culture that prioritizes safety and allows for conversations about haz- ards like impairment. 2. It states clearly whether or not employees are allowed to use, possess or be under the influence of certain substanc- es while at work. 3. It is jointly developed by la- bour and management, in- cluding the Joint Health and Safety Committee. 4. It should specify the many sources of impairment, such as alcohol, medications (used legally or illegally), cannabis (recreational or therapeutic), any other substance, and con- ditions like fatigue or stress. 5. It ensures that all employ- ees know and understand the definitions and sources of impairment. 6. It allows for education and training to be provided to all employees, including supervisors. 7. It defines the mechanism for reporting impairment and specifies how confidentiality will be maintained. 8. It gives employees the oppor- tunity to declare if they feel they may be impaired, and specifies that such a statement can be made in confidence and without fear of stigma or reprisal. 9. It includes prevention initia- tives and employee support programs such as an Employ- ee Assistance Program (EAP). Although the topic of can- nabis in the workplace is promi- nent in the news, the subject of impairment on the job is not new. Everyone in a workplace, espe- cially those performing high-risk work activities, should have clear guidance and services to assist with impairment. The end goal in all of this is to reduce any fears or stigma sur- rounding the subject of workplace impairment, and to provide work- places that are accommodating, healthy and safe. This article was originally printed in IHSA.ca Magazine, Volume 18 Issue 1, and is reprinted with permission from IHSA. www.brscanada.com www.sparmarathon.ca Roofing & Sheet Metal Super Service Centres OAKVILLE, ON (905) 825-0034 WESTON, ON (Weston Road) (416) 745-4111 BARRIE, ON (705) 792-6683 EDMONTON, AB (780) 432-2786 HAMILTON, ON (905) 560-2858 PICKERING, ON (905) 426-4443 WESTON, ON (Signet Drive) (416) 744-2050 CALGARY, AB (403) 255-8236 TORONTO, ON (416) 534-8421 LONDON, ON (519) 668-3626 WINNIPEG, MB (204) 338-7613 Protective Roofing Safety Products BY The PR 100 Guardrail Systemis an efficient and practical perimeter guardrail that allows you to work right to the edge of the roof. • Meets and exceeds OSHA & WCB requirements • Accommodates: parapets and cant strips • Provides unobstructed access to roof edge • Easy to install The PR 600 Mobile Fall Protection System can be moved along the roof by pulling the cart to the desired working location, providing a safe working area. The PR 600 meets O.S.H.A. compliance 1926.502D. www.sparmarathon.ca Roofing & Sheet Metal Super Service Centres OAKVILLE, ON (905) 825-0034 WESTON, ON (Weston Road) (416) 745-4111 BARRIE, ON (705) 792-6683 EDMONTON, AB (780) 432-2786 HAMILTON, ON (905) 560-2858 PICKERING, ON (905) 426-4443 WESTON, ON (Signet Drive) (416) 744-2050 CALGARY, AB (403) 255-8236 TORONTO, ON (416) 534-8421 LONDON, ON (519) 668-3626 WINNIPEG, MB (204) 338-7613 Protective Roofing Safety Products BY The PR 100 Guardrail Systemis an efficient and practical perimeter guardrail that allows you to work right to the edge of the roof. • Meets and exceeds OSHA & WCB requirements • Accommodates: parapets and cant strips • Provides unobstructed access to roof edge • Easy to install The PR 600 Mobile Fall Protection System can be moved along the roof by pulling the cart to the desired working location, providing a safe working area. The PR 600 meets O.S.H.A. compliance 1926.502D. www.sparmarathon.ca Roofing & Sheet Metal Super Service Centres OAKVILLE, ON (905) 825-0034 WESTON, ON (Weston Road) (416) 745-4111 BARRIE, ON (705) 792-6683 EDMONTON, AB (780) 432-2786 HAMILTON, ON (905) 560-2858 PICKERING, ON (905) 426-4443 WESTON, ON (Signet Drive) (416) 744-2050 CALGARY, AB (403) 255-8236 TORONTO, ON (416) 534-8421 LONDON, ON (519) 668-3626 WINNIPEG, MB (204) 338-7613 Protective Roofing Safety Products BY The PR 100 Guardrail Systemis an efficient and practical perimeter guardrail that allows you to work right to the edge of the roof. • Meets and exceeds OSHA & WCB requirements • Accommodates: parapets and cant strips • Provides unobstructed access to roof edge • Easy to install The PR 600 Mobile Fall Protection System can be moved along the roof by pulling the cart to the desired working location, providing a safe working area. The PR 600 meets O.S.H.A. compliance 1926.502D. 10. It states how disciplinary ac- tions will be conducted when they are necessary.