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BCGEU working to ensure worker safety at Forensics hospital - BCGEU


BCGEU working to ensure worker safety at Forensics hospital

The past few months have been very difficult for BCGEU members at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. Our latest count shows 22 patient-to-staff assaults since May. The latest attack by a patient saw 4 staff members injured, with 3 staff hospitalized with serious injuries. 

Everyone knows this situation is unacceptable and unsustainable. Our employer can't expect staff to continue putting our lives on the line without proper security in place. Our union knows this too. The BCGEU has been working to publicize these violent attacks in the news media and calling for a Workers Compensation Board investigation, to tell the employer and the BC government to take action to protect our members.

Following a recent Workers Compensation Board inspection, officials at the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital (FPH) approached the BCGEU this week to outline proposed new safety initiatives at the facility. A joint news release is being issued today announcing the upcoming changes.

The employer has proposed a 5-point plan that they say will address safety issues at FPH. The plan includes measures to establish clinical security teams, expand orientation and training, increase staff ratios and 24/7 supervision, and improve security guard training and response.

Although there are few details at the moment, some of the measures look like they may have a positive impact over the longer term. However, our union's position is that long term planning should not be a substitute for putting immediate safety and security measures in place to protect staff.

The employer has committed to take interim measures to increase security at FPH, while the longer-term planning process takes place. The BCGEU will monitor the situation closely and is committed to working with the employer to rebuild trust and improve the health, safety and well-being of our members.

An engaged workplace is a safe workplace. Forensics staff deserve credit for raising your concerns and forcing the employer to act. Going forward, members can expect new opportunities to provide input on matters that impact their health and safety. We hope you will use the opportunity to speak up and reach out to your workplace leaders, including stewards, Local executive, occupational health and safety rep and union staff rep. 

If you see or hear of anything in your workplace that causes concern, that the union should be aware of, please contact one of the representatives below. Forensics staff provide a valuable service to our community and we deserve to work in a safe, supportive environment.

In solidarity,

Mehan Ramdharry 
Local 403 chair
[email protected] 

Contact:
Jackie McGuire – Staff Rep.
[email protected]

Brian Campbell – OHS Rep.
[email protected] 

 



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