Bulletin
Keeping yourself safe in poor air quality conditions
September 14, 2020
To: All MoveUP members
With the recent poor air quality in many parts of British Columbia, Alberta, and other provinces as well due to the wildfire smoke from the United States, we want to make sure that all our members are being vigilant in protecting themselves from the harmful effects as well as being proactive in reporting out if you are suffering from ill-effects.
What to do if you feel ill?
If you feel ill while you are on the job, make sure to report it your employer and your Occupational Health & Safety Committee.
If you need to leave work because you feel ill, you can also consider submitting a report to WorkSafeBC.
New Westminster Pier fire
MoveUP members who work or live in the Lower Mainland were recently sent a bulletin informing them of the steps they need to take if they are feeling ill effects from the creosote smoke from the Westminster Pier Park fire.
If you are affected specifically by that smoke, please review the bulletin here.
Safety tips during poor air quality
To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, try to limit your exposure to poor air quality by avoiding outdoor exercise, especially in high-traffic areas, keeping windows and doors closed, and running air conditioners with the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean.
People with heart or lung disease, asthma, older adults, and children are more likely to be affected by smoke so it is especially important for them to stay vigilant.
Questions or concerns
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact a job steward in your area, or Niki Schnurr, MoveUP’s WCB Appeals Officer and OH&S Liaison, at nschnurr@moveuptogether.ca.
In solidarity,
Niki Schnurr
WCB Appeals Officer and OH&S Liaison