As I prepared for writing this article, I forced myself to get uncomfortable and reflect on the year 2020 (just typing the number makes me feel exhausted, lonely, heavy, and anxious). I needed to allow raw feelings to emerge from the place I've been stuffing them since March. I realized that I could not be alone in these feelings. I know millions of people feel the same way, if not more emotionally defeated by this unprecedented year. This is why I thought this topic was so worthy of your attention.

Our world has changed dramatically since March 11, 2020, when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 would be characterized as a pandemic[1]. The significance of this and the longevity of the measures we need to follow to prevent massive spread is just starting to become a reality for many.

Please be advised that as part of DriverCheck’s process of continual improvement, we have updated our Occupational Health Assessment document (formerly known as an L2 medical) to align with a more evidence-based approach in conducting occupational health medicals when determining fitness for duty. This will be effective as of Monday, November 2, 2020.

Effective September 26, 2020, each Ontario workplace is now required to conduct daily screening of employees for COVID-19-related symptoms and identified risk factors prior to entry into the work environment (this does not apply to employees working from home). The screening tool should include, at a minimum, the questions identified in the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces (Businesses and Organizations) document.

Ontario Occupational Health Nurses Association

Keeping Workers Well 2020 - Virtual Conference

Date: Friday September 25, 2020

Information and to register: Keeping Workers Well Conference Brochure

OOHNA’s 49th annual conference goes virtual, opening with behavioural scientist and international strategic HR expert Dr. Bill Howatt on “Acclimatizing to the “New” Normal”. Other speakers include Dr. Ash Bender, Dr. Maureen Cividino, Dr. Melissa Snider-Adler, and legal experts from Mathews Dinsdale and Hicks, Morley. Executive director, Drew Sousa presents on the new “Work Disability Management” standard. Focussing on occupational health and safety this conference appeals to OH Nurses, physicians, HR, senior administration, students, and Joint Health & Safety committee members.

We are approaching the final days of the COVID-19 testing pilot for truck drivers. The pilot will be ending on Sept. 8, 2020. We are working with the Ontario Government to determine if there will be a program going forward and what it would look like.

We are pleased to announce that we have determined our remaining mobile onsite locations for the COVID-19 testing pilot for truck drivers!

DriverCheck’s 3rd annual Fitness for Duty Summit has officially opened for registration! As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to pivot from our original plans (shocker!) and decided to host a virtual event.

The Fitness for Duty Summit will be four days of learning sessions from October 13-16, 2020. There will be at least three events scheduled per day, for 60 minutes each. Attend all of the sessions or just those that are of interest to or convenient for you.