GUELPH – Staff at the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) will be reevaluating the possibility of allowing staff to wear any Health Canada approved masks, including N95s.
At an Oct. 26 board meeting, trustee Mike Foley raised concerns about masking, bringing forward two motions for staff.
The first directed staff to write a letter to the Ministry of Education on improving the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff.
The second asked that senior staff prepare a report on UGDSB staff masking and COVID-19 protocols regarding the impact and opportunity to prepare a recommendation to explore the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) motion of Sept. 8 and other boards’ actions.
The TVDSB motion permits staff to wear their own approved respirators provided they follow proper guidelines.
Foley said he’s had UGDSB staff approach him asking about wearing their own masks – either N95s or other types of preventative barriers.
“I’ve heard from a number of staff, vulnerable staff, that they would like to wear their own N95 masks,” Foley explained.
“I raise this issue as an employer and I think we all want a safe workspace and we would like to explore every possibility to create a safer work and learning space for everyone, staff and students.”
He added other school boards, like TVDSB, the Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, have approved similar motions.
Director of education Peter Sovran said the board is continuing to work with colleagues in other jurisdictions and with public health in raising questions such as those raised by Foley.
“One of the issues that is raised is differentiating between students, visitors and employees and when it does come to employees, the Occupational Health and Safety Act needs to be taken into consideration when we are deeming necessary PPE to be worn and therefore supplied by the board,” Sovran explained.
He also reminded trustees the current PPE supplied to board employees is currently provided through the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services at no cost to the board.
“As we do explore whether or not a different type of face covering or mask would be deemed appropriate, we would need to take into consideration both the Occupational Health and Safety as well as the guidelines provided by the ministry,” said Sovran.
Deirdre Pyke, executive officer of human resources, said the blue surgical masks currently provided are in compliance with the Ministry of Labour and are “being provided as personal protective equipment rather than simply a face covering.
“As such, should the board proceed with the use of N95s, N95 masking does require a comprehensive program with respect to fit testing, maintenance of the respirators, including requirements on staff to maintain that they are clean shaven to ensure adequate fitting,” she explained.
Pyke added the board has had discussions with the Ministry of Labour and given that current masking provided is considered PPE, the N95s would also be considered PPE, requiring a comprehensive process to be in place.
“I don’t feel that there’s any need to reinvent the wheel,” Foley responded.
“I think we can build upon the best practices and work of some of the other school boards in Ontario and others.
“Better protection means a healthier school and a safer community for everyone.”
Foley put forward the two motions, asking staff to do a thorough evaluation of the concerns and report back to the board.
“As an employer … it is our responsibility to be conscious of health and safety and, consequently, if this comes back to us with the recommendation based on information from public health and a consensus from staff that N95s would be a viable alternative, then I think we, the employer, should be able to provide them.”
The motions were passed by the board.
