How do you reduce stress levels?

Getting along with supervisor and co-workers may be a recipe for good health. Studies show people who work with people they perceived unfavorably had higher blood pressure readings compared to people who perceived their co-workers favourably. Many of the problems seen in the workplace stem from people not communicating in a productive way. Keeping communication lines open with supervisor and co-workers to help reduce stress levels.

What are my responsibilities around Kiss and Ride?

If your duty is the Kiss and Ride please keep in mind that you would just be observing parents dropping off and picking up their students. It is recommended by us and approved by the Board that we do not for safety reasons open and close the car doors.

Does Sun Life cover Hep A & B vaccines?

Sun Life covers vaccines for both Hepatitis A and B. The Association would recommend that you take advantage of this coverage as the risk is there given the clientele we work with.

Are lanyards safe to wear?

Many schools and work locations use lanyards for identification badges/keys. Lanyards with continuous straps (i.e. without "breakaway" fasteners) may present a choking hazard should the badge/key get caught in machinery doors, or pulled in a violent situation. This may result in choking, rope burns, strangulation, or other injuries. If you are using the continuous strap type, you can modify it by cutting it in half and fastening Velcro to both ends.

What are some precautions to consider when lifting and transfering?

Please remember to be aware of how you are lifting and transferring students on a day to day basis. When we are not aware of our body, are distracted or are not feeling 100% during a lift, it is more likely that an injury will occur. If you have a new student or are out of practice, please be sure to update your training, including student specific to insure you are lifting properly. Please refer to Lifting Guidelines found in the Health and Safety section on this site.

Am I legally protected if I transport students in my car as part of program?

There has been much discussion regarding liability issues transporting students in personal vehicles and the impact on insurance.  In Ontario, we have a "no fault" insurance scheme.  To transport students in vehicles you need to have $1 million in liability in your insurance coverage.  This amount is fairly standard.  Once your personal insurance is exhausted, the Board has a liability plan which provides all employees coverage which then comes into effect.  If a driver is involved in an accident, it is their personal auto insurance that covers the cost of damages and liability.

The level of injury triggers a "right of action against a third party" according to the Insurance Act.  The level of injury includes; death, permanent serious disfigurement, or permanent serious impairment of an important physical, mental, or psychological function.

It is not necessary to attain additional coverage for the purpose of transporting students.  The only time this would be necessary is if you are being paid to do the job as a professional driver.

You do, however, need to properly represent your driving habits to your auto insurer.  They need to know that you are transporting students as part of your employment.

Our adivce to you is:  DO NOT TRANSPORT STUDENTS IN YOUR CARS!!

If you do transport or have plans to transport, do it knowing the behaviour of the students involved.  If there is a risk (i.e. student is unpredictable) you have the right to decline.  There can be risk associated with transporting passengers in a personal vehicle.

Can I claim mileage if I am driving between two schools?

ERWs who are assigned work placements between 2 schools are eligible to claim for mileage because they are administratively placed between locations.  These employees must have Superintendent approval and mileage reimbursement is as per Board Policy.  See Article 8 in DPERWA Collective Agreement.

If an Educational Resource Worker is injured on the job and goes on a WSIB claim, what percentage of their salary will they receive?

When an ERW sustains a workplace injury that causes lost time, he/she will initially use their sick credits until the WSIB makes a decision on their claim.

All sick credits used prior to the WSIB approval, are reimbursed to the ERW.

If WSIB does not approve the claim, then the employee continues to use sick credits until it is used up or they return to work.

If WSIB allows the claim the Board will deduct 25% of a sick leave credit for each day the ERW is off work.

(see Article 13  DPERWA Collective Agreement)