E14 – Public Health Protection

Policy Owner: Chief Human Resources Officer
Approver: President and CEO
Date Approved: June 18, 2024
Replaces: COVID-19 Procedures – June 15, 2022

See the E14 – Public Health Protection Procedures ›

1. Purpose

1.1

Red River College Polytechnic (“RRC Polytech”) is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all members of RRC Polytech community, including Students, Residents, Employees, Contractors, Clients, and Visitors.

1.2

RRC Polytech is committed to taking all precautions necessary to minimize the risk and impact of Public Health concerns on all campuses and in all spaces owned or occupied by RRC Polytech including classrooms, boardrooms, meeting rooms, lecture theatres, gymnasiums, dining rooms, restaurants, cafeterias, lounges, student residences, laboratories, shops, hallways, outdoor spaces, and other common use areas.

2. Application

2.1

This Policy and associated Procedures apply to all individuals entering RRC Polytech premises.

3. Policy

3.1

When a major public health event occurs, such as a pandemic or other similar event, RRC Polytech may designate that event as a Designated Public Health Issue under this Policy and, upon such designation, shall create procedures and protocols to address the management of the Designated Public Health Issue.

3.2

RRC Polytech requires that all Students, Residents, Employees, Contractors, Clients, and Visitors adhere to such Public Health protocols or procedures that may be implemented by RRC Polytech in response to a Designated Public Health Issue.

3.3

This Policy and associated Procedures shall, at a minimum, comply with all applicable provincial laws including The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), recommendations and Orders under The Public Health Act, and The Workplace Safety and Health Act and regulations and The Human Rights Code.

3.4

No exceptions from the rules developed under this Policy may be granted without approval. RRC Polytech will retain discretion to permit exemptions from any aspect of the Policy not specifically contemplated where required, including to comply with The Human Rights Code.

4. Responsibilities

4.1

President and CEO: The President and CEO of RRC Polytech is responsible for determining whether a public health concern shall be a Designated Public Health Issue under this Policy.

4.2

College Community: Every Student, Employee, Contractor, Client, Resident, and Visitor has the responsibility to review and abide by this Policy. Any questions or concerns should be brought to the attention of a Supervisor, Safety, Health and Security Services.

4.3

Departments: All Departments and Programs must take all precautions necessary in accordance with this Policy and related Procedures to protect the safety and health of Employees against Public Health concerns.

4.4

Supervisors: Supervisors must ensure Employees within their department act in accordance with this Policy and related Appendices (which may change from time to time at RRC Polytech’s sole discretion) and any direction from Safety and Health Services. Supervisors must ensure that Employees use appropriate PPE in accordance with this Policy and RRC Polytech’s SHS Code of Practice on Personal Protective Equipment. Guidance on RRC Polytech’s latest Public Health Protocols can be sought from SHS at any time.

4.5

Safety, Health and Security Services (“SHS”): Safety, Health and Security Services will investigate concerns related to Public Health Concerns designated under the Procedures and conduct necessary follow-up; SHS shall adhere, at a minimum, to Manitoba Public Health guidance on any Public Health concern and shall be responsible for updating this Policy and associated Procedures as required.

SHS will provide necessary education and training related to Public Health concerns, as may be needed, to Employees and Students and will counsel individuals with concerns about designated public health issues and oversee all processes developed under this Policy.

5. Definitions

5.1

“Approved Face Mask” means a College supplied medical grade or KN95/N95 mask which covers an individual’s nose and mouth, fits securely with no gaps and has no holes. Cloth masks are not permitted on Campus.

5.2

“Campus” refers to all RRC Polytech campuses (including regional campuses), and any and all spaces owned or occupied by RRC Polytech, including classrooms, boardrooms, meeting rooms, lecture theatres, gymnasiums, dining rooms, restaurants, cafeterias, lounges, student residences, laboratories, shops, hallways, outdoor spaces, and common use areas.

5.3

“Client” means a third party with whom RRC Polytech has entered into an agreement to provide services, including but not limited to research or instructional services.

5.4

“Contractor” means a third party with whom RRC Polytech has entered into a contract to provide services to RRC Polytech and includes a Vendor of goods or services.

5.5

“Employee” means an employee of RRC Polytech.

5.6

“Hand Hygiene” refers to hand cleansing by washing hands with the use of water and soap or applying an alcohol-based hand rub to the surface of hands.

5.7

“Health Services” refers to a division of Safety, Health and Security Services (SHS) that is a nurse run clinic located at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus that supports Employees, and Students’ physical and mental health.

5.8

“Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)” refers to any equipment and/or clothing used by an individual to minimize exposure to a specific hazard. As it relates to COVID-19, PPE may include items such as gloves, safety glasses, masks, etc.

5.9

“Resident” means an individual that resides in an RRC Polytech residence.

5.10

“Safety, Health and Security Services (SHS)” refers to RRC Polytech’s department responsible for providing a safe environment for Employees, Students, and other individuals attending Campus. SHS works in conjunction with Academic Programs, Facility Management, Security Services, and the Workplace Safety and Health Committee (WSHC).

5.11

“Student” means a student enrolled at RRC Polytech.

5.12

“Supervisor” means any person who has charge or authority over an employee, such as Chairs, Directors, Instructors, or Managers.

5.13

“Symptomatic” means having symptoms of an illness that has been designated as Public Health concern under this Policy or Procedures.

5.14

“Visitor” means any person who has been invited to attend a Campus for pre-approved, official College business or has been invited by a Resident as a guest to attend a student residence and is not a Student, Resident, Employee Contractor or Client.

6. Breach of Policy

6.1

RRC Polytech expects that all individuals will treat others with respect in connection with this Policy.

6.2

Where an individual refuses to comply with this Policy or fails to behave in a manner consistent with RRC Polytech’s behavioural expectations, RRC Polytech will take the steps outlined below

6.3

In addition, in the event that any individual behaves in a manner inconsistent with RRC Polytech’s behavioural expectations in their interactions with any College Employee or Student, they may be removed from and/or barred from Campus. RRC Polytech reserves the right to impose other appropriate consequences as outlined in the Student Discipline Policy or under the Collective Agreement between RRC Polytech and the MGEU.

7. Review Period

7.1

This Policy will be reviewed a minimum of every five years.

8. Related Documents

1. E1 – Safety
2. E2 – Emergency Response
3. E11 – Reporting of Accidents and Serious Injuries
4. H1 – Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment Policy
5. SHS Code of Practice on Personal Protective Equipment