Health and Safety

The Faculty of Medicine is committed to providing a safe and positive learning environment. However, even in the safest environment you need to be prepared for an accident. Here is what you need to know if you have an accident in a clinical setting.

What You Need to Do

Proceed through the following 3 steps using the ABC method:

A:    Alert your preceptor/clinical instructor of your accident and seek first aid;

B:    Be sure to go to the emergency department for assessment and treatment;

C:    Complete the uOttawa incident form and communicate with your liaison officer as well as the Clinical Placement Risk Management Office (613-562-5800 ext. 3391) to inform them of the situation.

Regardless of the preceptor’s recommendation:

1. Every student has the obligation and the responsibility to complete the uOttawa incident form within 24 hours after the accident if:
   • he/she suffers an injury (i.e. scalpel cut, needle prick, etc.) in the clinical setting or when the incident could have resulted in being injured because of a violation of the occupational health and safety standards;
   • when the injury results in an absence from the clinical setting.
2. Every student has the obligation and the responsibility to contact the Clinical Placement Risk Management office:
   • Office of Risk Management

The Government of Ontario has reviewed legislation to expand employer accountability (Bill 18).  

As a result, the definition of “worker” under the Occupational Health and Safety Act is now amended to specifically include unpaid individuals such as students who are performing work or services under a college, university, or other post-secondary institution approved programme.

According to the Ministry of Labour, employers (hospitals) hold ultimate responsibility for ensuring that students are appropriately trained for health and safety.    The hospitals in the Ottawa region have streamlined the training requirements to avoid duplication of training thus training completed at TOH will be recognized at all other affiliated sites.

To meet the hospital mandated legislative requirements, students must complete a total of seven (7) modules upon entering the MD Program and complete four (4) re-certifications prior to each academic year.

1. WHMIS (to be done annually)
2. Privacy and Information Security (to be done annually)
3. Emergency Codes (to be done annually)
4. Tuberculosis Management: Overview (to be done annually)
5. Violence and Harassment
6. Worker Health & Safety Awareness in 4 Steps
7. Working Together: The Code and the AODA

A communication with details will be sent to students during the month of July.

COFM Blood Borne Viruses Policy

This policy is an evidence-based consensus document developed by an expert working group on behalf of the six Ontario Medical schools and faculties. The policy closely complies with current evidence contained within the SHEA guideline for Management of Healthcare Workers Who Are Infected with Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and/or Human Immunodeficiency Virus1 as well as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) Blood Borne Viruses policy2. This policy applies to all students attending an Ontario medical school who participate in clinical activities in Ontario.

The University of Ottawa takes all necessary measures to ensure that students, staff and external agencies know how to proceed in the event of an on-campus emergency. Protection Services is ready and waiting to delegate duties and to coordinate support from internal resources and local authorities, ensuring the best possible outcome for everyone involved.

For more information, visit Protection Services’ website.

The best way to protect yourself during an emergency is to know how to respond before it happens. Make sure you’re prepared for emergencies by checking out uOttawa’s Emergency Preparedness site. There, you can find information about what to do during all sorts of emergencies, including severe weather and earthquakes, flooding and shelter-in-place/lockdown emergencies.

Health Emergency

Fire and Evacuation