Emergency Service Workers (ESW) are at an increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases. The risk of exposure can be reduced with the implementation of proper health and safety programs designed to protect workers from infectious diseases. The role of the Designated Officer in such programs is essential.
As part of the Health Unit’s role in supporting our area Designated Officers, the resources listed below are available to you. These resources will assist the Designated Officer in assessing and managing exposures to infectious diseases to protect the health of the workers and to prevent further spread of infectious organisms. The Health Unit will not gather information from the ESW who was exposed; this is the role of the Designated Officer/supervisor.
To qualify, the exposed person (referred to as the applicant) must apply to the Medical Officers of Health at the local Public Health Unit where the source resides.
The applicant must have come into contact with a bodily substance from the source (referred to as the respondent) in any of the following circumstances:
The documents required by the Mandatory Blood Testing Act are time sensitive and MUST be filed with the Health Unit within 7 days of exposure (day 0 is day of exposure). If forms are not completed and provided to the Medical Officer of Health within this time period, the Mandatory Blood Testing Act process cannot proceed.
Additional Information on the Mandatory Blood Testing Act:
Note: If completing the Mandatory Blood Testing Act Forms, the designated officer does not need to complete the GBHU Incident Exposure Report form.
Ontario Public Services Health & Safety Association offers a 1 day training course for emergency service workers who wish to become the designated officer within their organization.
Ontario Public Services Health & Safety Association provides a Designated Officer Program review/evaluation for your organization to complete.
Share this page