The Ford Tories have announced the establishment of a new committee aimed at protecting the health and safety of paramedics.
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton made the announcement in Toronto on Tuesday.
"To ensure paramedics have access to healthy and safe workplaces, I've established a Paramedic Services Committee to develop resources that address unique health and safety risks these frontline heroes face every day," said the MPP of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
He said the new Paramedic Services Committee, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), was developed with support from CUPE, Unifor and labour leaders across the province.
"This committee, comprised of both employer and labour and representatives, will have direct input on recommending regulatory changes and actions on emerging issues," said McNaughton. "They'll also be able to create safety guidelines for their sector that go beyond minimum requirements."
He said it will complement the existing first responder committees for fire and police services while providing a focused channel for recommendations from experts, employers and workers.
"These heroes work tirelessly to bring us the medical attention we need, and in return they deserve to get home safe to their families too. Unlike other healthcare professionals, who normally see patients in hospitals, homes or offices, paramedics face many risks as first responders. Like transporting patients through traffic, exposure to harmful chemicals at the scene of a workplace accident, drug overdoses and many more."
Commander, Professional Practice and System Oversight Middlesex-London Paramedic Service Colin Heise said they are very pleased McNaughton has recognized the valuable role paramedics and communication officers play in Ontario by creating a full Section 21 committee for paramedic services.
"The important work that is undertaken by this committee is a great opportunity for industry stakeholders to make important recommendations and provide practical guidance for employers and workers on matters impacting paramedicine in Ontario," said Heise.
About 12,000 paramedics across Ontario respond to over 1.6 million calls every year.