Workplace Impairment
Many aspects of the university workplace require mental and physical alertness, accurate and quick reflexes, and sound judgement and decision making. Substances and physical or mental health conditions that impair these abilities create safety risks to people, property, research and reputation.
Our Workplace Impairment Policy outlines the responsibilities and expectations associated with workplace impairment and fitness for work. It is the responsibility of each employee to read, understand, and adhere to this policy and their responsibilities under it.
Your Responsibilities
Employees have responsibilities under the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act while at work. These include conducting their duties in a safe manner, being safety conscious, being free from impairment while at work, and cooperating with our health and safety measures.
Know if your position or assigned duties are considered safety-sensitive
Do you operate machinery or handle hazardous materials? Do you make critical decisions or care for people or animals? Your position or assigned duties may be considered safety-sensitive. Criteria for safety-sensitive positions or assigned duties are outlined in the Managing Impairment in Safety Sensitive Positions Procedure .
Understand the impairing effect of any drug you consume
Prescription medications, including cannabis, do not void or overrule workplace impairment policies. Proactively take all reasonable steps to obtain information about and understand the potential impairing effects of any drug you consume, in terms of impairment in the workplace generally, and specific to your position and duties, including but not limited to seeking the advice of physicians and/or pharmacists.
Advise your supervisor of any impairment
Immediately advise your supervisor if you know or reasonably ought to know or suspect that you are unfit for work for any reason. It is also your responsibility to notify your supervisor, manager, Human Resources, or Environment Health and Safety if you believe an employee, contract worker, or volunteer is not fit for work during work time.
Assistance + Support
The university is committed to accommodating employees with prescriptions or health conditions that may cause impairment and will work with you to support any required modifications to work.
The university is also committed to supporting employees with current or emerging substance addiction.