Workers Health & Safety Centre

Indoor Air: a breath of fresh air or cause for concern?

Improving indoor air quality can help reduce the risk of health concerns
Controlling common pollutants and improving indoor air quality can help reduce the risk of health concerns including the primary route of COVID-19 transmission.

Public health experts tell us we may be turning a corner finally with the sixth wave of COVID. However, they also tell us we aren’t out of the woods yet and we can expect another wave this fall and winter if not before. Consequently, the urgent work of improving indoor air quality continues.
 
The accumulation of virus particles in indoor spaces though are not our only concern. Indoor air pollution is two to five times higher than outdoor pollution. Moreover, workers today often find themselves in closed buildings with outdated HVAC systems that recirculate polluted air. Too often though ventilation is the missing piece in workplace efforts to control hazardous exposures. And yet increased ventilation and air filtration is a reasonable step employers should be taking to fulfill their general duty in health and safety law to safeguard workers.

Improved ventilation and air filtration is also a highly effective precaution, a recent and large study conducted in schools located in Italy’s central Marche region by the Hume Foundation indicated effective ventilation can reduce airborne transmission of COVID-19 by more than 80 per cent.

Recognition, assessment and control training, a first step.

Our training programs in real-time, instructor-led virtual classrooms can help you comply with requirements and boost your workplace health and safety efforts. Our three-hour Indoor Air program is designed to help workplace representatives proactively recognize, assess and make recommendations to control or better yet eliminate indoor pollution sources. Taking into account new research and developments, this program covers hazards such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone, formaldehyde, pesticides, legionella and now the virus that causes COVID-19. Relevant legislation and measures to combat these hazards now also includes those needed to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 too.

Register today for Indoor Air - Virtual training. Few seats remain for training this month!
 
WHERE: In our online, virtual classroom
WHEN: May 27, 9AM - 12PM (limited seats remaining)
COST: $75.00

Why our virtual learning environment is unique and effective?
  • Live online learning on a secure Zoom platform
  • Highly qualified instructors with considerable real-world experience
  • Small class sizes designed for maximum engagement
  • Proven class activities for assured learning.



Additional COVID-19 resources to download and share.  
Related resources from OHCOW.
 
Need more information?
Additional training: Check out all WHSC programs
Contact a WHSC training services representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: www.whsc.on.ca
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