Inside the Circle – October 3 , 2023

Don’t forget to download the ‘Beyond Silence’ app! This is a free and confidential mental health support program to our PSWs and Homemakers. Through the app, you can access resources to support your mental well-being, and you are able to speak with a trained Peer Support Provider. Please note: our IT department is in the process of downloading the app to your Circle of Care Mobile Phones. In the meantime, you can download and access the app on your personal mobile device.

Scan the QR code with your personal device to download the app:

ACCESS CODE: CCYP527J8

For more information about the program, please visit:https://psw.circleofcare.com/index.php/health-safety/wellness-at-work/

Slip, trip, and fall hazards are considered ‘high-risk’ hazards for our PSWs and Homemakers due to various factors such as slippery surfaces (client bathrooms, kitchen floors), seasonal environmental conditions (extreme snow, ice, rain), and increased time spent walking in the community.

Our Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) has developed an e-learning module focused on increasing awareness of slip, trip and fall hazards and on how to ensure these hazards are controlled or minimized.

We would ask that all employees complete this mandatory e-learning module by November 1, 2023. You have all been enrolled in the Dayforce e-learning and have access to the module. All employees that complete the mandatory e-learning will receive 30 minutes of paid training time (which will be paid out in November).
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to access e-learning: https://psw.circleofcare.com/index.php/2022/10/18/dayforce-learning/?highlight=dayfor
To learn more about slips, trips and falls prevention at Circle of Care, please review our Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention Program: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_MLwRIf4P-sWgOgU5OGZxcjPhOwshcX3/view

Falls occur from being too far off your centre of balance, resulting in a descent to the floor, into or against an object, or to a surface at a lower level than the original surface. Common causes of falls include:
• weak muscles
• poor balance
• medication that makes you drowsy
• dizziness
• foot problems

To prevent falls, the following is recommended:
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
• Do not rush, and stay focused on the task at hand
• Follow Circle of Care’s footwear policy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wWTHLs_4Yw0gNhalfXT8F9UBm9V4pQw7/view

We will be hosting 30 minute education sessions through Zoom focused on slip, trip and fall awareness, and invite you to attend one of the upcoming sessions:

Friday, October 6th @ 2:00pm

Meeting ID: 458 679 4619

Passcode: 4211

Tuesday, October 10th @ 11:00 am

Meeting ID: 458 679 4619

Passcode: 4211

You are reminded of the importance of reducing your risk of getting COVID-19. You should continue to follow these safety and infection control measures:

• Practice regular and frequent hand hygiene
• Make sure that you are feeling well, and have no COVID-19 symptoms before starting your shift
• Stay home from work if you are not feeling well
• If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay home for 24-48 hours and take a rapid antigen test
• Wear a mask when you visit all your clients
• Pay attention to how your clients are feeling. If your clients have symptoms, report this to your CSS, and don additional PPE (gloves, eye protection and isolation gown)

Report all workplace injuries, incidents and hazards. If you are injured while working, please make sure to report this to the Call Centre, your Service Coordinator or your CSS. All employees are encouraged to review our resources related to incident reporting:

Policy review: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZbmZVBSODaUHpcczdF0Tlsrv4eNhZ10h/view

WSIB Incase of Injury at work poster:

https://www.wsib.ca/sites/default/files/2020-09/0082c_0218_1234poster_engv2.pdf

Congratulations to the following employees who are celebrating milestone years of service! Watch the video below:

Welcome to our newest Circle of Care PSWs and Homemakers:

• Muthukumar Thangaraj
• Clyde Solon
• Bibi Alaheem
• Liezel Perjes
• Kevin Rostum Valdepenas
• Josephine Okewu
• Sharib Joseph
• Noel Casido
• Saira Kanwal
• Ziya Patel
• Simranjeet Kaur
• Tessy Akpovwovwo

I compared my vacation pay from 2021 and I noticed that every year I’m getting less and less. Can you explain how the vacation pay is calculated and why I’m getting less now than I was then?

Your vacation pay is based on your total earnings. The PSW accrual starts Aug 14 of one year to Aug 14 of the following year. Vacation pay is a percentage based on the number of years you have worked. The amount starts at 4% and goes to 12% depending on the number of years of seniority you have. If you would like further clarification about your specific situation, please email Payroll directly at payroll@circleofcare.com.

If we are wearing our Circle of Care uniform, do we still need to wear our ID badge?

Thank you for your question! Yes, you are required to wear your Circle of Care ID badge throughout your visit, whether or not you are wearing a Circle of Care uniform.

I have been working at Circle of Care since October 2019. How many vacation days do I have?

We encourage you to review the Collective Agreement, which outlines how much vacation time employees receive based on seniority.

As per Section 19.01:  All employees shall be entitled to vacation time and vacation pay based on length of continued service calculated as of the 1st day of September each year members will be notified as to their change in entitlement for vacation. An employee who on that date has served with the Employer as shown below shall receive the following vacation benefits:

(a) an employee with one (1) or more years but less than three (3) years shall receive two (2) weeks vacation with vacation pay equal to four percent (4%);

(b) an employee with three (3) or more years but less than eight (8) years shall receive three (3) weeks vacation with vacation pay equal to six percent (6%); and

(c) employees with eight (8) or more years but less than fifteen (15) years shall receive four (4) weeks vacation with vacation pay equal to eight percent (8%);

(d) employees with fifteen (15) or more years but less than twenty-five (25) years shall receive five (5) weeks vacation with vacation pay equal to ten percent (10%).