Members urged to follow procedures as health facilities see outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness

January 27, 2017

The BC Nurses' Union is reminding members who are off work due to Norwalk illness, to start a WorkSafeBC claim for compensation as soon as possible and report their illness to their employer through the Workplace Health Call Centre

The BC Nurses' Union is reminding members who are off work due to Norwalk illness, to start a WorkSafeBC claim for compensation as soon as possible and report their illness to their employer through the Workplace Health Call Centre by calling 1-866-922-9464.

The reminder comes after reported outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness at a number of health care facilities around the province. A cardiac surgical unit at Kelowna General Hospital was recently locked down after several patients and staff recently fell ill.

While influenza and gastrointestinal illness are common this time of year, it is important members remain familiar with employer's outbreak guidelines and that they notify a manager if the guidelines aren't implemented fully. Filing PRFs and raising practice concerns are other ways members can ensure appropriate measures are being taken to limit transmission.

Members are also being asked to conduct point-of-care risk assessments before all patient interactions and to choose the highest level of personal protective equipment needed for a task. This could include fluid-resistant or surgical masks, face protection (face shields or visors attached to masks), nitrile gloves and gowns. Some circumstances may indicate the need for a N95 respirator.

To start a WorkSafeBC claim for compensation, call 1-888-967-5377. The factors for consideration are:

Was there a likely work exposure?
Is there a generalized outbreak of the disease in the workers community?
Is there a confirmed diagnosis at the workplace?
Are the symptoms consistent with that diagnosis?
Did the worker report symptoms of the contagious disease to the employer, first aid, family physician or medical clinic?
Was the worker advised not to seek medical treatment due to risk of infection?

If your claim is denied, please contact the BCNU Occupational Health and Safety department at 1-800-433-2268 and ask to speak to a WorkSafeBC Intake individual to initiate an appeal.