Health Risk to College Community Procedure

Mohawk College is committed to responding effectively to extraordinary situations involving health risks that could potentially have adverse effects on the Mohawk College community. This procedure outlines an approved approach for responding to risks or potential risks associated with Public Health regulated reportable communicable disease to prevent the spread of communicable diseases to others.

On this page

  1. Application and Scope
  2. Definitions
  3. Procedures for Confirmed or Suspected Cases of Communicable Disease
  4. Health Risks External to the College
  5. Health Risks Related to College Partners
  6. Student Participation in Clinical and Field Placements
  7. Communication
  8. Confidentiality and Record Keeping
  9. Attachments
  10. Specific Links

1. Application and Scope

This procedure applies to reportable communicable diseases. In the event of a pandemic, the college would defer to the Pandemic Plan.  In consultation and partnership with Public Health, the following procedure applies to all Mohawk College campuses. 

2. Definitions

“Communicable Disease” refers to an illness affecting humans that is caused by an organism or microorganism and is transmitted directly or indirectly from an infected person, an animal or the environment to a susceptible person.

“Direct Contact Transmission” occurs when pathogens are transferred directly from an infected person.

“Indirect Contact Transmission” involves the transfer of pathogens from a contaminated intermediate source (ex. Door handle, table surface, and object), contaminated instruments or hands.

“Reportable Communicable Diseases” are communicable diseases that are defined by the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 559/91 as reportable. Under the Act, the college is required to contact the Medical Office of Health at Public Health Services any suspected cases of reportable diseases involving staff and students. This list is available at Public Health Services "Reportable Diseases Intake."

 

3. Procedures for Confirmed or Suspected Cases of Communicable Disease

3.1 In all circumstances of potential cases of communicable disease or suspected case of a communicable disease, the Director Campus Wellness (or designate) will receive direction from Public Health and will share the information with the Dean of Students and Director Health Safety and Wellness. The college will comply with any precautions and/or procedures that are specified below: 

  • The employee or student will be directed to immediately seek medical attention from their family doctor Health and Wellness Centre at the Fennell campus or community medical clinic as appropriate. 
  • The employee or student must remain off-campus until either a doctor’s note is obtained indicating that the individual is free of communicable disease and/or is non-transmissible or they have met the conditions provided in guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). 
  • Employees must report their absence in accordance with departmental procedures to handle absence tracking and Human Resource procedures.
  • Students will provide a doctor’s note to the Student Wellness Documentation Portal (insert link).  The Director Campus Wellness will inform other parties as appropriate.

3.2 In a situation where an employee, student or member of the campus community presents with a suspected or known communicable disease, the Director Campus Wellness will connect with Public Health for Guidance.  In situations involving employees, the Director Campus Wellness will inform the Director Health, Safety and Wellness. 

3.3 In situations where a communicable disease case is confirmed, Public Health will contact the College. Public Health will be directed to the Director Campus Wellness (or designate) who will receive direction on appropriate next steps. Where the confirmed case involves an employee, the Director Campus Wellness (or designate) will act as an intermediary receiving the health information and communicating with the Director, Health, Safety, and Wellness (or designate) as required.

3.4 Where an employee or student becomes aware  that another member of the college community is or may be infected with a communicable disease they must report it to the Director Campus Wellness as soon as possible in accordance with the Health Protection and Promotion Act of Ontario. 

4. Health Risks External to the College

For threats that originate from or extend to the community external to the college, the Director Campus Wellness (or designate) will receive direction from Public Health and facilitate information for the college and comply with any precautions and/or procedures that are specified. If the health risk involves an employee, the Director Campus Wellness (or designate) will act as an intermediary receiving the health information and communicating with the Director Health, Safety and Wellness as required.

The Director of the McMaster Student Wellness Centre (or designate) and the Director of Campus Wellness (or designate) will communicate any reportable communicable diseases related to the IAHS campus.

5. Health Risks Related to College Partners

College partners include but are not limited to McMaster University, Trios College, Six Nations Polytechnic, Mohawk College Residence, and College Access Program Sites.  Threats originating from or extending to partner sites are to be communicated with/by the Director Campus Wellness (or designate).  The Director Campus Wellness will ensure Public Health is consulted and that Mohawk College is in compliance with any recommended course of action. The college will make all efforts to ensure that partners are in compliance with public health recommendations with respect to any activities involving college students or staff.

6. Student Participation in Clinical and Field Placements

Students enrolled in specific programs or courses may participate in care of patients with communicable diseases as a part of fulfilling academic requirements. The college and partnering institutions are responsible for ensuring that students are appropriately screened and instructed in infection control as it relates to communicable diseases. 

7. Communication 

Depending on the severity of the risk to the college community, the College’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP) may be activated to develop a college response and recovery plan. The college will follow the lead of Public Health and will give students and employees information as appropriate.

8. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

All information will be held according to PHIPA guidelines up to the limits as directed by Public Health as it related to infections diseases. Documentation will be held in the Health and Wellness Centre Administration drive. Documentation will be held in accordance with data record keeping.

7. Attachments

8. Specific Links

Attachment 1 - Contact Information

Public Health Services

905-546-2063

Fax: 905-546-4078

Health and Wellness Centre (notify this will be to the attention of the Director)

hwc [at] mohawkcollege.ca (hwc[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)

905-575-2211

Security Services for evenings, weekends and holiday

905-575-2003