Blog Post #1436 – Improving Indoor Air Quality – Part 1

Article from the OH&S Canada magazine – (Fall – 2022)

Written by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

According to Health Canada, people in this country spend 90 percent indoors. While not all the time is spent at work, workplaces can have a major impact on individual exposure to air contaminants.

Poor air quality can have a negative effect on employees and their ability to perform their work. What are the causes of air quality issues? Potentially many, including inadequate temperature, lack of humidity or lighting.

Indoor sources such as chemicals (including tobacco smoke and perfume) dusts, gases, vapours, and odours with a lack of fresh air from ventilation systems are other common causes of poor indoor air quality.

If a workplace is affected by contaminants in the indoor air, people generally notice their symptoms within a few hours of starting the workday and fell better after they have been away from the building. Common symptoms to look out for include dryness or irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat, headache, fatigue, hypersensitivity, allergies, and dizziness.

Efficient ventilation helps improve air quality as it reduces contaminants and can control moisture levels that may directly or indirectly result in discomfort or adverse health effects. So how do you ensure the air quality in your workplace is at optimum levels? As is the case with many work-place health and safety concerns, taking a preventative approach is recommended.

“Ventilation a critical control measure”

Family violence can be a workplace issue, and needs to be included as part of a harassment and violence policy.

Educate employees on how to recognize signs that their colleagues might be suffering at home and how to offer assistance. Also provide education to all employees on ways they can signal for help if they’re experiencing domestic violence themselves.

Keep in mind that an employee may also be the perpetrator of family violence. Having a confidential reporting mechanism is critical. Workers should be made aware of how to submit concerns on their own behalf, or if they feel an intervention may be required for a co-worker.

Training for management should also focus on ways to address and support employees in these situations.

Part #2 of 4 should be delivered over the next few days.

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at 

Ensure your workplace is a safe place.

Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal

CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.