The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) of Ontario in conjunction with the Workers Compensation Board has launched an aggressive safety campaign highlighting the need for vigilance.

The province wide campaign aims to keep those working in the service industry alert to the potential dangers of student revelry. The program also hopes to keep students who imbibe safe as well.

As of May 1, 2006 students will notice changes when out partying, including having a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) attached to all beverages. For instance, a bottle of beer will now have an MSDS label on it as well. The same goes for liquor, wine and anything that could possibly be consumed. When it comes to draught beer, servings of wine and mixed drinks, glasses will have to contain a sticker appropriate to the beverage being consumed.

At Fanshawe, the Occupational Health and Safety Committee has taken the lead on initiating the safety plan. It's an issue that's been on the front burner for the committee since a college employee sprained their foot a month ago tripping over a drunken student in the hallway. There has been some dispute as to the actual events of the injury, as some claim the employee was actually kicking the student and muttering something about giving them a “quality education” before hurting their foot.

“The employee has been off work since the incident and has since filed a WSIB claim,” said committee member Cecil Nottus. “We certainly want to be proactive in eliminating this potential workplace hazard and are developing a plan that suits our situation. Unfortunately accidents happen but we are trying our best.”

Part of the plan is to have as many college walls painted with a warning sign depicting a student crossing on hands and knees with the words “drunken students crossing” underneath. The committee is also targeting the campus residences, as well as most exit doors to the college, as high priority areas.

“We want to take the lead. We want to set the example, not be the example,” said Nottus. “We want to reduce workplace injuries and reduce the number of students having to miss class due to unfortunate circumstances.”

Nottus confirmed that he is currently working on a modified work program plan for employees who may be injured in the future. The plan he says includes “having the injured person dress up in a dog suit and woofing at passersby and saying, ‘Do you spot the safety hazard?'”

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