By Bryan Joly

The Training Department is happy to announce 200 guards have been successfully trained in Managing of Resistant Behavior. Managing of Resistant Behavior covers nonviolent de-escalation techniques in a safe and productive way. The goal is to have all guards well versed in de-escalating stressful situations through talking. Guards learn about what it feels like to be in a crisis, the different stages of a crisis, and how to handle each stage. Guards also learn difference between a threat and venting. This training consists of lectures, role playing activities, case studies, observing recorded videos, and classroom discussions. RES CIC is very proud to have this as an integral part of its Use of Force training and part of our division’s culture.

“200 guards have been successfully trained in Managing of Resistant Behaviour.”


By Rachel Raposo, Service Delivery Manager

Andrew joined the team in September 2020. He brings 16 years of security background to ASP. During his time with ASP, he always goes above and beyond. Whether it’s supporting the operation or providing office support, Andrew is eager to support his team in any way he can. Andrew consistently shows his dedication and work ethic. Recently Andrew took on a more administrative support role, and that is when we got to see him as a swiss army knife. He adapted, learned, and gained new skills. Andrew is a staple to the ASP team, and we are happy to have him on our team.

Get to Know Andrew

  1. What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far? Everyday you will learn something new. And be accountable.
  2. If you were a wrestler what would be your entrance theme song? Bad Boyz theme song
  3. What is a fun fact about you many people may not know? I am terrified of heights

By Asad Abbas, RES/CIC Operations Manager

At the end of every term, the top 3 in each category will receive an excellence pin to wear on their lanyard along with a prize (gift card of their choice). 1st place winner from each category will be awarded a $100 gift card, 2nd place winner will be awarded a $50 gift card and 3rd place winner will be awarded a $25 gift card. A Grand Prize will be awarded at the end of the year to who has the most stars overall from all 3 terms

Crossing Guards are a very important part of the ASP family. At the end of the last year, the City of Toronto asked ASP to stop providing CG services because of schools’ closure. This closure of Crossing Guard Services remained in effect till 15th February 2021. This was definitely a difficult time for all of us. We resumed crossing guard services on 16th February 2021.

It is very important for us to use every opportunity to recognize our crossing guards. Therefore, we have created the STAR program. The STAR Program is created to improve crossing guard morale and engagement, by providing on the spot recognition to those who are “caught” going above and beyond. The program is designed around 4 categories: Following Proper Procedures, Customer Care, Attendance and Public Appreciation that directly impact the overall customer experience and Crossing Guard efficiency & effectiveness.

Each Crossing Guard with an active crosswalk will receive an ASP Lanyard with the Star Program tracking card attached. Delivery will be via site visits from our Mobile Supervisors. Whenever a guard is observed going above & beyond, they will be issued a color-coded sticker to attach to their card. Stars will be awarded on the spot daily by Managers, Supervisors, and on receipt of Public, City and Other Crossing Guard’s positive feedback. The guards with the most stars in each of the categories at the end of every term will be rewarded with gift cards of their choice. With recent COVID-19 shutdowns, our Crossing Guard services are currently on hold. We look forward to welcoming back our guards in the fall.

ASP Lanyard
with STAR Program
Tracking card


By Sean Gallagher, HR Recruitment Manager

The recruitment team appreciates the effort from everyone throughout the A.S.P. Incorporated organization who have been trying to refer qualified candidates to our growing company. For 2020, we received over 60 referrals from current employees and 40 referral bonuses have already paid out. The additional bonuses will be paid when the referred employees complete their 3 months of probation.

We are asked questions about how to refer candidates and what we are looking for. We are always looking for referrals. Here’s what you should know:

1. How do I refer a friend for a position with A.S.P. Incorporated?

A: There are a few different ways you can do this, the first being giving them the “refer a friend” cards that are available from any ASP recruiter and writing your name on the back. The second choice is to ask your referral to forward their resume to recruitment@security-asp.com. Please make sure they put your name on the e-mail or you can send their resume to us. The last one is to have your referral visit www.security-asp.com where they can click on “current opportunities” and apply for any position they feel they are qualified for and they can add your name under “How Did You Hear About This Position?”.

2. I have referred someone, and they were hired, when and how do I receive my referral bonus?

A: Good question! If your referral was hired, they now have to attend training and work with us for 90 days consecutively. As soon as your referral hits their 90 days, Sean Gallagher, the Recruitment Manager, gets a notice and informs Accounting as to pay it out. You would then receive the bonus on your next paystub.

3. My referral wasn’t interviewed or selected; did I do something wrong in the process?

We receive hundreds of referrals over the year which is amazing, but a good number that don’t qualify for the positions they apply for. Don’t get me wrong, we do offer other positions if we feel they are a fit them but sometimes it doesn’t work out.

I would suggest this rule of thumb:

Crossing Guard:

  • Outgoing personality!
  • Ability to travel throughout North York and/or Etobicoke
  • Availability for Monday-Friday 7am- 4pm weekly.

Access Control or TTC Screeners:

  • Customer service experience
  • Entry level security experience (valid Security license)
  • 3-4 days of open availability
  • Ability to work consistently overnights preferred

Specialists/Supervisors:

We get a lot of interest in these positions, they require:

  • 2-5 years of Tactical Security experience
  • Supervisory background/experience
  • Ability to work 12-hour shifts

We appreciate and review all referrals brought forward by our employees, and we try our best to find a fit in our company that matches each level of experience.

We encourage those who aren’t selected to try again in 6 months, and we will definitely re-evaluate at that time. Simply have them re-apply and have them add your name again.

NOTE: If you are looking for a Supervisor position because it is labeled as a NOC B job, Specialists and Mobile positions have Supervisory tasks and duties so they would qualify


We remember

workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job.

We commit

to protecting workers and preventing further workplace tragedies.

Marked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy.

#DayOfMourning

Observance

The National Day of Mourning is not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.

How to support

Traditionally on April 28th the Canadian flag has flown at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal government buildings. Employers and workers have observed Day of Mourning in a variety of ways over the years. Some have lit candles, laid wreaths, worn commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands, and paused for a moment of silence.

In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we encourage organizations, communities, and individuals to consider holding or supporting a virtual event, or simply pause at 11:00 am on April 28 for a moment of silence. These acts of remembrance help to honour the lives lost or injured due to workplace tragedy, while also acknowledging the sacrifices of frontline and essential workers who have died or become ill serving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employers and individuals can also show their support and commitment to a safe workplace by promoting the social media cards and messages provided by CCOHS at the bottom of this page. By sharing these messages, you are reminding more people to put health and safety at the forefront of their work and helping to prevent further work-related injuries and loss of life.

Beyond the statistics

The most recent statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) tell us that in 2019, 925 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada. 882 were male workers, and 43 were female workers. Among these deaths were 29 young workers aged 15-24.

Add to these fatalities the 271,806 accepted claims (an increase from 264,438 the previous year) for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 33,615 from workers aged 15-24, and the fact that these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards, there is no doubt that the total number of workers impacted is even greater.

And it’s not just these numbers on which we need to reflect. With each worker tragedy there are loved ones, family members, friends and co-workers who are directly affected, left behind, and deeply impacted – their lives also forever changed.

History

In 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act making April 28 an official Day of Mourning. Today the Day of Mourning has since spread to more than 100 countries around the world and is recognized as Workers’ Memorial Day, and as International Workers’ Memorial Day by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

It is the hope of CCOHS that the annual observance of this day will help strengthen the resolve to establish safe and healthy conditions in the workplace, and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths. As much as this is a day to remember the dead, it is also a call to protect the living and make work a place where people can thrive.

Source: Fatalities, by Age and Jurisdiction 2019, Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), National Work Injury/Disease Statistics Program (NWISP)

Source: Lost Time Claims, by Age and Jurisdiction, 2019, Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), National Work Injury/Disease Statistics Program (NWISP)

For further statistical information visit the AWCBC National Work Injuries Statistics Program.


Submitted by Petra Nash, Executive Assistant


Submitted by Petra Nash, Executive Assistant


Courtesy of LifeWorks Wellbeing Experts

Many places around the world are looking to lift or partially lift pandemic restrictions.

As businesses start to reopen and people return to the workplace, COVID-19 will not have gone away. While some people may happily and easily try to get “back to normal”, it is understandable that some will have concerns and feelings of apprehension. There are things you can do help manage your fears as post-pandemic life begins.

Stay Informed

Stick to the facts communicated by public health agencies, medical professionals and lawmakers. Always go to reliable sources for your information, such as the World Health Organization, or the Public Health Agency of Canada, as well as your government and local health authority websites. Understanding the facts—even if they are a bit scary—is better than letting anxieties grow due to the lack of knowledge.

Put It in Perspective

Understand what is happening and how it relates to your situation. Just because restrictions are being lifted, your organization may choose to delay the reopening of your workplace. If parks or other public spaces in your area are open again, it does not mean you have to go. Easing restrictions may be happening to help certain sectors and may have no direct impact on your day-to-day life during the pandemic.

Stay Cautious

It is OK to err on the side of caution. You may be dealing with challenges and feelings that you do not understand. It is still important to follow the prevention tips recommended by your local heath authority, such as maintaining physical distancing and stringent hand washing. For more suggestions of how to protect yourself, read our article on Tips to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Ask for Help

If you are having trouble managing your anxiety, ask for help. This could range from asking someone to run errands for you if you are not comfortable going into busy places, to talking to a friend to get their perspective, to seeking professional help from a mental health professional or a counsellor at your assistance program if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Do’s and Don’ts as Restrictions Are Lifted

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Continue to follow guidelines from authorities about using public spaces and following prevention guidelines.
  • Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces in your work area, including keyboards, phones, handrails and doorknobs.
  • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. You may also want to consider telemedicine or digital healthcare options available so that you can remain at home while seeking medical care.
  • Know what to expect of yourself. You may experience a variety of emotions. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust is a healthy way to process this evolving situation.
  • Continue to take care of yourself. Eat well, get plenty of rest and exercise, and remain digitally connected with those closest to you.

By Debbie Ciccotelli, Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives

Are you feeling as overwhelmed as I am as the COVID-19 pandemic infection rate continues to rise?  Feeling overwhelmed is normal when there is so much disruption to our lives.

We have had enough negativity in 2020 to last a lifetime. I am exhausted by the gloom and doom and disheartened by what is currently happening in our community and world around us.

I believe that it is important to talk about our experience and the reality of what we are going through, so I thought I would share some personal experiences which COVID has had on me and my family.

I lost a cousin to COVID in April this year – he died in hospital alone and only his wife and mother attended his funeral.  I have a young niece who has both Parkinson’s and Addison’s disease, which has resulted in a severely compromised immune system, confining her to her home.  My daughter is an essential worker and is suffering anxiety from fear of bringing COVID home, as well as for having made the choice to send her 2 children to school.  I personally am in the vulnerable age sector and have been working and locked down in my home since March. I have not been able to see my children or grandchildren, whom I love dearly and miss more than can be imagined.  My 5-year-old granddaughter is in JK and due to minor cold or flu symptoms has been required to go through COVID testing three times already. Five days prior to finishing this article, my father passed away at home and we made the decision not to have a funeral service and to wait to hold a Celebration of Life when it is safe to do so – it is the right decision but somehow it seems wrong.   

Many of you are experiencing similar, if not more difficult, challenges.  In these troublesome times, it is important to think beyond ourselves and consider what others are facing.  How you respond to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic can depend on your background, your social support from family or friends, your financial situation, your health and emotional background, the community you live in, and many other factors.

I am generally a very positive person and I have tried very hard not to let the impact of the pandemic get me down, but like many people there are times when I struggle to cope, which is a normal reaction.  During these periods, receiving support and care from others has had a powerful effect on helping me cope with challenges. Spending telephone or virtual time talking through concerns, thoughts and feelings with supportive family and friends gives me a sense of comfort and stability.

Our world has not faced anything like this in over a century. It’s big. It’s ok, and even appropriate, to not be ok.  Allow yourself to feel the reality of what you’re going through. Reach out, if it would help to talk to someone (it probably would). You don’t have to present a brave face to the world, if you’re having a tough time – If negative emotions threaten to overwhelm, find a counseling professional who works with people virtually or by phone, such as ASP’s Employee Assistance Program (LifeWorks).

Connecting on a personal level, extending compassion and assuming positive intent from others may make all the difference for someone who is really hurting, either visibly or below the surface.  It is important to understand the power we each have to connect and lift each other up, especially during the holiday season when we cannot be with the people we care about the most.  These small interactions can make a massive impact on others.

If you want to be a respectful co-worker during this challenging time, show your peers you care by taking time to understand their world, stay in touch, and find ways to offer support. If we do, we may just come out of the other side of this health crises closer and more connected to each other.  But if you’re really struggling as you watch it all unfold, feeling fear as this thing marches closer, or mourning your own real losses, that’s a normal reaction too.   It’s better for our mental health to see this time as a collective challenge – one that is extremely difficult but remember: We’re all in this together

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
– Maya Angelou

With a vaccine arrival and the end of this horrible pandemic on the horizon, we will get through this and regardless of how people remember their own circumstances, I am convinced that they will have long-lasting memories of how others treated them.


By Laurel Woodhouse, Health and Safety Manager

What’s the Danger?

When you’re cold, blood vessels in your skin, arms and legs constrict, decreasing the blood flow to your arms and legs.  This helps your critical organs stay warm, but you risk frostbite in your extremities.

Cold-related illness and injuries can cause permanent tissue damage or death.  The toe, fingers, ears and nose are at the greatest risk because they do not have major muscles to produce heat.

Controls

Adjust the pace or rate of work – not too low that a person becomes cold, nor too high and cause heavy sweating or wet clothing.

Allow time for new workers to become accustomed to the conditions.

Make sure that protective clothing is worn at or below 4°C. including layers of warm clothing, with an outer layer that is wind-resistant, a hat, mittens or insulated gloves, scarf, neck tube or face mask and insulated waterproof footwear.

Frostbite

Occurs when tissue temperature falls below the freezing point or when blood flow is obstructed; symptoms include inflammation of the skin in patches and slight pain.  In severe cases, there could be tissue damage without pain or burning or prickling sensations that result in blisters.

Treatment

  • Get medical aid.
  • Warm the area with body heat—do not rub.
  • Don’t thaw hands and feet unless medical aid is far away and there’s no chance of refreezing. It’s best to thaw body parts at a hospital.

Hypothermia

Is the most severe cold injury. The excessive loss of body heat can be fatal.  

Moderate symptoms • Shivering • Blue lips and fingers • Slow breathing and heart rate • Disorientation and confusion • Poor coordination

Severe symptoms • Unconsciousness • Heart slowdown to the point where pulse is irregular or hard to find • No shivering • No detectable breathing. Although these symptoms resemble death, always assume the person is alive.

Treatment

  • Hypothermia can kill—get medical aid immediately.
  • Carefully move the person to a shelter. Sudden movement can upset heart rhythm.
  • Keep the person awake. Remove any wet clothing and wrap them in warm covers.
  • Move workers to a heated shelter and seek medical advice.

Identify Controls

  1. Survey and monitor the temperature
  2. Train managers, supervisor and workers on symptoms, safe work practices, rewarming procedures, proper clothing practices, and what to do in case of cold injury.
  3. Use buddy system to watch for symptoms in others.
  4. Wear several layers of clothing rather than one thick layer to capture air as an insulator.
  5. Wear synthetic fabrics next to the skin to “wick” away sweat.  
  6. If conditions require, wear a waterproof or wind-resistant outer layer.
  7. Wear warm gloves, hats, and hoods. You may also need a balaclava.
  8. Tight-fitting footwear restricts blood flow. You should be able to wear either one thick or two thin pairs of socks.
  9. If your clothing gets wet at 2°C or less, change into dry clothes immediately and get checked for hypothermia.
  10. If you get hot while working, open your jacket but keep your hat and gloves on.
  11. Take warm, high-calorie drinks and food.