A title slide appears introducing the session.
“Hello, and welcome to Natural Resources Canada's Scents in the Workplace Awareness session. I'm Tova Larson, a consultant with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, and NRCan has partnered with WSPS to develop this session. At Natural Resources Canada, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance, and we strive to provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees and occupants.”
Slides display workplace safety principles.
“NRCan supports the concept of the internal responsibility system, where employers and employees have joint roles and responsibilities to establish and maintain a healthy and safe workplace.”
Graphics illustrate prevention concepts.
“A plan of action to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses is an important part of an Occupational Health and Safety Program.”
Slides continue with workplace integration messaging.
“Prevention is best achieved by integrating health and safety into all aspects of business processes and practices.”
Text appears describing environmental sensitivities.
“Environmental sensitivities have become an increasing problem for many, causing adverse physical health effects from exposure to environmental agents at concentrations well below those that might affect the average person.”
Slides reference organizational trends.
“Over the past few years, NRCan has seen an increase in reports of incidents related to odors, smells, aromas, or scents and scented products, as well as challenges in managing exposure.”
A learning objective slide appears.
“The objective of this session is to bring awareness and sensitize all staff to the issue.”
A workplace commitment statement appears.
“NRCan strives to be a scent-free workplace as much as possible, and we rely on the participation of all staff in that effort.”
A morning coffee scene appears.
“Imagine this. It's early morning. The delicious inviting aroma of a hot, freshly brewed premium coffee is calling you to wake up and start your day.”
The scene shifts to a contrasting reaction.
“But for others, this aroma may not be inviting at all.”
Text emphasizes individual differences.
“Scent is very personal. What smells pleasant to one person may be annoying or offensive to others, or even lead to serious, disabling health effects in those with scent sensitivities.”
A slide introducing learning objectives appears.
“During this session, you will learn about the definitions and differences between scent and environmental sensitivities, about common symptom triggers, applicable legislation, directives and accommodations in making workplaces safer.”
A diagram of the human nose and brain appears.
“Our sense of smell is the result of specific volatile organic compounds binding to olfactory receptor proteins in the nasal passages.”
Definition slides appear sequentially.
“Smell implies the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.
Aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating and usually pleasant odor.
Scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance.
Odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent.”
A statistic appears on screen.
“Here at NRCan, 27% of respondents to an internal survey reported experiencing health issues from exposure to scents and scented products.”
A research slide appears.
“Health effects of fragrance sensitivities can be immediate, severe, and potentially disabling.”
Slides compare sensitivities.
“Scent sensitivity is adverse health effects when exposed to the ingredients or chemicals in scented products.
Environmental sensitivity is a chronic multi-system disorder lasting three months or more.”
Examples of triggers appear.
“Examples of triggers include building materials, car exhaust, paints, cleaning products, and adhesives.”
A quiz slide appears.
“True or false? Sensitive individuals always feel symptoms from exposure to scented products right away.”
The answer appears.
“This is false. Symptoms may be delayed.”
Another quiz slide appears.
“True or false? Fragrances are often made up of just a few different chemical substances.”
The answer appears.
“This is false.”
Additional quiz slides appear.
“Environmental and scent sensitivities can develop at any age in otherwise healthy people. This is true.
Scent-sensitive individuals can experience symptoms even at low levels others may not notice. This is true.
Sensitivities are not allergies. This is false.”
A list of symptoms appears.
“Symptoms can range from mild to debilitating and include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, respiratory symptoms, nausea, skin irritation, and difficulty concentrating.”
A montage of products appears.
“Many products contain scents and fragrances, including shampoos, soaps, deodorants, cleaning products, and laundry products.”
Additional visuals appear.
“Cut flowers, scented candles, whiteboard markers, and even food can also be triggers.”
A quiz slide appears.
“When you smell yourself, you experience your own odors and scents as others experience them.”
The answer appears.
“This is false.”
An explanatory scene appears.
“Our noses become habituated. A fragrance may smell faint to you but be overpowering to someone else.”
Slides explain product use.
“Scents are used by companies to differentiate products, protect intellectual property, and create positive feedback loops.”
Branding visuals appear.
“It’s common for hotel chains to have a signature scent.”
A workplace scenario appears.
“Politely bring the issue to the attention of your new manager or colleague.”
Legislation appears on screen.
“Under Section 124 of the Canada Labour Code Part II, every employer shall ensure that the health and safety at work of every person employed by the employer is protected.”
A human rights slide appears.
“The Canadian Human Rights Act recognizes environmental sensitivities as a disability.”
Accommodation strategies appear.
“Examples include developing policies, providing education, minimizing chemical use, and offering telework arrangements.”
A case study appears.
“Mark reported that flowers and fragrances worn by colleagues were making him very ill.”
Follow-up actions appear.
“Darnell arranged for telework temporarily, spoke with team members, introduced fragrance-free products, and monitored the situation.”
A summary slide appears.
“He took action immediately, respected privacy, and focused on inclusion.”
Another scenario appears.
“Blanket emails are not effective for most office problems.”
Guidance appears.
“When approaching a colleague, conversations should take place in private, be direct, be calm, and avoid blame.”
Manager guidance appears.
“Start by asking questions and listen, discreetly approach the individual, suggest unscented options, and document actions taken.”
Employee guidance appears.
“If you feel comfortable, approach them directly. If not, speak to your manager.”
Response guidance appears.
“Don’t take it personally, respond with empathy, and choose scent-free products.”
A second case study appears.
“Priya noticed migraines linked to a colleague’s deodorant.”
Resolution appears.
“The colleague switched to unscented products and confidentiality was maintained.”
A final scenario appears.
“A professor addressed a classroom situation involving scent sensitivity.”
Corrective guidance appears.
“The situation should have been handled privately with respect for confidentiality.”
A closing slide appears.
“NRCan is striving to be a scent-free workplace. We all have a role to play in keeping the air clean and safe for colleagues.”
A final information slide appears.
“For more information, contact your Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.”
Canada wordmark appears