Western Health, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association, today launched a “No Idling” Policy. The Policy is designed to protect the health and safety of our staff and clients and protect the environment in the communities in which we live and work.
“As a Health Authority, it is important to set an example on issues that negatively impact on an individual’s health”, stated Susan Gillam, Chief Executive Officer of Western Health. “Evidence has proven that emissions from idling vehicles not only needlessly destroys our environment but also negatively affects people’s quality of life. This policy change is one small step that we can take in making a positive change.”
The policy states that vehicles are not permitted to idle the engine of a gasoline or diesel fueled vehicle while parked at an entrance or air intake system of any of Western Health’s facilities. If a vehicle must be left idling for any reason, the operator must move the vehicle at least 30 meters away from an entrance or active air intake.
The human health effects of poor air quality are far reaching, but principally affect the body's respiratory system and the cardiovascular system. The elderly, people with existing respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and children are particularly vulnerable. Air pollution is linked to health concerns like: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, endocrine system effects, neurological effects, and allergies. Air pollutants typically increase the severity or frequency of common medical conditions or illnesses.
"The Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association is pleased to partner with Western Heath in the launch of their idle reduction policy. We applaud Western Health for taking this welcomed initiative and we encourage other organizations throughout the province, especially other Heath Authorities to take a lesson from this announcement today", said Paul Thomey, Executive Director with the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association.
As a society, we pay for the health effects of air pollution in many ways. Additional health care costs for the treatment of these effects may come from any of the following: hospital admissions, visits to the emergency room or doctor's office, homecare service, medication such as inhalers for asthma. Other considerations include lost productivity in the workplace, lost wages due to sick time, out of pocket expenses incurred while ill and finally, lost quality of life or life itself.
The good news is that idling is one environmental problem and health threat that is easy to fix - all it takes is the turn of a key. Anyone who drives a vehicle can be part of the solution.
In keeping with promoting a healthy environment last year, Western Health implemented a Smoke Free Environment Policy in an effort to protect individuals from the harmful effects of second hand smoke. That policy states that no smoking will occur within 50 feet of an entrance to any of Western Health’s facilities.
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For more information,
Please contact:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications,
Western Health 709-637-5252