PFAS Regs, Vax Mandates Top of Mind at Canadian Town Hall

TRSA continued its series of regional town hall meetings with a gathering of Canadian operators and supplier partners on Oct. 12. Nearly 30 linen, uniform and facility services executives attended the 90-minute virtual town hall to discuss issues impacting the industry north of the border.

TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci kicked off the meeting with an update on the latest association news, including a rundown of upcoming opportunities to connect with other industry leaders in person, such as the 108th Annual Conference, scheduled for Oct. 19-21 in Carlsbad, CA. The event will have a virtual component for those unable to make it to the conference in person. Ricci also gave a rundown of the latest TRSA Reopening Tour stop in California. Click here for details.

Following Ricci’s presentation, TRSA’s Vice President of Government Relations Kevin Schwalb took over the discussion to talk about government relations issues impacting the industry. Of particular concern to the Canadian operators on the call were the following topics:

• COVID-19 vaccine mandates for Canadian employers. For comparison to their U.S. counterparts, Schwalb detailed an expected emergency temporary standard from the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Click here for details.
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulations. Schwalb provided a recap of a recent meeting that he held with an association representing publicly owned treatment works (POTWs).
• The push for healthcare providers to stockpile reusable garments. TRSA is promoting a policy of healthcare providers maintaining a 50% operating supply of reusable garments and personal protective equipment (PPE). The goal is to ensure a reliable supply of PPE in case of an emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the Canadian Town Hall, TRSA recently hosted town hall meetings for both Midwest and South/Southeast regional operators. Click here for a recap of those meetings.