Environmental Services Facilities will be closed for the holidays
Please note that the Environmental Services Facilities (ESF) will be closed starting December 19, 2022 until January 3, 2023. The last day of pick-ups from academic departments will be December 16. There will be no hazardous waste pick-ups during this break.
Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services
Sam has been a driving force in finding opportunities to build a stronger foundation for our Campus Security teams. His extensive experience in leading projects and teams within Compliance, Security, and Risk Management roles in the public sector will make him a valuable leader to the Campus Security team.
Updated COVID-19 Campus Rules
UBC has updated the COVID-19 Campus Rules to reflect the recent Provincial Health Orders. There are currently no province-wide restrictions at this time. All students, faculty, staff, and others must check themselves for COVID-19 symptoms prior to engaging in in-person UBC activities on UBC Premises.
New Noise Awareness course available for workers at risk of hazardous noise exposure
Designed for supervisors and workers that are at risk of hazardous noise exposure, this online, self-paced course will increase your awareness of the risk factors and associated health effects related to hazardous noise exposure, identify controls to protect against overexposure to hazardous noise levels, and introduce you to audiometric testing.
Did you Drop, Cover, and Hold on for the annual Great BC ShakeOut?
The Great BC ShakeOut is an annual province-wide earthquake drill for everyone to practice how to protect themselves and to be better prepared in the event of an earthquake. Thank you to everyone who took part in the earthquake drill and participated in the events! UBC Alert As part of ShakeOut, UBC was also testing its […]
Safety Day was a huge success
On October 4, Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHSC) Committee and Local Safety Team members across UBC gathered to network, celebrate and learn from our 16 vendor tables from our very own Campus Security and Emergency Management teams as well as sponsors and community partners.
Protect yourself from the flu
Starting October 11, 2022, Influenza (flu) vaccines will be available at community pharmacies across British Columbia. Book your flu vaccine through the provincial government’s Get Vaccinated system and locate a clinic on ImmunizeBC. For members of the UBC Community, there are pharmacies on campus where you will be able to receive your influenza vaccine.
Get Ready to ShakeOut
On October 20, 2022, practice how to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON at 10:20 a.m. during the annual Great BC ShakeOut. Tour UBC’s Earthquake Engineering Research Facility (EERF), and in the evening, attend the SAN ANDREAS movie screening complete from Natural Resources Canada Seismologist, Alison Bird. All events are free and open to the public.
Conducting the annual Confined Space Rescue Team on-site exercises
Facilities’ Energy & Water Services and Building Operations recently completed their annual Confined Space Rescue Team on-site exercises. Rescuers were presented with different scenarios that required them to take the necessary steps to recognize, evaluate and develop a rescue plan to successfully rescue an individual from a confined space.
Christian Stockman promoted to Senior Advisor in Privacy & Information Security (PrISM)
Since joining PrISM in 2017, Christian has worked on the online Privacy and Security Fundamentals training roll-out and has been a valued member of the PIA team.
Pilot project to increase compliance with UBC required training
Safety & Risk Services within VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) in collaboration with VP Human Resources (VPHR), and UBC Information Technology (UBC IT) are launching a pilot project in VPHR and VPFO to increase compliance with required training, as mandated by legislation and UBC policies.
VCH COVID-19 booster clinic is available at Life Sciences Centre
Starting September 19, 2022, a Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) COVID-19 booster clinic has opened at the UBC Life Sciences Centre. This clinic is primarily focused on immunizing those 12 years and above. You must make an appointment for a booster dose.
Register for the upcoming webinar on Chemical Inventory Management
Join us in a webinar on September 21 at 2:00 pm to learn about inventory management requirements and best practices from UBC Safety & Risk Service’s Chemical Safety Advisor, Dr. Peggy Paduraru. Click through for more information, including Zoom details.
Ready Week 2022: Increasing emergency preparedness for the new school year
As the university welcomed students back on campus for the fall term last week, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management team set up a booth and Quake Cottage, an earthquake simulator to help elevate our campus community’s resilience, emergency awareness and preparedness.
Protecting yourself from wildfire smoke
Lower Mainland continues to see poor air quality values as a result of the thick wildfire smoke in BC. Find resources about air quality health and safety awareness and the best ways to protect yourself.
Updated COVID-19 Campus Rules
UBC has updated the COVID-19 Campus Rules. As we announced in June of this year, UBC no longer requires students, faculty and staff to wear non-medical masks, but we continue to recommend that masks be worn in indoor public spaces. Students, faculty and staff who take part in academic activities in health settings on campus or outside of university campuses may still be required to wear a mask if mandated by a Public Health Order.
Are you prepared for an emergency?
Help increase the campus community’s resilience, emergency awareness and preparedness by joining us on September 6-8. Find our Emergency Preparedness booth on Imagine UBC at Main Mall on September 6, and Ride the Quake Cottage, an earthquake simulator at University Commons outside the Nest on September 7 and 8.
Wastewater monitoring for COVID-19 at UBC
For Winter Term 2 and Summer Session 2022, UBC scaled up wastewater monitoring. The testing plan includes sampling and analysis of four building-level sites on the UBC Vancouver campus with sample processing performed at BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver: Aug 17 & 18
A heat warning has been issued this week for Metro Vancouver — make plans for you and your loved ones to stay cool during the day. Daytime high temperatures of 29 to 35 degrees Celsius inland and near 27 degrees Celsius near the water. Early morning low temperatures of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Cooling centres and temporary water features are open on the UBC Vancouver campus.
Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver: July 27-Aug 1
A heat warning has been issued this week for Metro Vancouver — make plans for you and your loved ones to stay cool during the day. Cooling centres and temporary water features are open on the UBC Vancouver campus.
Steve MacGregor joins Privacy and Information Security Management (PrISM) as Manager, PIA Operations and Engagement in Safety & Risk Services
Steve will be responsible for the successful operational delivery and management of Privacy Impact Assessments and related services. He comes to us from SFU where he was instrumental in ensuring that SFU had proper controls and processes in place to meet their regulatory requirements.
Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management hosted Rapid Damage Assessment Drill
On June 16, 2022, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management held a drill for UBC staff who had completed BC Housing’s Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) and Coordination of Damage Assessment (CDA) training, in partnership with partners at BC Housing.
Shannon Boychuk promoted to Director, Insurance & Loss Prevention in Safety & Risk Services
Shannon joined Safety & Risk Services in 2020, playing a key role in minimizing the impact and risk on UBC from loss or damage to its physical assets and from third-party liability allegations. As Director, Shannon will continue to be responsible for the management of the university’s comprehensive insurance portfolio, and act as the leader and key expert with respect to insurance policies and related loss prevention programs.
Updated COVID-19 Campus Rules
UBC has recently updated the COVID-19 Campus Rules to align with the latest requirements from UBC and guidance from the Provincial Health Officer.
Vancouver will continue to see warmer than average temperatures
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Metro Vancouver for the rest of today June 27, 2022 with inland temperatures reaching 34 degrees. Given the current high temperatures, we wanted to provide some resources and information to help you stay cool and safe.
Tomisin Bolorunduro joins Privacy and Information Security Management (PrISM) as Senior Advisor, Information Security Compliance, in Safety & Risk Services.
Tomisin is a Security Compliance professional who came to us most recently from Trulioo, a tech unicorn start-up in online identity verification. Her legal background, interest in technology, and curious mind will make her a valuable asset to the PrISM team.
Self-Isolation and ending isolation for COVID-19
Information on ending isolation if you tested positive and are managing your illness at home have been posted to the Return to Campus and Contact Tracing section of our website. Self-isolation essentially means keeping away from others to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Pedestrian safety on campus
Safety practices for walking are just as important as those for riding on a bus or in a car. We have put together some simple road safety guidelines to prevent pedestrian injuries.
Driving safely on campus
Driving on UBC campuses presents some challenges with pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and vehicles of all types continuously present and moving through a small geographic area. We have put together some basic safety guidelines to ensure a safe campus, and remember, the pedestrian always has the right of way.
Sam Stephens steps into new role as Interim Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services
In his new position, Sam will be responsible for leading the Campus Security team and ensuring that we continue to provide great service to keep the campus community safe and secure.
Continuing as one VPFO under Karamjeet Heer and John Metras’ leadership
Starting June 1, Karamjeet Heer will begin serving as the Interim Vice-President, Finance, and John Metras will become the Interim Vice-President, Operations following the departure of Peter Smailes, former Vice-President, Finance & Operations.
Let’s work together to stop the spread of COVID-19
Dr. Sabrina Wong from UBC Nursing is recruiting people to participate in a study to learn whether people can correctly interpret the results of the Roche SD biosensor (SARS-CoV-2 self test nasal) using the manufacturer’s instructions.
Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
In her new role, Susan will continue to oversee the PIA process, including major projects such as the Integrated Security Program Student (IRPS) as well as the portfolio of operational PIAs and advisory services.
Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
In his new role, Norman will help lead continuity planning for the Vancouver Point Grey campus. Working with academic units, he will assist in the roll-out of our Continuity Planning Framework and the creation of Continuity Plans for faculties using a risk-based approach.
Sam Stephens joins Safety & Risk Services as the new Director, Special Projects
Sam has a diverse background, with extensive experience leading projects and teams within Compliance, Security and Risk Management roles for organizations in the public sector.
Srinath Srinivasan joins Safety & Risk Services as Lead Advisor, Information Security Compliance in PrISM
Srinath is a Cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience in a diverse range of industries and sectors, including transportation, health, finance, and technology in both private and public sector organizations. Prior to joining UBC, Srinath was an IT Security Analyst running both the operational and risk shop for BC Transit.
UBC is transitioning from COVID-19 Safety Plans to a Communicable Disease Prevention Framework
As of May 1, 2022, UBC is transitioning from COVID-19 Safety Plans to a Communicable Disease Prevention Framework in alignment with the BC Centre for Disease Control, WorkSafeBC, and Public Health Guidance for Post-Secondary Institutions. This means the university will replace the seven institutional plans, with a Communicable Disease Prevention Framework to cover all UBC activities.
UBC Flags lowered for National Day of Mourning
Flags on both UBC campuses are to be lowered in recognition of the National Day of Mourning, to remember lives lost in the workplace and resolve to prevent future tragedies.
Emergency Preparedness Week is May 1-7, 2022
Join us during Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) to increase our community’s resilience by learning about emergency preparedness. EP Week is a national event supported by Public Safety Canada. Preparing for an emergency does not need to be difficult. Start by getting informed on the risks in your community, make a plan, and then […]
Updated COVID-19 Campus Rules
UBC has recently updated the COVID-19 Campus Rules to align with the latest requirements from UBC and guidance from the Provincial Health Officer.
Masks required in UBC public indoor spaces until June 30
As there are now signs of further Omicron variants and increased case numbers, experts have indicated that BC is about to enter into a sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of these factors, UBC has made the decision to maintain the requirement to wear masks until June 30, 2022.
Building Safety Capacity through Workplace Inspections
Workplace inspections are a vital component in our efforts to ensure a safe workplace and help prevent incidents, injuries, and illnesses at UBC. Some inspections are conducted by specially trained individuals, while general inspections are typically conducted by members of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees and/or Local Safety Teams.
Reporting COVID-19 test results through the online COVID Positive Test Result Reporting Form is no longer required.
Public Health make regular updates to their recommendations about contact tracing based on current infection rates, and information gathered about the spread of COVID-19 variants, such as Omicron and Delta. If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, visit BCCDC’s COVID-19 Treatments webpage to see if you may benefit from COVID-19 treatment.
Eve Neesham-Grenon joins the Research Compliance & Occupational Hygiene team as Biological & Radiation Safety Associate
Research Compliance & Occupational Hygiene with Occupational Health & Safety welcomes Eve Neesham-Grenon to the team as the Safety Associate focused primarily on the Biological & Radiation Safety Programs. Eve brings a fantastic mix of laboratory and hygiene experience to her new role and we are thrilled to have her move into the position.
Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine within Occupational Health & Safety
In his new role as Senior Advisor, Nick will lead a team to continue to develop, promote and implement the occupational health and safety program for the Faculty of Medicine.
Liz Cockfield joins Safety & Risk Services as Project Coordinator in PrISM
Liz Cockfield is the new Project Coordinator, joining Privacy and Information Security Management (PrISM), and will be leading projects across the PrISM team.
Maintaining masks in UBC public indoor spaces
The latest Public Health Order indicate that while face coverings will be optional for people in all indoor public settings, individual organizations can choose to continue to require mask wearing on their premises. As such, UBC will continue with the current approach, requiring masks to be worn in public indoor spaces on both campuses, until the end of the 2021/22 Winter Session on April 30, 2022.
UBC Annual Screening Mammography Clinic on April 5, 2022
The Screening Mammography Program (SMP) Mobile Services will once again be visiting the UBC Point Grey Campus on April 5, 2022. BC women ages 40 and up with a primary care provider (doctor, nurse practitioner or naturopath) can book a screening mammogram directly through the program without a doctor’s referral.
Updated UBC Campus Rules and COVID-19 Safety Plans
Safety & Risk Services has updated the UBC Campus Rules and COVID-19 Safety Plans to reflect the recent Provincial Health Orders.
COVID-19 Waste water monitoring at UBC
Wastewater monitoring for COVID-19 involves testing for presence of the fragments of the virus (called SARS-CoV-2 RNA gene fragments) that are shed by both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals in wastewater. For Winter Term 2, UBC is scaling up wastewater monitoring to include more of the UBC Vancouver campus community and student residences.
Changes to UBC’s COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program
As of March 1, 2022, UBC’s required COVID-19 Mandatory Rapid Testing Program has concluded. Proof of vaccination declarations are only required for the purposes of compliance with Provincial Health Orders.
Protecting your eyes in the workplace
According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, over 700 Canadian workers sustain eye injuries resulting in lost time and/or temporary or permanent vision loss every day. Simply using the proper eye protection on the job could prevent 90% of these eye injuries from occurring.
Lori Takenaka promoted to Safety Advisor, Facilities within Occupational Health & Safety
In her new role as Safety Advisor, Lori will lead a team of health and safety specialists and will continue to support UBC Facilities in the development and implementation of their health and safety programs.
Teela Narsih promoted to Advisor, Safety Program Management & Systems within Occupational Health & Safety
Teela began her career at UBC in 2015 where she has been an Occupational and Research Safety Associate with a focus on the development and implementation of the university’s safety program. Over the last 6 years, she has been instrumental in redesigning and updating SRS’ safety training.
UBC strongly recommends the use of medical masks as a face covering when possible
UBC will be providing a supply of medical grade masks to all students, faculty, and staff starting February 7th. A supply will be provided to Faculties and Departments. Additionally, UBC representatives on campus will be handing out packages of medical grade masks. You can recognize these representatives by their colourful vests.
UBC will be providing Rapid Antigen Test kits for symptomatic students, faculty and staff
In an effort to support the continuity of on-campus learning, instruction and research, UBC will be providing Rapid Antigen Test kits for symptomatic students, faculty and staff with the presentation of a UBC identification card, beginning the week of February 7th.
Updated COVID-19 Campus Rules
UBC has recently updated the COVID-19 Campus Rules to align with the latest guidance from the Provincial Health Officer.
Health & Safety: Understanding the risk of fatigue at work
Fatigue in the workplace has been recognized as a major cause of accidents. In fact, an Australian study found that after being awake for 17 hours straight, a person’s reaction times can be just as impaired as someone with a blood alcohol content of 0.05 percent.
Updated information on COVID-19
Safety & Risk Services has updated the COVID-19 information to reflect the recent guidance and direction around continuity planning, contact tracing, and mask recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), and WorkSafeBC.