UBC boosts faculty and staff emergency preparedness
On June 13, over 100 UBC faculty and staff came together to learn about earthquake and emergency preparedness. Attendees were equipped with practical tools to prepare for an emergency, thanks to expert advice and engaging stories from disaster specialist Jackie Kloosterboer.
Audrey Chow joins as Insurance Analyst in Insurance & Loss Prevention
Welcome Audrey Chow as our new Insurance Claims & Loss Prevention Analyst with Insurance & Loss Prevention. We’re looking forward to getting to know Audrey better and working together. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!
Do you know the signs and symptoms of heat stress?
Get ready for rising temperatures, and learn how to identify signs and symptoms, the risks related to heat-related illnesses and how to protect yourself by completing the Heat Stress Awareness course on the WPL website.
Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic closing University Services Building location
The Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic located within the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing at USB will be concluding its operations. After careful evaluation and consideration of several factors, including staffing challenges and long-term sustainability, the clinic has decided to phase out their services. As of June 30, 2025, physiotherapy services will be relocating to the nearby Chan Gunn Clinic.
Understand your safety role at UBC, whether you’re a student, faculty, staff, or volunteer
All members of the UBC community have a role to play in supporting the University’s Safety Accountability structure. Whether you are supervising others, conducting research, providing services, or participating in academic activities, understanding your responsibilities are essential to maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Knowing your role in UBC’s Safety Accountability structure is critical to ensuring compliance with the Workers Compensation Act, associated regulations, and UBC’s health and safety requirements.
Are you earthquake ready? Join a free workshop for UBC Faculty and staff on June 13
In Vancouver, we are at risk of significant emergencies, including large earthquakes. Join a free personal emergency preparedness workshop designed for UBC Faculty and staff on June 13, 12:00–1:30 pm (online).
Hosting UBC leadership for a behind-the-scenes tour of Safety & Risk Services
Last week, Safety & Risk Services had the exciting opportunity to host UBC President, Dr. Benoit Bacon and our very own Vice-President, Frank Laezza, for an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work our team does every day!
Daniel Dong joins as Claims and Loss Prevention Analyst
Welcome Daniel Dong as Claims Analyst, Insurance & Enterprise Risk Management, to the Safety & Risk Services team. Daniel is thrilled to be joining UBC and looks forward to connecting with the team and contributing to the great work ahead. Welcome aboard, Daniel!
Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4–10, 2025
Join us during Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) to increase our community’s resilience by learning about emergency preparedness. Start by getting informed on the risks in your community, make a plan, and then build a kit.
International travel resources
As a service to the community, we are sharing these resources developed by UBC, U15, Universities Canada, and CSIS related to travel safety and research security.
Enhancing seismic resilience at UBC
Since 2012, UBC has invested more than $200 million in seismic upgrades to buildings and infrastructure. Read more on the UBC News website.
UBC shines as “Best in Class” thanks to our incredible community!
Loss control inspectors visit UBC to assess potential hazards that could lead to claims—whether it’s risks to people, property, or research. Thanks to the dedication of our faculty and staff, our insurer has given us a top-tier rating: UBC is Best in Class!
Restricting the use of DeepSeek at UBC
DeepSeek has become one of the most downloaded AI apps but raises serious privacy and security concerns, particularly with data collection and storage. UBC restricts the installation or use of the DeepSeek Applications on any UBC-owned or personal devices used for university business or accessing a UBC system through user login. Learn more on the PrISM website.
Shaping the future of biosafety: Strengthening education through global collaboration
UBC Safety & Risk Services recently supported Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kakamega, Kenya, in launching its Bachelor of Science in Biosafety & Biosecurity program. Over the course of developing this program, Janet Hankins, Manager, Research Compliance & Occupational Hygiene, had the privilege of delivering a 12-part lecture series to help shape the future of biosafety and strengthen education through global collaboration.
Preparing for an earthquake
An earthquake has rattled the UBC Vancouver campus. No damage is reported and there is no known impact on campus operations. Please report any damages to Facilities Service Centre at 604-822-2173 if you have noticed any damage or have any related emergencies.
Masks required in health care facilities
As of January 6, medical mask-wearing is required in all health care facilities in British Columbia where active patient care is being provided.
Feeling motivated by the new year? Book a movement screen with The Centre’s new kinesiologist
We are excited to offer the Kinesiology Movement Screen. During this 30-minute movement assessment, kinesiologist Amy Young will provide you with tailored guidance to help you reach your unique movement goals. For all VPFO staff, your initial screen is free!
UBC Alert testing on January 17 — are you in the loop?
UBC Alert will be sending out a test notification to UBC Vancouver and Okanagan students, faculty, and staff via a phone call and text message on Friday, January 17, 2025. Make sure your mobile number is up to date on Workday.
Your data, your privacy: Join the conversation
Privacy Matters @ UBC is excited to host Data Privacy Week from January 28 to 30, 2025, a series of informative and insightful sessions focusing on privacy and information security. You’re invited to engage in discussions about crucial privacy issues affecting our community.