UBC Alert testing in January – are you in the loop?
UBC Alert will be sending out a test notification in January. Make sure your mobile number is up to date in Workday.
Holiday safety & security tips from UBC Campus Security
Before you head off to enjoy time with loved ones, please take a few moments to help keep our campus secure and yourself safe during the holiday closure.
Re-register for access to the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing in 2026
We are refreshing access for the Centre to ensure our records are current. All existing access will be removed on January 12, and only staff who have re-registered will retain entry to the Centre and group classes. Updated registration is now open.
Working and walking in the cold – Avoid slips, trips, and falls
With colder temperatures and increased winter conditions, take precautions not to slip, trip, and fall. Outdoor workers should also be alert of the risk for cold stress.
Run, Hide, Fight: Protect yourself during an active threat
Understanding what to do in the high-pressure reality of an active threat is important. If faced with an active threat, whether at UBC or elsewhere, be prepared to respond: Run, Hide, Fight.
Strengthening communications resilience with the PACE framework
A strong emergency communications plan should include multiple layers of backup systems to ensure important messages get through even when primary networks fail. You can plan using the PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency) model.
Protect yourself and others from the flu
Influenza (flu) season generally occurs in the fall to spring. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Getting the flu shot is your best protection. UBC has two upcoming flu shot clinics.
Engaging and celebrating our JOHSCs and LSTs at Safety Day 2025
On October 8, representatives of UBC’s Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees (JOHSC) and Local Safety Teams (LST) gathered for a full day of learning and recognition for their efforts to ensure health and safety.
Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned work starting October 16
During the water system adjustments, there will be no interruption to drinking water service. However, some Vancouver residents may notice occasional cloudiness or slight discolouration in their water for a few days. Drinking water remains safe for use and consumption at all times.
New Monday yoga classes starting October 20
Starting October 20, we will be adding an additional yoga class to the Centre’s group class schedule! Sessions will be held on Mondays at 4:00 pm, offering a great way to relieve body tension and improve strength, flexibility and balance at the start of the week.
Are you prepared for an earthquake? ShakeOut and UBC Alert testing will take place on October 16
On October 16, 2025, practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:16 am during the annual Great BC ShakeOut. As part of ShakeOut, UBC will be testing its emergency notification system, UBC Alert. Learn more about how you can stay safe before, during, and after an earthquake.
Help keep the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing organized and welcoming
Please return fitness equipment to their proper location after use. Our multi-purpose rooms are also used for in-person training sessions, so keeping the space clear and tidy ensures it’s safe and ready for everyone to use.
Join the Cybersecurity Awareness Month events in October!
Cyber threats are evolving and so is UBC’s response. This October, join us for timely workshops, new resources, and the Privacy Matters @ UBC Symposium on October 29.
Save lives with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is an easy-to-use, portable device that can restart the heart of a person who is in cardiac arrest. AEDs are located in many buildings at UBC.
Earthquake and emergency preparedness workshops
Join a free personal emergency preparedness workshop designed specifically for the UBC campus community, hosted by Jackie Kloosterboer – Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Support Services Specialist.
Air quality warning in effect for Metro Vancouver
Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, including UBC are currently under an air quality warning for fine particulate matter due to wildfire smoke. Find information on health and safety during elevated wildfire smoke periods.
Staying cool at UBC
August 11–12: Heat Warning in effect for Metro Vancouver – central including the City of Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster. Learn more. Given the high temperatures that can occur in the summer, explore these resources to help stay cool and safe. The following air-conditioned UBC Vancouver buildings are open to the public: UBC Vancouver also […]
Cathy Myles steps into role as Director, Insurance and Loss Prevention in Safety & Risk Services
We are thrilled to announce that Cathy Myles has accepted the position of Director, Insurance and Loss Prevention (I&LP) within the Safety & Risk Services team and will be starting position on August 11. Since joining SRS as a contractor, Cathy has provided outstanding leadership to the Insurance and Loss Prevention (ILP) department—effectively managing operations single-handedly […]
Updates to the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing
As part of recent updates within the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing, the Centre entrance doors will remain locked during work hours. VPFO staff can now enter the space by swiping their UBC staff cards.
Welcome Maddy Speck as our new Safety Associate
Welcome to Maddy Speck as our new Safety Associate, Faculty of Medicine, starting July 14! Maddy joins us from the UBC Department of Surgery at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, where she developed operational procedures for complex studies and trained and directed staff and students regarding lab-specific procedures. In addition to her duties in the […]