Safety Awareness Week is September 18-22, 2023
Let’s start the Academic year off right by learning how to keep yourself and the UBC community safe and secure on campus. During Safety Awareness Week, visit UBC Campus Security’s information booths across various locations on the UBC Vancouver campus to learn about theft prevention and helpful safety and security tips.
UBC’s Mass Care exercise comes to life in a full set up
After several years of planning, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management team was able to see the plan come to life in a full set up. The team of UBC staff and volunteers set up registration, group lodging, and feeding services, including the set-up of 260 emergency cots, and invited the community to experience what supports evacuees could access during a disaster.
Are you prepared for an emergency?
Help increase the campus community’s resilience, emergency awareness and preparedness by joining us on September 5-7. 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 AMS Student Nest on September 6 and 7.
Staying safe during wildfire season
Wildfires are becoming more prevalent, devastating and enduring in British Columbia, and is a seasonal occupational hazard for many workers. People may feel mild exposure symptoms such as a sore throat, shortness of breath, and irritated eyes. Wildfire smoke may cause headaches and worsening allergies. The level of risk from wildfire smoke exposure depends on various factors.
Cathy Myles joins Safety & Risk Services’ Insurance & Loss Prevention team
Cathy is joining Safety & Risk Services on a full-time, contract basis to help lead the team through a current & future state analysis and transfer of risk including insurance risk management operations and programs.
Staying safe in the summer weather
As the temperatures rise, 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. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms early on so that more serious heat disorders can be prevented.
In memory of Valeriy Kichenko
It is with great sadness and sense of loss that we inform you of the passing of Valeriy Kichenko. Valeriy was a valued member at UBC for over 13 years. Valeriy will be remembered for his dedication to the university as our Environmental Services Facility (ESF) Technician, specializing in chemical waste disposal. His dedication and […]
Safety & Risk Services’ PrISM welcomes three new Lead Advisor, Information Security Compliance
Jack Wong, Tom Powers, and Jeff de Castro joins PrISM as part of the Compliance Support Program. In their new role, they will each be taking on various challenges and find areas of improvement to support UBC’s mission as a world class teaching, learning and research university.
Be a voice for campus safety!
UBC Vancouver Campus Security is taking a look at its services and organizational model to better understand how it can best meet the needs of a rapidly changing community. One important part of this review will be a community engagement process with students, faculty, and staff. Whether or not you have accessed Campus Security services, you can provide input between March 27 and April 18, 2023.
Dealing with natural disasters at UBC
Featured in University Affairs (UA), Hailey Maxwell, Manager of Emergency Management & Continuity Planning speaks about some of the programs and activities UBC offers to help students, faculty, and staff prepare for different types of emergencies.
UBC launches new programs to help tackle cybersecurity risk
UBC launches the Compliance Support Program and the Privacy Matters Champions Program to help mitigate information security risk. A major cybersecurity breach has the potential to seriously hamper UBC’s operations, reputation and position as a world-class institution, as well as cause harm to individuals who have entrusted UBC with their personal information.
UBC will be included in Homelessness Services Association of BC’ s Point-in-Time Homeless Count
UBC Campus Security and UBC Sprouts — a 100% volunteer and student-run organization at the UBC, along with volunteers from across the university will be taking part in the Homelessness Services Association of BC’ s Point-in-Time Homeless Count to collect details about the experiences and demographics of people who are experiencing homelessness.
Have you completed all UBC Required Training?
On March 6, staff and student-staff who are not up to date on their UBC Required Training will receive a Workday notification as a reminder to complete the training(s). Please keep an eye out for this new notification and check that you have completed the most up-to-date version of a necessary required training.
Buildings open late during the weekend
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and the AMS Nest are open late during the weekend. If you are stranded on campus due to the current winter conditions and require immediate support, please contact Campus Security at 604-822-2222.
Safety on the go. Download the UBC Safe Vancouver App
As we start the new academic school year, we encourage students, faculty, staff and visitors to download the UBC Safe Vancouver App and turn on push notifications to receive immediate information updates that are impacting the entire campus.
Safety Awareness Week is January 9-13, 2023
Stop by UBC Campus Security’s booths to learn how you can help keep yourself and the UBC community safe and secure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Environmental Services Facilities (ESF) will be closed starting December 20 until January 4
Please note that the Environmental Services Facilities (ESF) will be closed starting December 20 until January 4. The last day of pick-ups from academic departments will be December 16.
Last pick-ups from Environment Services Facilities will be on December 16
The Environmental Services Facilities (ESF) will be closed starting December 20, 2021 until January 4, 2022. The last day of pick-ups from academic departments will be December 16. For questions or concerns, please contact your ESF technicians before December 20.
Avoid slips, trips, and falls this winter with some simple tips
Winter is almost here, and with it comes cold weather and greater risk of slips, trips or falls. Practice safe winter walking to help you stay on your feet this winter. Safety & Risk Services invites you to follow some prevention tips.
Protect yourself from the flu: Get your flu shot
UBC Vancouver is once again offering free flu immunization clinics to students, faculty and staff. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Getting the flu shot is your best protection.
Flu season is coming and it could be ugly: what you need to know
As COVID-19 restrictions ease, Canada is seeing a resurgence of many respiratory viruses—and many experts predict this year’s flu season could be severe. Dr. Michael Curry (he/him), clinical associate professor with UBC faculty of medicine’s department of emergency medicine, reveals how this year’s flu season will be different from the last and weighs in on how to reduce your risk of getting sick.
First Aid is provided by UBC Campus Security
UBC Campus Security provides First Aid for students, faculty, staff, student-staff, and visitors on the UBC Vancouver Point Grey campus. Our patrol officers are Occupational First Aid Level 2 (OFA2) certified and will respond and provide initial care and implement any critical interventions up to the scope of their training until paramedics arrive on scene. All medical emergencies should continue to be directed to 9-1-1.
Required COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program
UBC requires COVID-19 rapid testing for all students, faculty and staff, with exemptions provided for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As the first step of the COVID-19 Rapid Testing Program, all students, faculty and staff are required to complete an online, confidential declaration of their vaccination status.
Non-medical masks required in public indoor spaces on UBC campuses from August 25
As a result of a Public Health Order, effective August 25, 2021, non-medical masks are required for all indoor public areas at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan, including lobbies, hallways, stairwells, elevators, classrooms and labs. The Order also applies to anyone taking public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle. You can view the announcement
VCH drop-in vaccination clinic is available at Life Sciences Centre
The Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) drop-in vaccination clinic will be open at the Life Sciences Centre on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on your eligibility and vaccine availability.
Drinking water fountains and bottle-filling stations are reopening
Starting mid-August 2021, the Facilities team will begin to proceed with un-bagging and flushing all the drinking water fountains and bottle-filling stations across the UBC Vancouver campus. Flushing the water will remove any stagnant water from the building’s pipe network system to ensure the water is kept fresh and the stations are ready for use.
Heat Stress Awareness course available
The Heat Stress Awareness course is recommended for all workers that are at risk of heat exposure, and for their supervisors to complete. The course was developed to increase your awareness of the risk factors and associated heat disorders related to heat stress. The course will also identify controls to protect yourself against heat stress.
VCH vaccination site at Pharmaceutical Sciences Building is closing on July 30
On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, the provincial government announced the Vax for BC campaign, announcing that “the Province will gradually refocus its vaccine efforts from mass clinics onto programs targeting the hardest to reach people. In the weeks ahead, B.C.’s vaccine strategy will shift toward more local public health clinics, community outreach efforts, mobile programs and pop-up clinics”.
UBC community supports COVID-19 research with rapid antigen testing clinic
The pilot project—the first of its kind at a Canadian university—ran from February to April, and helped identify positive cases of the virus in asymptomatic individuals who were quickly moved into isolation. Now, it has expanded into a clinical trial of the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test developed by Roche, and is open to anyone living or working at UBC until August 20.
Campus Security Review
The University of British Columbia takes all matters of campus security very seriously, which is why we commissioned an external independent review of campus security policies and procedures in 2020. The review has made a number of findings and recommendations which we have shared with our university community.
UBC Alert test notification this week
As part of our regular testing program, UBC Alert will be sending out a test notification to students, faculty and staff via a phone call and text message, on Thursday, May 13 to UBC Okanagan campus, and
Friday, May 14 to UBC Vancouver campus.
VCH Vaccination site re-opens at Pharmaceutical Sciences Building
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is reopening the vaccination site on Wednesday May 12 at the UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Building (PharmSci) for administering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible members of the public, based on specific phases of B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan.
VCH immunization site temporarily pausing
Vancouver Coastal Heath (VCH) will be temporarily pausing the COVID-19 vaccination site at UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Building to consolidate this clinic with the Vancouver Convention Centre (East) clinic. VCH will be re-evaluating the need to re-open as needed. The last day of appointments will be Sunday, April 18, 2021.
Decommission of the Power House
The new Water Supply Centre is now completed, and the old water mains at the Power House is scheduled to be disconnected between April 9-14, 2021. To facilitate the work, there will be changes to the flow of water in UBC’s pipe, however, disruptions are not anticipated.
VCH Vaccination site opens at Pharmaceutical Sciences Building
UBC has entered an agreement with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), enabling them the use of Pharmaceutical Sciences Building (PharmSci) to host a vaccination site, running March 29 – August 2021, for administering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible members of the public, based on specific phases of B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan.
Rapid COVID-19 Screening Tests underway at UBC
Safety & Risk Services has been assisting UBC Student Housing & Community Services in a pilot project offering rapid COVID-19 screening test. This voluntary initiative is a collaboration between the Federal and Provincial Governments, Providence Health Care, Vancouver Coastal Health, UBC’s School of Nursing and Student Housing and Community Services.
Pink Shirt Day 2021: Celebrate equity, diversity, and inclusion across the VPFO
The VPFO Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee presents Pink Shirt Day on February 24, 2021. The VPFO will be celebrating equity, diversity and inclusion across our portfolio with a virtual event and cookies for those working on campus. Join in on Zoom to hear an update on where the VPFO is going with EDI.
Pre-approved suppliers now available for resusable, non-medical masks
In order to facilitate the sourcing and purchasing of masks at UBC, Financial Operations in partnership with Safety & Risk Services have secured non-exclusive contracts and fixed pricing with three pre-approved qualified suppliers. These contracts are available for any faculties and departments who wish to order directly from a supplier.
Updated COVID-19 Safety planning framework
COVID-19 safety plan outlines the policies, guidelines and procedures UBC have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. As part of each safety plan, all students, faculty, staff, and visitors must assess themselves daily for COVID-19 symptoms prior to using campus property.
A friendly reminder to run the cold water taps to ensure water is fresh
As many buildings on campus have reduced occupancy, we want to remind everyone that running the cold water taps until the water is cold is an important step before drinking or using for food preparation.
Emergency Management Training available for 2019
Emergency Management Training, Exercising and Engagement program courses are now available, at no cost to all UBC faculty and staff throughout the year.
Get ready to ShakeOut
Get ready to ShakeOut on October 18, 10:18 a.m. This October, practice how to be better prepared in the event of an earthquake. The drill is a timely reminder for UBC and individuals to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies, and practice what to do should an earthquake strike.