SRS News 2

Abbey Hall joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services

Abbey Hall joins VPFO as Executive Assistant, supporting Rae Ann Aldridge, Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services. Abbey comes to us from the University of Victoria, where she worked in both the Office of the President supporting the VP, Indigenous and for the Department of English as a graduate secretary.

Beware of phishing attempts related to global tech outage

The UBC Cybersecurity team is seeing a significant increase in phishing attempts related to a recent global tech outage. Please be extremely cautious of emails claiming to offer help, solutions, or compensation related to the outage. These emails are likely phishing attempts. Please forward phishing emails as an attachment to the UBC Cybersecurity team at security@ubc.ca. Do not click on any links or open attachments.

The Centre welcomes new yoga instructor Tania Clarke

Starting Wednesday, July 2, Tania Clarke will join The Centre as our new yoga instructor. It is Tania’s mission to help guide others towards a pain free life, and a better relationship with pain management and prevention.

Emergency Management collaborates across UBC to prepare campus for climate-change emergencies

We have seen the harmful effects of extreme heat, extreme rainfall, and wildfire events in BC over the past few years. To help UBC prepare for climate change-related emergencies, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management alongside faculty partners created the Resilience Hubs for UBC Campus Communities project.

Compliance Support Program wins nationally at the 2024 CAUBO Conference

The program won a CAUBO Quality and Productivity (Q&P) Award for the its excellence in fostering cybersecurity compliance and safety. The Compliance Support program is made of a partnership between Safety & Risk Services, the Office of the University Counsel, the Office of the CIO, and UBC IT.

Resources to be prepared during wildfire season

As we head into summer, you are encouraged to bookmark these resources to be prepared in the event of extreme heat, wildfires and smoky weather conditions across the province.

Coexisting with coyotes

Have you seen the coyotes around campus? If you see one, keep your distance, for their safety and yours. Learn more about coyote safety.

Staying safe in the heat

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.

Emergency Preparedness Week is May 5–11, 2024

Join us during Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) to increase our community’s resilience by learning about emergency preparedness. EP Week is a provincial and national event supported by the BC Government and 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 build a kit.

You’re Invited! Information Security Standards Town Hall

UBC is committed to protecting its confidential data and information systems. As part of this commitment, we have established Information Security Standards that govern how everyone at UBC uses and safeguards university data and computing resources. We invite you to learn more about the proposed revisions to the Information Security Standards and have your questions answered by members of the ISSWG.

Daylight Savings time can affect workplace health & safety

Daylight Savings Time takes place this year on March 10, where we “spring ahead” and advance our clocks forward by one hour. Here are some tips to follow to help your body prepare for the time difference with the following tips.

Safety & Risk Services is one of the recipients of the Campus as a Living Lab ‘Grand Challenge’ funding award

The Campus as a Living Lab ‘Grand Challenge’ encourages faculty and staff to work together on a project to effectively respond and adapt to the climate emergency. Safety & Risk Services, in collaboration with the School of Community & Regional Planning and the Faculty of Applied Science, received a funding award to undertake the Resilience Hubs for UBC Campus Communities project.

Eric Alister joins PrISM as Privacy & Information Security Risk Advisor

Eric Alister joins Safety & Risk Services’ Privacy & Information Security Management (PrISM) team, stepping into the role of Privacy & Information Security Risk Advisor. Learn more about Eric.

Learn about electrical safety

The available electrical current in regular homes, offices, and workplaces have enough power to be a dangerous hazard. Electrical equipment has the ability to cause fires, electrical shock, skin burns and tissue damage, and disruptions to heart & breathing patterns. Learn how to reduce your risk of a fire, shock, or injury.

Derek Ho joins PrISM as Lead Advisor, Privacy & Information Security Risk

Derek Ho joins Safety & Risk Services’ Privacy & Information Security Management (PrISM) team as Lead Advisor in Privacy & Information Security Risk. The SRS PrISM team delivers privacy and security risk assessments, campus-wide training and risk advisory services to UBC.

Get to know the senior leadership team: Rae Ann Aldridge

Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rae Ann Aldridge, Executive Director, Safety & Risk Services and her leadership vision: “I am a highly collaborative leader who works with her teams to inspire, influence and innovate towards a safe, secure and resilient UBC. Employing a strategic leadership approach, I empower my teams to lead in managing operational risk to position UBC as best-in-class.”

Step up your safety game with UBC Alert

Download the UBC Safe Vancouver App and turn on push notifications to receive alerts for safety and security risk to the community. Check to make sure your contact information is up to date in Workday/SSC to ensure you receive UBC Alerts.

Thank you for your participation in the Campus Security service model validation 

Earlier this spring, Campus Security collected various forms of community feedback for their service model validation project. Results from students, faculty, staff, and community members helped to identify themes and areas for prioritization as Campus Security continues to stay committed to creating a safe, secure, caring, and inclusive environment for staff and our campus community.

Environmental Services Facilities will be closed for the holidays

The Environmental Services Facilities (ESF) will be closed starting December 18, 2023 until January 2, 2024. There will be no hazardous waste pick-ups during this break. The last pick-up day from academic department labs will be Thursday December 14, 2023.

Safety Day 2023 — A great success!

Safety Day 2023 was a huge success with the largest attendance than ever before — 276 people! On October 3, Safety & Risk Services brought together all of UBC’s Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC) and Local Safety Team (LST) members for an opportunity to connect with each other and engage in a full day of learning. It is also a day to celebrate those who have made safety not just a priority, but a way of life on our campus.

Lance Xu joins Campus Security as Secure Access Technician

Lance Xu joins Campus Security as a Secure Access Technician. Lance is a dedicated security access technician with a profound passion for the physical security industry. He joins us from Chubb Security and is currently attending BCIT and working towards his Bachelors of Technology Management. With nearly a decade of hands-on experience in the field, he’s had the privilege of contributing to different projects and honing his skills in different areas such as access control, alarm systems, CCTV, door hardware, and IP networks.

Megan Edmunds and Daniela Ramirez joins Campus Security as Project Coordinators

Daniela is joining the Campus Security team as a Project Coordinator, after acquiring two years of experience in the physical security field. Megan Edmunds is a project management and operations professional with over four years of experience in public service and education settings.

Safety on the go. Download the UBC safe Vancouver App

Download the UBC Safe Vancouver app and make sure you turn on your push notifications to receive timely updates and urgent notifications. The UBC Safe App is free and recommended for UBC students, faculty, staff and campus visitors.

Are you prepared for an earthquake?

On October 19, 2023, practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:19 am during the annual Great BC ShakeOut earthquake drill. Learn more about the drill and earthquake safety at ready.ubc.ca.

Protect yourself from the flu

Starting October, 2023, Influenza vaccines will be available across British Columbia. This year, flu vaccines will be booked through the provincial government’s Get Vaccinated system, instead of booking through pharmacies as the public has done in the past. If you have already registered with the Get Vaccinated system for the COVID-19 vaccine, you will not need to re-register to receive an invite for the influenza vaccine. If you have not yet registered, you will need to visit the Get Vaccinated page to register.

Attend the Health Fair for Diabetes Awareness

The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing in collaboration with the UBC Pharmacists Clinic are happy to offer a Health Fair for Diabetes Awareness. The event is open to those in the VPFO with or without diabetes or pre-diabetes. It is dedicated to helping you learn about diabetes and how to manage your blood sugar to keep your risk as low as possible.

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.

Implementing CWL integration to UBC’s Hazardous Waste Inventory Systems (HWIS)

Starting from early to mid-August, users will be able to log into the HWIS using their UBC CWL credentials. This integration aims to streamline the login process and enhance system security and user accessibility.

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.

Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services

Michaela comes to UBC from the public relations agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), where she provided strategic and integrated communications support to some of Canada’s leading brands across a wide range of sectors.

Laurinda Tracey joins Safety & Risk Services as Safety Advisor – Field Safety

With her experience and knowledge, Laurinda will work with stakeholders to review and enhance field safety programming at UBC in her new role.

Mardi Henderson promoted to Health & Safety Advisor within the Faculty of Medicine team in Safety & Risk Services

Mardi’s role will expand to leading the off-site safety program, including the development of new Hospital Campus JOHSCs at Vancouver General, Saint Paul’s, Children’s & Women’s, and Surrey Memorial.

New Asbestos Awareness course available for UBC community

Developed by Safety & Risk Services, the newly launched Asbestos Awareness course is designed to enhance faculty, staff and student workers’ knowledge about asbestos as facilities on the Point Grey Campus built before 1990 may contain asbestos.

Diving into biodiversity and sustainability: Environmental education and cultural exchange at St’a7mes School

This initiative brings together individuals from various backgrounds and communities, including Elders, settlers, and Indigenous communities; and aims to foster cultural exchange, a deeper understanding of biodiversity and sustainable practices, as well as an enhanced collective responsibility for the environment.

Take part in the Mass Care Open House & Preparedness Fair to become better prepared for emergencies

Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management team will be hosting a Mass Care Open House on June 28, 2023. This event is an opportunity for key responding staff to familiarize and problem-solve the mass care planning done to date. Mass Care is the provision of food, water, shelter and services to displaced people in a major emergency.

Attend The Centre Health Fair: Heart Health this June

Brought to you by The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing in partnership with the UBC Pharmacists Clinic, The Centre Health Fair: Heart Health will provide you with information, awareness, self-assessment, and personalized consultation on your heart health.  

Kim Sheridan joins Campus Security as the Senior Manager, Strategy and Partnerships

A Certified Protection Professional (CPP) skilled in security management and risk assessment, Kim will play an essential part in ensuring this team continues to stay focused on our commitments and providing a structured approach to meeting our stakeholder needs.

Himani Katyal joins Safety & Risk Services as Health and Safety Associate

Prior to joining us, Himani worked as the Health and Safety Assistant in the Faculty of Arts and brings with her a wealth of UBC knowledge and familiarity with UBC systems which will enable a seamless transition into this role.

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 […]

UBC’s transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic

As of today (May 15), the university has disestablished the COVID-19 Campus Rules which provided vital guidance for our community during the pandemic. In addition, previous COVID-19 resources such as the main websites, FAQS and signage will be removed or replaced with information to support our community around communicable disease prevention.

Successful bike recovery: a collaboration between Campus Security, partners and the community

A success story of a good samaritan working with Campus Security and partners to recover a stolen bike. To tackle bike theft on campus, UBC has partnered with Project 529, a community-based bike registration and recovery service. It only takes five minutes to enter your bike’s information in UBC’s 529 Garage!

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.

UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head

Mariyam Syed, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisor, will spearhead UBC’s Continuity Planning Program while also providing expertise to numerous other program elements, and Alicia Head, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Associate, will have a broad support role on the EM Team.

COVID-19 Update: Change to mask use in health care settings, and other changes communicated by the Ministry of Health & Provincial Health Office

While there is no general requirement to wear a face covering (mask) on UBC Premises, certain UBC students, faculty, and staff were subject to ministerial policy requiring the use of masks in clinical health care settings. Changes Effective April 6, 2023: Masks are no longer required to be worn by staff, visitors, or patients, […]

Building Safety Capacity: Orienting and Training New and Young Workers

Providing effective orientation and training is the best way to prevent workplace incidents that can cause injuries or damage to property and equipment. As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring that your workers are prepared for the job before they start working.

Spring into action with Spring programs from The Centre

Spring programs for the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing are now available for registration! Find tips on back strengthening and conditioning, group training schedule, a simple yet delicious recipe for protein balls, and more.

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.

Welcome Frank Laezza!

Today marks the official start of Frank Laezza’s tenure with UBC as our new Vice-President Finance & Operations. As a strong believer in connected leadership, Frank is looking forward to working with the VPFO team of 1400+ people in the oversight of UBC’s core financial, facilities, and safety functions, across both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.

Daylight Savings time can affect workplace health & safety

A reminder that Daylight Savings Time is taking place this weekend on Sunday, March 12th where we “spring ahead” and advance our clocks forward by one hour. This means that we will all wake up one hour earlier than normal. Help your body prepare for the time difference by considering these tips.

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.

Rosanna Ma steps into new role as Facilities Safety Associate

Rosanna’s experience in the Research Compliance and Occupational Hygiene team in SRS and consulting industry will be extremely beneficial in her new role. She will be transitioning from the Donald Rix office to join the Facilities Safety team in the University Services Building.

UBC Annual Screening Mammography Clinic on March 22, 2023

The Screening Mammography Program (SMP) Mobile Services will once again be visiting the UBC Point Grey Campus. BC women ages 40 and up with a primary care provider can book a screening mammogram directly through the program without a doctor’s referral.

Seminar: Everything you need to know about occupational sensitization

Whether you work in a lab, animal facility, workshop, museum — or even an office, you may come into contact with sensitizers at your workplace that can trigger an allergic response following contact and damaged immune response with repeated exposure. UBC Safety & Risk Services has invited industry and academia experts to educate the community on why sensitization is an important workplace safety issue and how to protect yourself.

Fabiola Ruiz-Aguilar joins Safety & Risk Services as Safety Advisor, Scientific Diving

In her new role as Dive Safety Officer, Fabiola is responsible for developing, strengthening and growing the Scientific Diving program in compliance with WorkSafe BC, Canadian Association for Underwater Science (CAUS) and CSA Ocean Sciences — after all the earth is 70 % water!

Janet Hankins, Manager, Research Compliance & Occupational Hygiene: Balancing safety & innovation

Janet Hankins leads a team of specialists in biosafety, radiation, and chemical safety and occupational hygiene responsible for the handling of hazardous substances across the university. Learn how Janet resonates with the VPFO’s strategic directions and values, and how her team came together to support the university community through the onset of COVID-19.

Hailey Maxwell steps into new role as Manager, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning in Safety & Risk Services

In her new role as Manager of Emergency & Continuity Planning, Hailey looks forward to continuing to support the UBC community in developing personal and organizational resilience through planning, training and engagement initiatives.

Bella Li joins the VPFO/VPHR Finance team within Comptroller as Financial Analyst

Bella will be responsible for providing financial analysis to the overall VPFO/VPHR Finance team with a primary focus on Infrastructure Development, Safety & Risk Services, and Financial Operations, replacing John Mendes who is transitioning into the new Manager, Insurance & Loss Prevention position.

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.

John Mendes steps into new role as Manager of Insurance & Loss Prevention in Safety & Risk Services

In his new role as Manager of Insurance & Loss Prevention in Safety & Risk Services, John will be responsible for the ongoing support of the Insurance & loss prevention program, ensuring succession planning and knowledge transfer and increasing team capacity.

Maliheh Oliver, Manager PIA Operations and Engagement and Taylor Bohn, Privacy and Security Advisor join PrISM

Privacy & Information Security (PrISM) in Safety & Risk Services is pleased to welcome Maliheh Oliver as Manager PIA Operations and Engagement and Taylor Bohn as Privacy and Security Advisor.

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.

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.

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.