The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety, and Wellbeing
Ensuring worker health and safety is a priority as it prevents injury and illness and improves productivity. The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety, and Wellbeing integrates occupational safety and health protection into workplace policies, programs, and practices to promote worker health and wellbeing. The Centre, located in the University Services Building, offers a range of health and wellness services which includes ergonomic services, injury prevention education, physical conditioning, and health screenings.
The Centre works in partnership with various UBC and community groups including the UBC Pharmacists Clinic, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Kinesiology, and the BC Cancer Agency. Support from CUPE Local 116, CUPE 2950, IUOE Local 115, and the Association of Administrative and Professional Staff (AAPS) contributes to the Centre’s efforts in advancing worker safety, health, and wellness.
Access restricted to VPFO staff
The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety, and Wellbeing is available only to VPFO staff (UBC Facilities, Safety & Risk Services, Finance & Integrated Services, Comptroller, Treasury, Enterprise Risk & Assurance, Transformation & Strategy, VPFO Human Resources, and VPFO Communications & Engagement).
Safety notice
Please be aware that The Centre is not supervised. Use facilities and equipment at your own risk. UBC assumes no liability for any injuries, accidents and/or loss, damage or theft of user property.
Follow The Centre rules
- For use of current UBC VPFO employees only who are registered and have signed waivers before use – no entry to others permitted
- This facility is being used in your own personal time
- Consult with physician before beginning any exercise program and before using equipment. Do not use facility or equipment if feeling unwell
- You are fully responsible for knowing your own physical limitations
- Use equipment only for its intended purpose
- Please sanitize and wipe equipment before and after use
- Appropriate fitness attire including shoes must be worn at all times
- Do not exercise while impaired or under the influence of any illicit drug or alcohol
- No food or drink are permitted except bottled water
- Keep door closed at all times. Do not prop open
- Report any concerns to centre.usb@ubc.ca
How to request access to The Centre
We are refreshing access to ensure our records accurately reflect current registered VPFO staff usage in the Centre and programs, including fitness and yoga group classes. As part of this update, all existing access will be removed on January 12, 2026, and only staff who have re-registered with the link below will retain entry to the Centre and group classes. Learn more.
Please review and submit this access request form. Once the completed form is processed, you will receive an email confirming that your UBC Card access to The Centre has been activated. Please note that completed forms take 2-4 business days to be processed. Thank you for your patience.
Group classes
Through the development of the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Safety and Risk Services, and UBC Facilities aims to advance worker safety, health and wellbeing. Fitness classes are available only to VPFO employees and are free to attend.
Cancellation: Functional Strength Training and HIIT classes cancelled December 1–5. These classes will resume the following week.
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00pm – 12:45pm | Functional Strength Training | Functional Strength Training | H.I.I.T. | ||
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Yoga | ||||
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Yoga | Functional Strength Training | Functional Strength Training |
NOTE: Classes will not be offered during statutory holidays.
Functional Strength Training
In this small group class, a kinesiologist will guide you through a series of structured sets designed to build full-body strength through functional compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, rows, and presses. This class is easily adaptable to any level of ability and exercise experience.
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
This fun and fast-paced workout is designed to build both muscular endurance and cardiovascular fitness by pairing functional strength training with short bursts of explosive plyometric moves that quickly elevate your heart-rate.
Yoga
Relieve your body’s tension and improve your strength, flexibility, and balance.
In this small group class, you will enhance relaxation and release stress while improving total muscle condition.
Injury Prevention
The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing offers a series of interactive sessions focusing on the areas of the body that are most frequently injured or causes pain.
The sessions currently being offered are:
- Healthy Back
- Healthy Shoulder
- Healthy Knee
Led by a kinesiologist, participants learn how to keep your back, shoulder or knee healthy and avoid injury. Each program covers anatomy, movement patterns, the best evidence-based exercises for stability, and relevant ergonomic advice. Reach out to The Centre (centre.usb@ubc.ca) if your VPFO unit is interested in a complimentary injury prevention workshop.
Health Screenings & Clinics
The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing, in conjunction with our campus partners, offers a variety of health screenings and clinics throughout the year to identify and mitigate your risk and protect your health and wellbeing. Information about screenings and clinics will be communicated through the VPFO Update newsletter. All health clinics are offered free of charge for VPFO employees.
Health screening fairs
Fairs typically include heart health screening, diabetes awareness, lung health, and mammography screening.
Services are provided by licensed pharmacists and pharmacy students from the Pharmacist Clinic – UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences or the BC Cancer Agency.
Contact
If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing, its programs and services, please contact centre.usb@ubc.ca.
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