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, health screenings, and onsite physiotherapy and massage therapy.
The Centre works in partnership with various UBC and community groups, including the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic Physiotherapy, 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.
How to request access to The Centre
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.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing, its programs and services, please contact safety.risk@ubc.ca.
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.
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.
Relieve your body’s tension and improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. You will enhance relaxation and release stress while improving total muscle condition.
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.
One-on-One Personal Training
- Wellbeing Workshops & Events
- Safety and Occupational Development Training
- Information & Resources
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Kinesiology services
The Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing, in collaboration with the Allan McGavin Sport Medicine Centre Physiotherapy Clinic, offers complimentary physical assessments to VPFO employees.
Take a proactive step towards better movement and injury prevention with a Kinesiology Movement Screen led by a registered kinesiologist. This 30-minute screen is designed to assess your body’s active range of motion, strength, and stability in key joints, including the spine, shoulders, hips, and knees.
During the screen, your kinesiologist will evaluate important movement patterns and functional strength indicators such as your squat pattern, core strength, and grip strength to identify any imbalances or limitations that may be affecting your movement quality.
Following the screen, the kinesiologist will review the results of the screen with you and, if indicated, discuss strategies to address movement imbalances or weaknesses that appeared during the screen. You’ll gain tailored guidance to help you reach your unique movement goals, improve overall function, and prevent future injuries.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your athletic performance or simply move more comfortably in daily life, this screen offers valuable insights to start you on a path to moving better, feeling stronger, and staying injury-free.
For all VPFO employees, your first Kinesiology Movement Screen is free!
Contact amy@allanmcgavinphysio.com for further information or book online.
Kickstart your fitness journey with a one-time complimentary kinesiology assessment! During this personalized consultation, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your fitness goals, challenges, and any concerns with a trained kinesiology professional. You'll receive guidance on how to achieve your goals efficiently, with tailored strategies and techniques designed to optimize your performance and well-being. Whether you're looking to improve strength, mobility, or overall health, this session is the perfect starting point to set you on the path to success.
Contact amy@allanmcgavinphysio.com for further information or or book online!
Learn the basics of strength training with our kinesiologist! Sign up individually or grab a few coworkers (max 3 individuals) for a small group session. Throughout this 3-session program, you will learn to use proper technique when lifting weights with the goal of reducing pain, gaining strength and boosting self-confidence! This program is a one-time complimentary program to all VPFO employees!
Contact amy@allanmcgavinphysio.com for further information or or book online!
Book an orientation of The Centre, where our registered kinesiologist will take you on a guided walk-through of our facility! During this session, you'll learn about all of the services and resources The Centre has to offer. Meet our team, ask questions, and discover how we can enhance your well-being. Whether you're new to UBC, or simply looking to learn more, this orientation is the perfect opportunity to start your wellness journey!
Contact amy@allanmcgavinphysio.com for further information or or book online!
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Allan McGavin Sport Medicine Centre Physiotherapy Clinic
Located in the Centre, the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre Physiotherapy Clinic is part of an established and innovative clinic with long-standing relationships within the sports medicine community. Our team of experienced therapists are committed to providing the highest level of care. Taking a hands-on approach to your rehabilitation and customizing a plan for your recovery, our goal is your safe return to activity as soon as possible.
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession dedicated to working with people to identify and maximize their ability to move and function throughout their lifespan. Specifically, physiotherapists can improve clients’ quality of life by:
- Promoting optimal mobility, physical activity and overall health and wellness;
- Preventing disease, injury and disability
- Managing acute and chronic conditions, activity limitations, and participation restrictions
- Improving and maintaining optimal functional independence and physical performance
- Rehabilitating injury and the effects of disease or disability with therapeutic exercise programs and other interventions; and
- Educating and planning maintenance and support programs to prevent recurrence, re-injury or functional decline
Physiotherapy is anchored in movement sciences and aims to enhance or restore function of multiple body systems. The profession is committed to health, lifestyle and quality of life. This holistic approach incorporates a broad range of physical and physiological therapeutic interventions and aids.
Please note physiotherapy sessions are fulfilled through your extended health benefits plan as a UBC employee.
At the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre Physiotherapy Clinic at The Centre, massage therapy is performed by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) using a variety of hands-on techniques in order to alleviate pain, improve mobility and promote rehabilitation. Prior to prescribing treatment, your massage therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of your musculoskeletal injuries. Target tissues for massage therapy may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels and/ or gastrointestinal organs. If necessary, your RMT may prescribe and integrated approach with our team of physiotherapists in order to promote a complete recovery and successful return to your activities.
Please note massage therapy sessions are fulfilled through your extended health benefits plan as a UBC employee.
Book through the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Physiotherapy Clinic
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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 physiotherapist, 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 Safety & Risk Services team if your VPFO unit is interested in a complimentary injury prevention workshop.
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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.
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.
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