Employee safety orientation
Environmental Health & Safety at UFV
Welcome to UFV, where your safety is our top priority. Our dedication to fostering a secure work environment is unwavering. Aligned with the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, our Environmental Health and Safety Program is designed to keep you protected from injuries, accidents, and occupational health issues.
As a valued member of UFV, you can anticipate a robust health and safety program that:
- Invests resources and strategic planning to ensure optimal working conditions.
- Provides comprehensive training for you and your supervisor on safe work practices.
- Is committed to continuous learning and improvement, striving for best practices.
- Vigilantly works to prevent, monitor, and respond promptly to workplace incidents.
Your well-being matters to us, and we're dedicated to creating a workplace where you can thrive safely.
Please review the following health & safety information before starting your employment.
At the bottom of this page, you will find an online form to confirm you have completed this safety orientation.
1. Playing our part in pursuing health and safety
If you're a member of the UFV community, then you have a key part to play in your health and safety and the safety of those around you.
As a member of the UFV community, your active involvement is essential in ensuring both your health and safety, as well as the well-being of those in your surroundings.
Supervisors
Supervisors hold a pivotal position in ensuring the well-being of their teams. They are responsible for equipping employees with essential information, proper equipment, and thorough training to maintain a safe working environment. Supervisors play a vital role in ensuring consistent adherence to safety procedures.
Employees
As a member of our community, you bear the responsibility of adhering to established safe work procedures, correctly using protective equipment, and promptly reporting any hazardous situations. Your commitment to these practices contributes significantly to the overall safety of our community.
2. Rights and responsibilities at the workplace
At the workplace, everyone has varying levels of responsibility for health and safety. You should know and understand your responsibilities and three key rights.
Your rights
- The right to know about the hazards in the workplace.
- The right to participate in health and safety activities in the workplace.
- The right to refuse unsafe work without getting punished or dismissed.
At UFV, prioritizing your safety is paramount. You must refrain from undertaking any work process or operating tools, appliances, or equipment if there's a reasonable belief that doing so may pose an undue hazard to the health and safety of any person.
Should you encounter an unsafe situation, promptly report the details of the condition to your supervisor or manager. In such instances, we will conduct an immediate investigation and take swift action to remedy the unsafe condition or engage in discussions to implement measures ensuring your safety during the assigned work duty.
Your responsibilities
You play an important role in making sure you and your co-workers stay healthy and safe on the job.
- Be alert to hazards. Report them immediately to your supervisor or Campus Security.
- Follow safe work procedures and act safely in the workplace at all times.
- Use the protective clothing, devices, and equipment provided and wear them correctly.
- Get treatment quickly should an injury happen on the job.
- Never work under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance.
3. Reporting an incident
If you need immediate help
- In an emergency, always call 911 first (9-911 from a campus phone)
- For first aid assistance, call 1-855-282-7770 (local 7770)
- For security, call 1-855-239-7654 (local 7654)
Submit a Safety & Security incident form
Complete a Report an Incident/Near Miss form within 24 hours and notify your supervisor immediately. This will allow UFV to provide appropriate support processes to aid in your recovery if injured.
Types of incidents to report:
- A first-aid incident
- An injury from a traffic accident
- Illness from exposure to a substance on campus
- A "near-miss" that could easily have caused harm
- An accident or injury during a UFV field trip
- A threat, assault, or other violence
4. Accessing First Aid on campus
In the event of an emergency, please call 9-911 from a UFV phone for police, fire, and/or ambulance assistance. After calling 911, call the Security Operation Centre at 1-855-282-7770 (local 7770) so that we can direct emergency responders to assist you.
Campus First Aid: 1-855-282-7770 (local 7770 from a UFV phone)
First Aid Locations:
- Abbotsford campus, Security office - B120a
- Chilliwack campus, Security office - A1115
- Trades & Technology Centre, Security office - T1108
- Clearbrook Centre – L125
- Mission - D129a
5. Working alone or in isolation
There are some instances where individuals working alone or in isolation may face increased risks. According to WorkSafeBC's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 4.20.1, working alone or in isolation is defined as working without readily available assistance in case of an emergency, injury, or illness. This includes individuals working remotely or alone on campus.
At UFV, the Working Alone or in Isolation (WAOII) Program aims to safeguard the health and safety of employees who work alone or in isolation. The university is dedicated to offering resources, training, and practices to support this program.
To learn more about the working alone program contact EHS@UFV.ca
6. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System 2015 (WHMIS) is Canada's national chemical hazard communication standard. Under WHMIS, workers have the right to receive information about each hazardous product they use. The goal of WHMIS is to reduce injury and disease by communicating specific health and safety information about hazardous products to workers. The key elements of the system are labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and education and training.
WHMIS training
Two online training courses are available via Blackboard:
Basic WHMIS 2015 — for employees who may be exposed or have the potential to be exposed to hazardous products at the workplace (i.e., administrative functions, business support services, etc.).
WHMIS 2015 — for employees who use, store, handle or dispose of hazardous products at the workplace.
How to enroll:
- Click this link
- Log into myClass
- Click on courses at the left
- Click on the catalog at the top right
- Browse categories and choose Safety & Security
- Click on the arrow beside the course you wish to take and enroll
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
A material safety data sheet (SDS) provides critical information on chemical products and substances. Each SDS covers physical and chemical properties and associated risks, along with instructions for preventive, protective, and first aid measures. Before you use a chemical product, you have the right to study its SDS to make sure you are properly trained in how to use it safely.
UFV maintains an SDS database account for the use of the UFV community. You'll find instructions for how to access the database below.
7. Personal safety and emergency resources
Learn more about the additional resources provided by UFV Security Services:
8. Human rights, harassment, and bullying
The University of the Fraser Valley is committed to providing an environment supportive of working, teaching, scholarship and research, and the fair treatment of all members of the University community. The basis for interaction among all members of the University is mutual respect, co-operation, and understanding.
For detailed definitions, procedures, and more information, please visit the Human Rights, Harassment, and Bullying resource page.
9. Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee
The Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC, for short) consists of eight members: four worker representatives and four employer representatives. The joint committee meets monthly, consulting in a cooperative spirit to identify health and safety concerns that affect UFV's workplace.
What you can expect from the JOHSC
- To be on the lookout for any unhealthy or unsafe conditions that could affect UFV workers
- Consider any concerns or complaints related to worker health and safety
- Improve occupational health and safety programs and policies.
- Recommend health and safety programs for campus compliance.
- Actively participate in conducting incident investigations, inspections and Refusal of unsafe work
Get in touch with the JOHSC
The JOHSC meets monthly, usually on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
If you have a health & safety concern, we encourage you to connect with a co-chair of the JOHSC. Your concern will be kept confidential within the JOHSC, and your name won't be mentioned in the meeting.
JOHSC members and contact info, terms of reference, and meeting minutes are available to you on the public network, under the 'EHS program'.
How to access JOHSC documents
- Make sure your computer is connected to the UFV network.
- Open File Explorer and open This PC.
- Open the employee drive.
- Open the folder marked public.
- Open the folder marked EHS programs.
- Open the Joint Occupational Health Safety Committee folder.
Verify that you reviewed the safety basics
Please complete the following form to verify that you have taken the mandatory training and reviewed the information about UFV safety basics (if you don't, we will just annoy you by following up).
Go to the safety orientation form
