Peroxide formers, summer safety, and COVID-19 vaccination information
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Do you have expired peroxide formers?
Over the last few years, Health, Safety and Environment has discovered and/or assisted with the disposal of numerous bottles of crystallized peroxides, potentially explosive substances that present a serious risk of injury and property damage. We need your help to identify and manage the safe disposal of expired peroxide formers at the U of A; learn more.
Working outdoors in the summer
A U of A worker inadvertently started a fire when a spark from the controlled burn he was overseeing ignited nearby grass. Dry conditions and a light breeze may have contributed to the incident.
If you or your staff or students will be working outdoors this summer, ensure that you conduct a thorough hazard assessment before you begin. Discuss and implement appropriate controls to address heat, sun exposure, and working in dry conditions.
If you are planning to work with flammable materials, review the provincial fire danger map and make sure there are no fire bans in effect. Know how to summon emergency assistance quickly, keep an extinguisher at the ready, and be prepared to evacuate immediately if required.
Assigning corrective actions
Has your employee or student submitted an online incident report to report a workplace injury, exposure, health and safety violation, or near-miss event? If you're named as the supervisor, you'll be notified by email, then directed to review the incident and to determine corrective actions to prevent similar incidents in the future. Corrective actions refer to a set of control measures that will enhance safety in the workplace. Examples include the following:
- Hazard-specific PPE requirements, such as the use of laser safety glasses
- Elimination of chemicals that can produce explosive peroxides or substitution with safer alternatives
To learn more about incident reporting and assigning corrective actions, review pages 40-45 of the HSE Database Applicant Manual.
COVID-19 vaccinations
In April, the provincial government passed legislation that allows employees paid time off to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Please encourage your staff to book an appointment as soon as possible, and be flexible in granting time off. For more information, review the COVID Vaccination Leave Reference Guide.
Vaccinations are available on campus; schedule an appointment at either the University Health Centre (Moderna) or UHC Pharmacy (Pfizer).
Resources
Documents
- Sun UV Exposure Program & Assessment tool
- Confined Space Training Bulletin
- Working at Heights (poster)
- Working from Home During a Pandemic (Government of Alberta bulletin)
- HSE Committee Annual Plan (template for faculty/unit committee members)
eLearning
- Confined space (intended for anyone working in confined or restricted spaces, approximately 30 minutes)
Lunch & Learns
Psychologically Healthy & Safe Workplaces: It's Everyone's Responsibility - May 25, 2021 (noon to 1 p.m.)
In this one-hour session, participants will learn about workplace psychosocial factors, the National Standard of Canada, and what resources are available at the U of A to support psychologically safe workplaces.
Buddy Up -- Men's Mental Health - June 3, 2021 (noon to 1 p.m.)
In Canada, men have a suicide rate three times higher than women. Why? We have socialized men to be strong, stoic and self-reliant; showing emotion is a sign of weakness, as is asking for help. How can we change this reality? Buddy Up is a campaign promoting authentic conversations and teaching how to support a buddy if they're struggling with thoughts about suicide. Join this session with the Centre for Suicide Prevention as we learn how to look out for your buddy and raise awareness for men’s suicide prevention.
Did you know?
HRHSE Hiring and Managing Newsletter
Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment publishes numerous newsletters including the biweekly Hiring and Managing Newsletter intended for HR practitioners and managers across the university. Subscribe to the newsletter and review past issues
Delays due to COVID-19: HSE training and services
In-person training, as well as respirator fit-testing, hazardous waste pickup, and other services, may be suspended or reduced during COVID-19. For more information, visit our website or contact hse.info@ualberta.ca. Thank you for your patience!
Missed Safety and Health Week?
North American Occupational Safety and Health Week is over but you can still participate! Take the 7-Day Safety Challenge or request a JEOPARDY session (All About Incidents) for your unit -- we'll customize it for you!
