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Winter woes: working and walking safely
From frostbite...
A University of Alberta staff member recently reported frostbite on his fingers after working outdoors at -27°C. At that temperature, skin and underlying tissue can freeze in under 30 minutes, which may result in permanent nerve damage and requires medical help. Learn about working safely in extreme cold.
... to falls
The extreme shifts in temperature this winter have also resulted in icy surfaces on campus and numerous slips and falls. To stay upright this season:
- Choose proper footwear (and consider traction devices such as ice cleats).
- Walk like a penguin! Stay low, use your arms for balance, and point your feet out slightly.
- If you spot an icy patch, spread some sand or report it to Building Services: 780-492-4833 or online.
Get rid of your dangerous chemicals, safely
Do you have peroxides, nitro compounds, or other highly toxic or reactive substances that have expired or are unused? Dispose of them safely through The Chemical Round-Up, an institutionally-funded program that runs from now until March 2022.
Upcoming Events
February 2-15
Field Research Information Sessions
Do you conduct research off-campus? Learn how to plan for a safe field season, what's new in international travel recommendations, and how to manage psychological health and safety in a remote setting.
February to December 2022
NEW: Building a Safety Culture in Your Workplace (monthly lunch & learn series)
The U of A has a health, safety, and environment management system (HSEMS)... now what? Join us for this 11-part series where we'll explore each element of the HSEMS, highlight related incidents and lessons learned, and provide strategies for putting principles into practice. Supervisors and other safety leaders are encouraged to attend.
- Session 1: Thurs, Feb 24: HSE Policy Primer (Philip Stack, Director HSE) noon to 1 p.m.
Chemicals & nuclear materials: report by Jan 28
Every year the U of A must report on the use or storage of federally-regulated substances such as asbestos-containing products and nuclear materials, and any research pertaining to the nuclear fuel cycle.
Free equipment can be costly
Tempted to accept donated equipment from a departing researcher? Remember that some equipment requires certification or a permit -- it may be illegal to use them without proper authorization.
And the winner is...
Congratulations to the Faculty of Law, winner of the 2021 Health, Safety, and Environment Committee Award for demonstrating a faculty-wide commitment to safety training and information sharing. Bravo!
HSE Management System
HSE Policy: What is it?
As the cornerstone of the HSE management system, the HSE Policy emphasizes the importance of a shared commitment to creating, maintaining, and continuously improving safe, healthy, and environmentally-responsible living, learning, and working at the U of A.
Who's who at HSE
PCBs, peroxides, and playing pool
As the U of A's Hazardous Materials Advisor, Luke is leading The Chemical Round-Up and generally helping to make the university a safe place to work and study. But how did he get started at the U of A and where is he headed just as soon as the pandemic ends?
What's new?
Resources
- Inspection and Maintenance Procedure
- Pregnant Lab Worker - FAQ - addresses common concerns related to working in the lab while pregnant.
- Gas cylinder safety (poster)
- Flammable compressed gases (program) - outlines requirements and best practices for safe use and storage of flammable compressed gases
- Toxic compressed gases (program) - outlines requirements and best practices for safe use and storage of flammable compressed gases
Notices
Suicide Prevention Week is January 25 to 27, 2022 - Events and resources available for staff and students.
Revisions to the Alberta OHS Act came into effect December 1. Changes are incremental and will be reflected in HSEMS documents and program updates targeted for the end of March 2022.
