Safety and Health Week - Day 2: Building and Electrical Safety

Welcome to Safety and Health Week! All week long, Occupational Health and Safety Services will be posting health and safety information in the Communiqué. Be sure to keep an eye on these posts, as there will be a chance to win a prize at the end of the week.

May is designated as Building Safety Month in Ontario and is intended to bring awareness to the Ontario Building Code and other requirements aimed at ensuring a healthy and safe indoor environment for all.  

At Humber, the Capital Development and Facilities Management (CDFM) department is responsible for the maintenance and development of Humber property. The Facilities Management team is responsible for providing a safe, clean, healthy, and well-maintained campus environment. The Capital Development team is responsible for new construction and renovation projects. The entire CDFM team plays a significant role in maintaining a safe and healthy campus and can assist with maintaining adequate ventilation, cleaning up of spills, snow removal, equipment procurement and repairs, ensuring renovations are safely completed and in compliance with the Ontario Building Code, and so much more. Building safety is not just specific to the CDFM team. We all play a role by ensuring our buildings and workstations are clean, tidy, and safe, and by maintaining good storage and housekeeping practices.

May is also designated as Electrical Safety Month to bring awareness to the importance of electrical safety in the workplace and at home. Electricity is vital to many jobs, but it can pose a significant risk. Electrical safety goes hand-in-hand with building safety. While the CDFM department oversees major electrical work on campus to ensure safety, below are some safety tips for our workstations:

  • Inspect cords/plugs for wear and tear. Do not use damaged cords.
  • Do not overload outlets.
  • Keep cords away from heat and water.
  • Do not place cords under carpets, across doorways or walkways, or in places where they may be a tripping hazard.
  • Report defects to your supervisor or to CDFM.

For any assistance with issues involving buildings, facilities, outdoor grounds, or electrical-related defects, call extension 4444 during regular work hours, or submit a work order online via the Archibus system. Please visit the Capital Development & Facilities Management website for more information.

For after-hours issues (e.g. water leaks, icy walkways, etc.), contact Public Safety at 416.675.8500. For emergencies (e.g. flooding), contact Public Safety at 416.675.4008.