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.

Most of us walk up and down the stairs or ramps on a daily basis. These can come with inherent risks that are not present with level surfaces. Consider the following tips next time you move along a staircase or ramp:

• Remain vigilant: avoid distractions, such as using your phone.
• Ensure you provide enough space to others and avoid rushing.
• Use the right-hand side of the ramp or staircase when possible.
• Use the handrails, particularly on staircases.
• Avoid carrying objects with both hands or carrying bulky items that block your vision. Use a cart or elevator in these situations.
• Wear sturdy and secure footwear and keep your laces tied.
• If outdoors, be cautious of environmental conditions such as rain, ice or snow.

At Humber, we've taken great care to design and install staircases and ramps that minimize the chances of injury. However, if you notice a slip or trip hazard, you can report it through one of the following methods:

• Call 416.675.6622 ext. 4444 (Capital Development & Facilities Management)
• Call 416.675.8500 (Public Safety’s non-emergency number).
• Use Public Safety’s Humber Guardian App to report a hazard or near miss tip.

For support on any health and safety issues, please notify Occupational Health and Safety Services at healthandsafety@humber.ca.

In May, the FLAS North Campus Grab 'n Go Food Bank will be open on the following dates from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

• Friday, May 2
• Monday, May 5
• Tuesday, May 13
• Wednesday, May 21
• Thursday, May 29

At the North Campus, the Grab 'n Go Food Bank cart is located on the 5th floor of the LRC outside of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

How does the Food Bank work?

1. Members of the Humber community who are experiencing food insecurity or hardship are encouraged to stop by the FLAS Office during business hours on the dates listed above.
2. There they will encounter a cart with a selection of non-perishable food items.
3. They can take what they need. It's that easy!

Can I help?

The FLAS Grab 'n Go Food Bank is a faculty-driven initiative intended to help fight food insecurity in our Humber community. If you would like to contribute, food donations are always welcome and appreciated. All donations can be dropped off at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Together, let's help fight food insecurity and ensure all members of our Humber community have access to food.

Please be advised that Parking Lot 15 at North Campus will be closed on May 14-15 due to a scheduled craning operation.

All staff who normally use this lot are asked to park in an alternative lot for the day. Signage will be in place, and access will be restricted for safety.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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.