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 some prizes at the end of the week.

Since 2023, the Ontario government declared May to be Building Safety Month to bring awareness to the Ontario Building Code and its role in ensuring a healthy and safe indoor environment for all. At Humber, the Capital Development and Facilities Management department (CDFM) 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.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International has also designated May as Electrical Safety Month to bring awareness to the importance of electrical safety in the workplace and at home. While electricity is vital to many jobs, it can pose a significant risk. Electrical safety goes hand-in-hand with building safety, and 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. For after hours or emergency issues (such as floods, leaks, etc.), contact Public Safety at extension 8500. Please visit the Capital Development & Facilities Management website for more information.

Photo Contest Tip: Do you have examples of a well-maintained building or workstation? Is the housekeeping in your work area superb? Are your computer cords in good condition, plugged into appropriate outlets, and tucked away to prevent tripping hazards? Let’s see it!