Updated COVID-19 information
COVID-19 information on the Safety & Risk Services website has been updated to reflect the recent guidance and direction around continuity planning, contact tracing, and mask recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), and WorkSafeBC:
For more information, please visit: https://srs.ubc.ca/covid-19/
Face coverings and N95 respirators
Employees who are required to wear N95 respirators for protection against contaminants in the workplace (such as mould and rodent droppings), please seek approval from your manager prior to purchasing from Stores.
UBC continues to take direction from Public Health on COVID-19 prevention measures and controls. The Provincial Health Office continues to support the use of well-fitted, tightly woven 3ply cloth masks for the larger community accessing public, indoor spaces in combination with other health protection measures. At this time, UBC is not recommending the general use of N95 respirators as a COVID-19 control measure in community environments, and will continue to monitor Public Health for updates.
For more information on Face coverings and N95/KN95 respirators, please visit the Safety & Risk Services website.
Facilities Annual Injury Statistical Review 2021
UBC Facilities aims to provide a safe, healthy, and secure environment to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all of us as we work to support the university.
In order to gain some insight into our health and safety efforts over the past year and identify areas for improvement, here is a general overview of the preliminary Facilities incident/accident statistics for 2021.
Facilities had a total of 136 incidents reported into CAIRS in 2021.
Over the past year, there was a rise in injuries due to ergonomic factors that we haven’t seen since the mid-2000s, involving lifting heavy loads, repetitive motion, inadequate planning, handling awkward loads, and limited space taking over the top spots of contributing to injuries among our staff.
These statistics show us that there are opportunities to reduce the potential for workplace injuries in 2022. Together — the Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committees and Facilities team — will work towards making our workplace safer, healthier, and more secure.
Read the full review on the Facilities website.
UBC Gateway project received the 2021 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence
The design intends to express commonalities between Musqueam values, culture, and learning and the UBC Gateway environmental and wellness goals.
The UBC Gateway project is nearing the end of the design process and should start construction in spring, targeting Board 3 approval in March.
Read more about the project's unique design and the jury's comments on the Canadian Architect website.
Learn more about the project on the Infrastructure Development website.
Zone List Updates
The Zone list (see attached) has been updated as of January 17, 2022. Please note that the following updates were made:
- Green/Teal Custodial Head – vacant
- Grey Utility worker – vacant
- Yellow Carpenter – vacant & updated phone number
- Blue Facilities Manager – vacant
Welcome to the team... and fond farewell
- David Rowswell will be joining the Facilities Information & Inventory Systems team as Programmer Analyst in Infrastructure Development for the next six months.
- Florante Navarro has been promoted to Sub-Head, Stores in Municipal Services.
Job Openings
All positions at UBC are available on the UBC HR Careers website, or through the career application in your Workday account. Please note that applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the posting end date. The following VPFO positions are currently open:
- Facilities Manager (JR5777) – closing Jan 20
- Sub-Head Millwright (JR5870) – closing Jan 21
Please remember to apply as an internal candidate. This ISC Knowledge Base article shows how: How do I apply for an internal job posting?.
In case you've missed it
Here is a quick recap of key events and information that you may have missed. For more details, please click on the links below or refer to our weekly portfolio newsletter, VPFO Update.
If you do not currently receive the VPFO Update in your inbox, please contact Samantha Tsui, Communications Coordinator.
EDI: Happy "Blue Monday"
The third Monday of the first month is known as Blue Monday, the allegedly most depressing day of the year. Why is this? The idea of Blue Monday was first coined in 2004 by psychologist Dr. Cliff Arnall. Arnall created an unscientific formula of factors that may contribute the feelings of depressions people may feel during this time of year: [W + (D - d)] X TQ / M ox Na
W = weather; D = debt; d = monthly salary; T = time since Christmas;
Q = time since failing our new year's resolutions; M = low motivational levels; Na = the feeling of a need to take action
Inequality Kills
Relevant to Blue Monday, is the fact that during the global pandemic, a recent study called 'Inequality Kills' by Oxfam Charity has revealed that the 10 richest people in the world doubled their income while millions have been pushed into poverty. In fact, since the pandemic erupted in March of 2020, a new billionaire has been minted every day
These new numbers from the UK's Ox-Fam organization point to worsening inequality, and they are now calling for new policies to curb this kind of extreme wealth.
Watch this video by DW News
Weekly Emergency Tip: Understanding Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
Did you know that there is less than a 10% chance of surviving an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest? Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the first few minutes can significantly increase the chances of survival.
The portable AED devices are located in a white cabinet and have an AED sign above the unit.
For more information about AEDs, how to use them, and where to find them on campus, visit the SRS website.
Managing your mental health
Human Resources has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. To view more workshops, webinars and events visit the HR event listing.
Our HR representatives are always available for a confidential conversation:
- Monica Haab (monica.haab@ubc.ca): Customer Services, Energy & Water Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Municipal Services, and Trades
- Alena Martin (almarti@mail.ubc.ca): Custodial Services and Infrastructure Development.
Understanding the Employee and Family Assistance Program
The UBC Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a voluntary and confidential counselling support service that provides employees at all levels and their family members (dependents) with the help needed to resolve a wide range of personal, work, health, or life issues. This expert information and immediate support resources are available in-person and by phone, video, web or mobile app 24/7, 365 days per year.
Login to the new LifeWorks Wellbeing Platform and explore their resources and content.
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