How we can all contribute to safety and health on campus

Safety and Health Week, held annually during the first week of May, is an opportunity to focus on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in our community.

This year’s theme, together, we can create safer workplaces and communities, every day, all year long, highlights the importance of working together to foster a safety-minded culture at McMaster University.

“Safety and Health Week is a timely reminder that creating and maintaining a safe campus is a shared responsibility,” says President and Vice-Chancellor David Farrar.

“This year’s theme reminds us that we all have a role to play. It is only by working together that we can ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all,” says Farrar.

Safety and Health Week is also a time to highlight the important role Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) members play in keeping the McMaster community safe.

“We thank JHSC members for their ongoing commitment to workplace safety, and for their work in helping all McMaster community members fully understand the benefits of investment in occupational safety and health,” says Saher Fazilat, Vice-President Operations and Finance.

“Safety and Health Week is an important time for us to reflect on this work. It’s also important for us to examine how we can continue to keep safety and health top of mind as we continue to navigate through the pandemic,” says Fazilat.

A number of sessions are being offered throughout Safety and Health Week that will give McMaster members a better understanding of the role of occupational safety and health in our community, including how to report safety concerns.

More information on the events and sessions being offered by McMaster’s Environmental and Occupational Health Support Services (EOHSS) will be available on the Human Resources’ website.