Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement due to forest fire smoke in parts of Ontario, including the Hamilton area. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in the Hamilton region is forecast to be at a moderate to high risk level on Monday, July 14. 

McMaster is encouraging university community members to follow guidelines from the province’s Health Messages for use during Forest Fire and Smoke Related Events.  

For more advice on actions to take during medium and high-risk air quality, please see McMaster’s Health and Safety website.  

On campus, McMaster is taking the following steps:  

• The University Health and Safety team is supporting leaders and supervisors to communicate directly with staff who work outdoors to identify risks and put protection strategies in place.
• For buildings that have mechanical ventilation, Utility Services has reduced the intake of outside air coming into buildings. Please contact your supervisor if you have any questions.  

Supports are also available for McMaster community members:  

• Faculty and staff can connect with McMaster’s Employee and Family Assistance Program.  
• Students can connect with the Student Wellness Centre, as well as the resources provided on their website.