UBC's Asbestos Management Program
Managed by Safety & Risk Services and UBC Facilities, the Asbestos Management Program was created to control the potential hazards of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres by the identification and elimination, or the encapsulation of asbestos-containing materials.
UBC had many buildings constructed/renovated during decades when asbestos was a common addition to building materials. The Asbestos Alert Bulletin, which documents the locations of known asbestos materials on campus, has recently been updated.
Learn more about the Asbestos Management Program
A clean worksite is a safe worksite
We all share a responsibility in keeping the campus and our worksites clean and safe. Whether you work in a mechanical room, a lab, an office, or somewhere outside in the public realm, it is your responsibility to clean up after yourself.
- Waste removal: Please pack out any garbage, packaging, boxes or any other waste that is associated with the work that you performed.
- Dust & debris: If you are performing work that creates dust or other debris, please take all appropriate steps needed to barricade the workspace or cover any surrounding contents with plastic. If working outside and creating dust or debris, please ensure that you stop all debris from entering the storm water system. Contact your supervisor or the service centre to add a suborder for custodial to perform a special cleaning of the space if needed after dusty work.
- Spare parts & recyclables: Smaller spare parts or recyclable materials like metal, used oils, etc. can be brought back to the yard and disposed of in the appropriate bins.
- Construction sites: On Construction Office jobs, please use the bins provided by the labourers. If there are none onsite, or they are full, please contact the appropriate PC to discuss any alternative options if needed.
- Removal of large items: Bulky items, or large amounts of waste that cannot be moved safely - please contact your supervisor or service centre to add a suborder to the job to get labour support to move or dispose of the item or materials.
Pilot project in VPFO & VPHR to increase compliance with UBC Required Training
This October, VPFO staff who are not up to date on their UBC Required Training will receive a Workday notification as a reminder to complete the training(s). Furthermore, managers will receive a Workday notification with instructions/details to access a report that outlines compliance for their team(s).
Please keep an eye out for this new notification and check that you are up to date on your UBC Required Training. Further instructions on how to enroll in training and check your records in Workday will be available in the Workday notification.
Led by Safety & Risk Services in collaboration with VP Human Resources and UBC IT, this project aims to increase compliance with required training, as mandated by legislation and UBC policies.
Read the full announcement on the Safety & Risk Services website.
Shout outs
- Adam Rosenthal, Head Tool Crib/Store Operator – VPFO Communications & Engagement recently did a photo shoot in Municipal Services' Stores warehouse. Special thanks to Adam for being so patient and collaborative, and for helping us capture the great work the team does for our community. You're awesome!
- Mike Laing, Metal Worker – Big shout out to Mike for getting our vehicles cleaned up for the new Fall term. What a great year to begin the new academic year!
People in motion
- Cameron Honey joins Municipal Services within Facilities this week as Labourer.
- Valerie Zhang has joined the VPFO Administrative team from Hiring Solutions, and will be providing temporary administrative support to the Office of the Comptroller through the middle of December, as Holly Rail, Executive Assistant to the Comptroller, transitions fully into Sandy Zarka’s, Manager, VPFO Administration & Executive Assistant, position during her 6-month leave of absence.
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:
- Tool Crib / Store Operator (JR9650) – 9/21/2022
- Auxiliary Service Worker (10 Positions) (JR9288) – 09/23/2022
- Project Manager 1 (JR9483) – 09/27/2022
Don't forget to apply as an internal candidate! Please review the Apply for an Internal Job Posting guide in the Workday Knowledge Base for instructions on how to apply. Reminder to attach a copy of your resume when you apply for a career opportunity in Workday.
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.
EDI – Make your workplace more accessible
September is Disability Employment Month, highlighting the significant role people with disabilities have in British Columbia’s workforce. This month also aims to promote inclusion and encourage employers to build more accessible workplaces.
The Centre for Workplace Accessibility can work with you to promote a disability-aware and inclusive workplace with a 15-minute introductory presentation from a Workplace Accessibility Specialist at your next meeting.
To request a presentation, email workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca or call 604-822-8139.
Emergency tip: Keep a pair of shoes by your bed at all times in case of a nighttime earthquake
Did you know that one of the most common injuries that emergency departments had to deal with during the 1994 early morning Northridge earthquake in Southern California was removing broken glass from people’s feet? Make sure to keep a pair of shoes by your bed at all times.
Learn more about Personal Emergency Preparedness on ready.ubc.ca
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: Returning to work after parental leave
The transition from parental leave back to work can be stressful. Adjusting to a new routine of drops offs at childcare, commuting, settling back into a work environment or the emotional strain of spending time away from your child can all be challenging.
Hopefully, these tips can aid with your transition:
- Schedules – Printing out a visual morning schedule can help ease the transition of leaving the house each morning.
- 15 minutes the night before – Take time the night before to put out clothes, make lunches and set out work and school bags by the door to reduce the stress of looking for items.
- Create space for moments – After being home with your child 24 hours a day, you may miss having quality time with them. Creating space in your daily routine can help, such as packing favourite books to read with your child while waiting for appointments or shopping trips.
- Make time for nothing – Moving to a very scheduled work day can be overwhelming for everyone. It can be helpful to make at least part of one of your days off unscheduled and spend time unrushed with your child.
- Partner with your care provider – Let your care provider, even if it's family, know what you need. Many childcare providers will offer a daily photographs or updates to help you stay informed and connected to how your child is doing.
- Time block – The day-to-day tasks in life can feel overwhelming. Having a running list reduces the mental energy required. And by blocking time during the week (i.e. during a coffee break, before or after work), you can cross these off your list with less effort.
Managing your mental health
Human Resources has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. To view 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): Building Operations, Energy & Water Services, Customer Services & Informatics, and Municipal Services
- Gregor MacDonald (gregor.macdonald@ubc.ca): Custodial Services and Infrastructure Development
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