Worksite safety
Introduction
UVic wants to make sure the campus is a safe and healthy place for everyone—students, instructors, staff, contractors and visitors.
If you’re a contractor, consultant, or service provider working at UVic, it’s your job to make sure your work done safely and comply with applicable WorkSafeBC regulations, UVic’s policies, federal and provincial laws and regulations, and municipal bylaws.
This guide isn't a comprehensive list of your responsibilities, but it can help you find safety information about UVic properties and procedures.
Make sure you understand the terms used in these documents.
What is this?
These web pages are based on the UVic Health, Safety and Environmental Handbook for University Contractors, the authoritative guide to the responsibilities of contractors working at UVic. The content has been simplified and optimized for viewing on mobile devices and quick reference.
Contacts
Emergency and non-emergency phone numbers for UVic departments, municipal and government agencies, and businesses you may need to contact while working at UVic.
Vehicle access & parking
Before coming to campus, you should be familiar with UVic's traffic and parking regulations.
Building access
Your FMGT Representative is responsible for providing you with the keys and keycard access you need. You can sign out keys during regular business hours at our reception desk in the Saunders building. If you request a key, you should provide:
- the name of your company
- the name of your FMGT Representative
- government-issued photo ID
- an explanation of why you need access
After-hours access: If you need to get into the building after hours or on weekends, you must make arrangements ahead of time with your FMGT Representative and CSEC.
Lost keys: If you lose a key you signed out, you're responsible for:
- reporting it to CSEC as soon as possible
- paying for a replacement key
- paying to rekey locks (if CSEC determines it's necessary for security)
| Area | Authorization by |
|---|---|
| Mechanical/electrical rooms | Facilities Management |
| Communication rooms | Facilities Management |
| Rooftops | Facilities Management |
| Department-owned secure areas | Dean or department head |
| Department-owned alarmed areas | Dean or department head |
| Residences | Residence Services |
Contractor safety program
You must have a health and safety program in place if you have:
- 50 or more employees
- 20 or more employees that work in an area with a moderate or high risk of injury (like construction)
Upon request, you must submit evidence of a health and safety program to the FGMT representative. You may also need to submit other specialized plans necessary for project work to be completed.
For large projects/renovations, the health and safety site plan must be posted at the job site. It must be adjusted regularly to reflect the current stage of construction activities.
If work activities have the potential to negatively impact others that may be in proximity to the work site, you must notify the FMGT representative.
Accident & incident reporting
Immediately report to your FMGT Representative any incident that results in:
- serious injury or illness
- damage to property or equipment
- environmental contamination
- unplanned or uncontrolled fire
- explosion or flood
- collapse or failure of a building or structure.
If an incident or injury needs to be reported to a regulatory body, contractors should submit the required report and also notify their FMGT Representative. If it requires an investigation, a copy of the completed report should be provided to us.
General hazard requirements
Hazardous products, including asbestos, are used on the UVic campus. Contractors must use caution and follow procedures to keep workers and UVic community members safe.
Notice of Project
Where required by regulations, the Prime Contractor must submit a notice of project (NOP) to WorkSafeBC.
Find out if you need to submit a notice of project.
You must also submit copies of the NOP to the FMGT Representative. You must post the NOP at the work site.
Permits & notices
Contractors must provide notice before doing work that could be dangerous or disrupt UVic's operations. In some cases, permits are also required.
Incidents & procedures
Procedures and processes for incident and accident reporting.Worksite security
All work areas must be appropriately enclosed and signed when required.
Contractors are responsible for isolating the work environment to prevent unauthorized access to the work environment from building occupants and bystanders. Contractors must provide all materials to create an effective barricade, including:
- signs
- cones
- plastic sheets
- guardrails
- other materials
Signs and barricades must not be removed until the work is completed and all hazards are eliminated.
Any requirements to block means of egress, fire, life or other safety equipment must first be approved by FMGT.
Policies
UVic is committed to excellence in environmental health and safety stewardship through a university-wide EHS Management System.
General behaviour
All contractors must conduct themselves in a professional manner. Behaviour that violates UVic's policies or has the potential to endanger the safety and well-being of anyone on campus is grounds for removal from the site. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- use, possession, distribution, offering, sale or being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs while on company business or premises
- disorderly or violent conduct
- theft or intentional damage to property
- misuse of property
- entering restricted areas
- bullying and/or harassment
- criminal activities
- offensive language