UCalgary participates in province-wide campaign to promote workplace safety at post-secondary institutions

The University of Calgary is participating in a safety champion media campaign, together with other post-secondary institutions in Alberta, to enhance the safety culture at work. The initiative is led by Campus Alberta Risk and Assurance (CARA), a group of representatives from 26 post-secondary institutions in Alberta that work to improve risk management, emergency management, and health and safety across the institutions.

“This campaign is an important collaboration across Alberta’s post-secondary institutions,” says Mike Van Hee, vice-president (services). “By working together, we are strengthening our shared commitment to workplace safety, encouraging active participation, and building a lasting culture of safety that benefits all members of our educational community."

Launching this October, the media campaign aims to empower faculty and staff to become safety champions who promote physical, psychological, and cultural safety within their workplaces. Safety champions go beyond mere compliance. They actively encourage a positive, supportive work environment where everyone feels safe – physically, mentally and culturally. 

“Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, and initiatives like this allow us to work together to advance our goal to be a safe, inclusive, healthy, and respectful environment at all times,” says Van Hee. 

The University of Calgary is continuously working to prioritize the safety of its employees through various initiatives, including required Environment, Health and Safety courses for all employees and the renewal of the Community Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy.

“Psychological safety is essential to creating a workplace where people can belong and thrive,” says Andrew Szeto, PhD, director, Community Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy. “By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, we are building a culture where employees can contribute their best without hesitation or fear."

The safety champion campaign will unfold over the next three months and phases, beginning in October with “What’s wrong with this picture?” to highlight that workplace hazards are not always immediately visible, urging faculty and staff to take a closer look. In November and December, the campaign will focus on specific workplace situations related to physical, psychological and cultural safety. 

Visit the Safety Champion website for more information, tools and resources at www.safetychampion.ca as part of the first step in becoming a safety champion.