Safety Corner: Building a Culture of Care
At VIU, creating a safe and healthy place to work and learn is a shared responsibility. Everyone has a role to play in identifying hazards, raising concerns, and supporting one another. One of the most effective ways to strengthen our culture of safety is by making health and safety part of everyday conversations.
By discussing safety topics at department or faculty meetings, teams can:
- Increase awareness of hazards in their unique work areas.
- Encourage open dialogue and problem-solving.
- Ensure that concerns are identified, addressed, and followed up on.
- Build confidence that safety is supported at every level of the university.
Ideas to Get Started
Here are some practical strategies for bringing health and safety into your team discussions:
- Review emergency procedures. Begin meetings by reminding your team where to find exits, muster points, and fire extinguishers. Example:
“Our emergency exits are located at the front and side of this room, the muster point is beside the big tree, and the nearest fire extinguisher is at the back of the room. You can also find an Emergency Procedures poster near the side exit.” - Add health and safety to your agenda. Incorporate a standing item at meetings to ask:
“Does anyone have any health or safety concerns they would like to raise today?”
Health and Safety Services can provide support with follow-up questions or resources. - Discuss monthly safety topics. Health and Safety Services has developed a Safety Calendar with key talking points and resources that align with the posters on Safety Boards across campus. Pick one to discuss at your meeting:
January – Winter Driving: “Stay safe on the road this winter—slow down, plan ahead, and arrive safely.”
February – Mental Health: “A healthy mind is just as important as a safe workplace—let’s check in with each other.”
March – Workers’ Basic Rights: “Every worker has the right to know, participate, and refuse unsafe work.”
April – Day of Mourning: “We remember. We renew our commitment to safe workplaces for all.”
May – NAOSH Week: “A North American initiative to highlight the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace.”
June – Fire Safety: “Fire bans, safe tobacco use and fire hazards—fire safety is everyone’s job.”
July – Working in the Heat: “Hydrate, rest, and stay cool—beat the heat safely.”
August – WHMIS: “Know your labels, know your hazards—safety starts with awareness.”
September – Illness / Communicable Diseases: “Healthy habits protect us all—wash, cover, and stay home if unwell.”
September – VIU Safety App: “Your one stop shop to health and safety information and notifications.”
October – ShakeOut BC: “Drop, cover, and hold on—practice today for a safer tomorrow.”
November – Bullying, Harassment & Respectful Workplaces: “Respect builds safe workplaces—speak up, support others, and model kindness.”
December – Slips and Trips: “Step carefully this season—clear the way and watch your footing.”
If you have questions or would like additional resources for your team, please contact Health and Safety Services at safety@viu.ca.