WORKPLACE SAFETY ISN'T ALWAYS OBVIOUS.
Take a closer look at the three types of safety.
Take a closer look at the three types of safety.
An environment where physical hazards are identified, assessed and controlled through a combination of elimination/substitution, engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment measures to prevent bodily injury or illness to a person or damage to property or the environment.
An environment where employees can be their authentic selves. Employees should feel safe no matter how they identify. Post-secondary employees (and students) are diverse in their identities, including, but not limited to; gender, faith, mobility, linguistically and culturally. No employee should have to mask their authentic selves. Every employee should feel accepted and respected for who they are, in all of their complex identities and for the gifts that they uniquely contribute to the workplace.
"A workplace that promotes workers’ psychological well-being and actively works to prevent harm to worker psychological health including in negligent, reckless, or intentional ways" (CSA National Standard, 2013). It is “the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes, and that the team is safe for interpersonal risk taking.” (Edmondson, 1999).
A safety champion fosters an environment where physical, psychological, and cultural safety are prioritized and upheld. They celebrate the unique contributions that each individual brings to the workplace, ensure that everyone feels accepted and respected for who they are and will stop unsafe work practices. A safety champion goes beyond mere compliance and actively cultivates a culture of safety in all its forms, fostering a workplace where every member can thrive.
It can be a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and cultural factors. Click through the names below to explore how people can experience different combinations of the 3 safety categories.
Kai is an international student with a disability who works at the campus bookstore. She feels unseen and vulnerable on campus, navigating physical barriers, mental health stigma, and cultural isolation.
Hiroshi is a professor coping with anxiety. He is finding it challenging to focus on his research and teaching amidst crowded, poorly lit campus spaces, exacerbating his mental health struggles.
Mekina, an Indigenous faculty member, feels unsafe due to insensitive and at times racist questions from colleagues and being unfairly tasked with representing the Indigenous community. These issues are hindering Mekina’s career and well-being.
Avery, a transgender staff member, faces discrimination and discomfort using gendered facilities, compounded by a lack of understanding and acceptance of diverse gender identities.
Diego, a graduate student feels unsupported and overwhelmed by his workload. Diego fears repercussions if he seeks help or expresses concerns about his well-being.
Samira is an administrative staff member who wears a hijab. Lately, she’s been experiencing microaggressions and exclusion in the workplace, leading to feelings of alienation and disengagement.
Jordan works as a custodial staff member and faces hazards from inadequate training and equipment, increasing the risk of injuries while performing cleaning duties on campus.
Become a Safety Champion in 3 steps. It’s easier than you think!
By visiting this site, you’ve already taken the first step in becoming a Safety Champion!
Spread the word and share.
Encourage your friends and colleagues to visit this website and learn about becoming a Safety Champion too.
Connect with your institution.
Educate yourself on issues related to the 3 types of safety. Ensure you are properly trained for safety and act to stop unsafe practices. Explore your institution’s specific safety initiatives and resources by clicking on the button below.
Become a Safety Champion in 3 steps. It’s easier than you think!
By visiting this site, you’ve already taken the first step in becoming a Safety Champion!
Spread the word and share.
Encourage your friends and colleagues to visit this website and learn about becoming a Safety Champion too.
Connect with your institution.
Educate yourself on issues related to the 3 types of safety. Ensure you are properly trained for safety and act to stop unsafe practices. Explore your institution’s specific safety initiatives and resources by clicking on the button below.
Give the campaign a like, thumbs up or smiley face and join many other Safety Champions in supporting workplace safety!
