What safety resources are available for students on campus?
EHS works with various UTSC groups to ensure that buildings, classrooms, libraries and other campus areas are safe working spaces for students, faculty and staff. A number of resources are available to ensure your safety on campus:
- AccessAbility Services: Ensures that policies, practices, procedures and programs at UTSC are inclusive to ensure equal access to students with disabilities.
- Campus Safety: Works 24/7 to protect the safety and security of the University community and offers a variety of safety programs and services.
- Emergency Medical Response Group (EMRG): A non-profit volunteer organization involving a collaborative team of trained UTSC students, operating 24/7 providing first aid and Emergency First Responder (EFR) level assistance to students, faculty, and visitors on campus.
- Health and Wellness Centre: Provides medical, nursing, counselling, health promotion and education services to UTSC students.
- Safety and Support Services: Various activities, programs and supports at the University related to mental health, personal safety and sexual violence and harassment.
What safety resources are available for student groups and classrooms?
If you would like our department to come to your next student meeting or student event please contact us at 416-208-2928 and we would be happy to share what our department offers and how we can help meet student safety needs.
Safety in laboratories
Laboratories often contain hazardous materials that might result in injury or impacts to your health. Your instructor or supervisor is obligated to provide you with a health and safety orientation to the lab environment. It should cover what to do in the event of an emergency, the potential hazards you might encounter, and any safety courses you might need to complete. Students who work in labs should speak to their supervisors about specific health and safety training requirements.
Safety in lecture theatres
A lecture theatre is typically considered non-hazardous with minimal risk of any injury. However, accidents happen! Instructors are responsible for the safety of students during classes or instructional periods. For information about emergency preparedness, click here.
What safety resources are available for students working on campus?
U of T is committed to the provision of a safe and healthy work and study environment (refer to the University's Health & Safety Policy). To be in compliance with Ontario Ministry of Labour legislation, all New & Young Workers must complete the following:
- Online Basic Health and Safety Awareness training before beginning work.
- A workplace-specific safety orientation and training with their supervisor.
- Additional training related to any hazards present or handled during the course of the work. Individual departments may also hold in-person training sessions addressing one or more of these requirements.
What resources are available for students working in the field or travelling abroad?
- U of T's Safety Abroad Office supports safe experiences abroad, based on the requirements outlined in the Safety Abroad Guidelines, which fall under the Framework for Off-Campus Safety.
- For field courses or research activities, your supervisor or instructor would typically be responsible for assessing risks in the field, and completing the Field Research Safety Planning Record as part of the planning process.
- For international destinations, it is recommended that you attend a travel clinic prior to departure.
What types of work placements are eligible for WSIB coverage?
Depending on whether you are a graduate student, participating in the work study program, or completing a practicum / clinical placement as part of your studies, you may be eligible for workers' compensation if you experience a work-related illness or injury. Please contact EHS directly for clarification.