The return of students to campus means busier hallways, more vehicles on the roads and a renewed focus on health and safety.
Brock’s Health, Safety and Wellness team is reminding students, faculty and staff of important safety information.
Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, call 911 or Campus Security Services at 905-688-5550 x3200. There are numerous emergency phones, automated external defibrillators and first-aid stations located across campus that can be used when assistance is required. Campus Security recommends that faculty, staff and students download the Brock Mobile App, which offers quick access to campus and local resources 24-7.
Mobile device distraction
Walking while using mobile devices is distracting and could lead to trips, falls and collisions. To avoid injuries and incidents, pedestrians are encouraged to stay alert by checking traffic when crossing roads and keeping headphone volume low to better hear their surroundings. Do not walk and talk or text at the same time. Instead, move out of the way of other pedestrians and then make the call or text.
Pedestrian and motorist safety
Pedestrians are encouraged to abide by traffic signs and crosswalk signals, especially at Glenridge Avenue, where faculty, staff and students cross to get to the east side of campus. Pedestrians should make eye contact with motorists before walking in front of a vehicle and refrain from using their cellphones at crosswalks. Bright-coloured clothing makes it easier for motorists to see pedestrians walking at night.
Drivers are encouraged to adhere to the posted speed signs (40 km/h or less) and to drive appropriately for weather conditions. Particular attention should be paid to the Walker Sports Complex area, where pedestrian traffic is quite heavy.
Stopping on roadways is discouraged because it can create traffic jams and reduce visibility for pedestrians and motorists travelling around stopped vehicles. Instead of stopping, drivers are asked to pull into a parking spot or use a designated drop-off and pick-up area.
Motorists are also reminded that using a cellphone while driving is against the law and approved Bluetooth hands-free devices should instead be used.
When parking, motorists should reduce their speed, be patient with other vehicles parking and be careful at the end of aisles.
Personal transportation devices
To reduce the risk of injury and/or damage to property, indoor use of personal transportation devices is prohibited. Personal transportation devices include but are not limited to bicycles, hover boards, in-line skates, Segways, scooters and skateboards. Assistive devices for persons with disabilities are exempt. Inquiries about assisted devices can be directed to accessibility@brocku.ca. Use of personal transportation devices outdoors must be carried out in a lawful, safe and courteous manner that respects all pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Tricks or manoeuvres that could cause damage to property or injury to individuals are strictly prohibited.
Drones
A drone is an aircraft without a human pilot on board. Recreational use of drones is prohibited on Brock University property.
Slips, trips and falls
Slips, trips and falls are the most reported incidents at Brock University. Health, Safety and Wellness suggests being aware of circumstances, both indoor and outdoor, by scanning the path ahead and avoiding materials or walking surfaces that could contribute to a slip, trip or fall. Wearing appropriate footwear for the weather, not rushing and avoiding shortcuts will also help prevent slip, trip and fall incidents.
Reporting health and safety incidents
If an incident, injury, near miss or health and safety hazard is observed, report the circumstances to a person of authority such as an area supervisor or Brock employee. Circumstances should be reported through an injury/incident report. Completed reports and questions can be directed to the Health, Safety and Wellness office via besafe@brocku.ca or x7233.
Employee health and safety training
All Brock employees have access to — and must complete — online health and safety training via Isaak, Brock’s Sakai-based learning management system. Additional details are available online.