With snowy conditions expected this month, the Brock community is encouraged to be mindful of the weather conditions as employees collectively work to keep the campus safe and prevent slips, trips and falls. 

Winter safety efforts began last term when Brock’s Facilities Management team placed more than 160 floor mats at high-traffic entrances across campus to help absorb water and collect debris. Throughout the season, custodians frequently vacuum and deep clean interior entrances to buildings to reduce debris and prevent slipping hazards. 

When snow and ice are present, the grounds crew works around the clock removing snow and applying salt and ice melt to slippery surfaces. A snow and ice removal priority map illustrates the locations on campus that are maintained, and which areas receive attention first.

It’s a team effort to keep campus safe during winter weather conditions. David Clark, Horticultural Technician, shovels snow from sidewalks in between the Goodman School of Business and Mackenzie Chown Complex in November 2022.

Brock mechanics support the grounds crew by maintaining snow removal equipment, Campus Security Services monitors conditions late into the night and early mornings, and the Health and Safety team regularly audits areas on campus. 

Beyond the collective efforts from Brock’s employee teams to keep campus safe, it’s important for students, employees and campus visitors to protect themselves by taking precautions against winter hazards. 

 Tips to prevent winter slips 

• Download the Brock Safety mobile app. Notifications of campus closures due to inclement weather can be accessed via the app and The Brock News.  

• Plan ahead by checking the weather forecast and allowing extra travel time if snow is expected.  
• Wear footwear designed for outdoor winter conditions, such as boots and shoes with deep treads and low heels. Sandals, slippers and smooth-soled footwear can be dangerous to wear when walking in wet and slippery conditions.  
• Clear snow and ice from car windows, lights and licence plates before driving. The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario requires all licence plates to be cleared of any snow, ice or other obstructions to operate on roads. Brock also requires this of all vehicles on campus. 
• During storm cleanup, park in lots or areas of lots that are already cleared. Park next to vehicles already parked and try to park within the parking space lines. Do not block other vehicles.  
• Storm cleanup can happen in the early hours of the morning. It’s one reason why parking is not permitted between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., except for residence overnight permit holders. 
• Take extra care when taking the first few steps getting in and out of a vehicle. Ice can form and build up between parked vehicles more than in parking lot aisles.  
• Keep feet planted shoulder-width apart to increase stability. 
• Avoid carrying large objects that reduce visibility and limit the ability to land safely during a fall. 
• Don’t rush or travel too quickly for the walking surface conditions. Slow down and place each step carefully.  
• Pay attention to surroundings, and avoid texting and walking.  
• Stay on cleared pathways. Don’t take shortcuts through non-pedestrian/non-designated areas, such as piles of snow, unclear paths or other unmaintained areas.  
• Before entering a building, brush off debris from pant legs and footwear and shake off water from umbrellas and jackets.

The Brock community is encouraged to report unsafe conditions on outdoor pedestrian surfaces to the Facilities Management Customer Service One Call Hotline at 905-688-5550 x3717, Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email FM@brocku.ca. Outside of these hours, or if the University is closed, urgent slip and trip circumstances can be reported to Campus Security Services at 905-688-5550 x3200.  

If an incident, injury, near miss, or health and safety hazard is observed, report it to a person of authority such as an area supervisor or Brock employee. Circumstances should be reported through an injury/incident report.