Top Stories
WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR SAFETY? KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT STRESS
As the outdoor temperature begins to rise with the onset of summer weather, the risk of heat stress also increases for outdoor workers.
Sun exposure is the primary source of heat stress for outdoor workers contributing to health issues from heat rash to heat stroke. Heat stroke is the most serious health issue related to heat stress as it can lead to damage of the heart, kidneys, and liver, and death.
The risk factors such as air temperature, humidity and the sun; the amount of work to be done and effort required to complete the work; and how one responds to heat due to physical fitness, age, fatigue, medications, pre-existing conditions etc. all contribute to heat stress.
Early signs of heat stress include painful muscle spasms; heavy sweating; blurred vision; brief fainting; fatigue; and reduced movement.
To protect yourself from the risk of heat stress, use these six simple steps:
- Know the signs and symptoms of heat stress;
- Watch out for symptoms in yourself and others;
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing;
- Drink water often – avoid drinks with alcohol and caffeine;
- Take breaks in the shade and more often on hot days;
- Know how your workplace deals with heat stress.
Be sure to report to your supervisor and first aid should you experience any signs of heat stress.
SPRING CONVOCATION MAY 23 – 31–WATCH OUT FOR INCREASED TRAFFIC AND CLOSURES
UBC Congregation Ceremonies will be held at the Chan Centre on May 23 – 31. Expect to see high traffic volume along the roadways. To ensure graduates and their visitors have a stress-free and enjoyable ceremony, let’s try not to photo-bomb their pictures with Building Ops service vehicles.
University Centre parking lot will be used for VIPs and deliveries only
The Rose Garden Parkade will be available for guests attending graduation only between 7AM and 4PM
HIGH VOLTAGE FEEDER SHUTDOWN (12F20-SC AND 12SS-SC) SCHEDULED ON SATURDAY, MAY 26, 8AM – 6PM
As part of the ongoing preventive maintenance program for high voltage feeders across campus, the next planned HV-electrical feeder maintenance shutdown (12F20-SC and 12SS-SC) scheduled on Saturday, May 26th from 8am – 6pm.
The feeder maintenance entails shutting down utility power to selected buildings in the south campus area. Planned maintenance shutdowns can allow the UBC research community the opportunity to create “Power Outage Emergency Plans” for unplanned power failures; thus potentially mitigating impact to millions of dollars invested in research.
Some of the affected areas
CUSTODIAL SERVICES TRIALING ROBOTIC AUTO-SCRUBBER AT HENRY ANGUS BUILDING
In our April 24 issue, we announced that Custodial Services will be trialing a robotic, self-driven auto-scrubber this May. The robot is the work of A&K Robotics, who have been working for a few years on intelligent and mobile autonomous navigation platform. Deploying the robotic auto-scrubber as an efficiency tool will be a huge help to the Custodial staff.
The robotic auto-scrubber is being trialed in the Henry Angus Building, with the aid of A&K Robotics on site. The pilot is going great, and we are already seeing the benefits in having this tool in our department – for example, an employee called in sick and the custodian who had to cover the area was able to cover with ease because the floors were already being washed!
ICE CREAM SOCIAL CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
The heat is on! Start the summer and cool down by meeting and having fun with friends and coworkers at the 2018 Building Operations’ Ice Cream Social happening on June 26th. Everyone is welcome to enjoy cold treats, whether or not you are participating in the games.
This cool event can’t happen without your support and lots of help. We’re looking for cool volunteers to help with set up and break down of activity areas, registration and leading activities.
This year we are bringing the all-cooling and fun dunk tank. But we’d like to hear your ideas on how to best get dunk tank volunteers.
Contact Caroline Soriano to let her know if you’re available to help or to send your cool ideas.
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE 35TH ANNUAL BUILDING OPERATIONS GOLF TOURNAMENT? REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL JUNE 5TH
Are you registered for the 35th Annual UBC Building Operations Golf Tournament? Registration closes on June 5th. Spaces—only $65 each—are limited. Contact Joe Gallagher, John Singh, Tom Davis or Paul Tees for details.
CHECK OUT THESE JOB POSTINGS
Know anyone interested in working in Building Operations? Let them know about our current job postings.
#29927 Evening F/T Service Worker
#29975 Evening F/T Service Worker
#29976 Evening P/T Service Worker
#29921 Project Coordinator
#29920 Labourer 3 (temporary)
#29979 Seasonal Labourer 3
#29470 Tilesetter (staffcareers.ubc.ca/29470)
#29792 Bricklayer (staffcareers.ubc.ca/29792)
For full listings, check out designated job postings boards or visit UBC Careers.
Quick Updates
NPS SCORED REMAINED AT 79% WITH 5 NEW PROMOTERS.
WELCOME TO UBC: GREGOR KOSIRNIK, JULIO HERNANDEZ, STEPHEN CAREY, SPENCER HORTON, TROY WILSON, WILLIAM NITRANSKY AND JAMES MONTGOMERY (EWS)
NPS SCORE REMAINS AT 79%
BIKE TO WORK WEEK MAY 28 – JUNE 3
FRANCOIS DESMARAIS BLUE ZONE FM FROM MAY 7 – JUNE 22