Health & Safety

OUR HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITMENT STATEMENT

St. Mary’s University (University) is committed to a proactive Health and Safety Program aimed at protecting our employees, students, visitors, volunteers, contractors, and university premises and property.

In compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and other applicable legislative practices, everyone employed at the University, at every level, is responsible and accountable for the institution’s health and safety. Active participation by all on an ongoing basis is essential for the safety excellence of our community.

Leadership at all levels of the University are committed to protecting employees, students, volunteers and visitors’ health and safety, that addresses their physical, and psychological well-being.

Leaders have a duty to ensure employees are informed of their right to refuse unsafe work and employees have a duty to work in a safe manner as per university policies and procedures.

The university conducts regular Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) meetings to recommend additional safety standards and posts meeting minutes for all employees in accordance with provincial legislation. Additionally, every employee shall be aware of the legislative requirements and industry standards as well as the University’s policies and procedures that apply to their work areas.

THROUGH PERSONAL COMMITMENT AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION, WE CAN ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF CREATING A HEALTHY, INJURY-FREE CAMPUS.

Well-Being at St. Mary’s University

Well-being is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Well-being is more than being free from illness; it is a dynamic process of change and growth.

“A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being — not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Eight Dimensions of Well-being

  • Feelings and coping effectively with stress
  • Self-care
  • Relaxation
  • Environmental
  • Respect for our surroundings
  • Harmony with and protection of earth
  • Interactions with nature

  • Successfully managing finances
  • Do we spend more than we can afford?
  • Planning for the future

  • Open mind to new ideas and expanding knowledge
  • Scholastic, Cultural and Community activities

  • Enjoying your occupational endeavours
  • Appreciating your contributions
  • Fulfillment

  • Maintaining a healthy body. Seek care when needed
  • Exercise, Sleep, Eat well

  • Perform social roles effectively, support network.
  • Encouraging relationships with peers
  • Intimate relationships with partners

  • Develop a set of values that help you seek meaning and purpose.
  • Can be represented in many ways, for example through relaxation or religion

School Safety

In the face of a school shooting, ensuring campus safety requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes preparedness, prevention, and effective response. Best practices include the implementation of proactive measures such as regular safety drills, threat assessments, and awareness campaigns to educate students, faculty, and staff on recognizing potential signs of violence. Creating a secure physical environment through controlled access points, surveillance systems, and emergency communication systems is vital. Establishing a well-trained and coordinated campus security team, in collaboration with local law enforcement, enables swift and efficient response in crisis situations. Ongoing mental health support, counselling services, and anonymous reporting mechanisms contribute to a supportive environment that encourages early intervention. Regular review and updates of safety protocols, close collaboration with the broader community, and fostering a culture of vigilance and reporting empower everyone to be active participants in maintaining campus safety and preventing potential harm.

Warning

The video simulates the conditions you might experience during an active shooter event. Some people might find the video disturbing. It might help to view the video with others, such as classmates, friends or colleagues, so you can talk about it after you have watched it. If you think you need to talk to a professional, there are resources available: If you are an StMU student, you can contact Campus Ministry, located at 403-254-3724 or St. Mary University Counselling Services at 403-354-3728 (phone) or book online at https://stmu.janeapp.com/. If you are a member of the StMU staff, you can contact the university’s Employee Assistance Program provider, FSEAP, available 24 hours by calling 1.800.661.8246. You also have the option of anonymous, 24-hour support available through the Distress Centre. Find information here about the Distress Centre or call directly: 403-266-HELP (4357)

Active Shooter Video

Questions about campus safety

If you have any questions about safety on the StMU campus, please contact our Health and Safety Office by emailing safety@stmu.ca.

If you are concerned about someone’s behaviour

Individuals who harm themselves or others often give prior indications that something is seriously wrong. Please contact VP Student Services or VP Academic & Dean if you have any concerns about the behaviour of a student or a member of staff.

StMU CARES

StMU CARES is a collaborative early alert program that supports your mind, body and spirit. It is a non-disciplinary, person-centred way to connect you to support and resources and address barriers to academic success. You can refer yourself or connect with support resources directly. Faculty, staff and Peer Tutors can also refer. Referrals can be sent through the referral form or an email to cares@stmu.ca. Once the referral has been received, the CARES team will connect with you to individually tailor resources and a plan to address their needs.

If you have questions about the program, contact us by email at cares@stmu.ca or by phone at 403-254-3772.

St. Mary’s University Safe App

The St. Mary’s Safe is a mobile application for Apple and Android devices that will allow St. Mary’s University to provide official, real-time information during an emergency on campus. The St. Mary’s Safe app will alert users in the event of closures, lockdowns, evacuations, severe weather alerts and or any other interruptions or interference with normal operating procedures. The app also provides users with essential safety information, tools and resources around the clock. The St. Mary’s Safe app is free to download and is available for via the Google Play store and Apple Store.

The St. Mary’s Safe app will send alerts in a various ways:

  • Push Notifications: You will receive alerts even when the app isn’t running on your phone. A notification will appear on your mobile device to let you know an alert from St. Mary’s University’s St. Mary’s Safe has been sent.
  • Alert Status: When the app is open a red strip notification will appear on the top of the app, when you tap the banner it will open up to give you more details about what to do or where to go.

Using the app, StMU students and visitors can use the following features:

  • Share Map: Share location with a friend by sending them a map to your position
  • I’m OK: Let someone know that you are safe by pressing one button
  • Friend Walk: Send your location any time of the day or night to a friend so they can track your route using a real-time geo-map
  • Work Alone: The St. Mary’s Safe app will automatically check on users and trigger a call to an emergency contact if you haven’t checked in due to an emergency or illness

Please note that this app is designed not to track your personal data. The St. Mary’s Safe app does not collect any personal identifiable information from users unless the user requests it via a feature.