Notice Board

SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR RETURN TO CAMPUS

Welcome back!

As summer comes to an end and the campus begins to get busy, it’s a good time to refresh your safety habits. More people, traffic, changing weather, construction activity, and shorter days can all create new hazards around campus.

Here are a few simple ways to start the semester safely.

WATCH YOUR STEP

With rain, falling leaves, wet floors, and eventually snow and ice, walking surfaces can change quickly.

• Slow down when surfaces are wet, slippery, or uneven.
• Watch for changes in elevation, curbs, stairs, and uneven pavement.
• Use handrails when using stairs.
• Keep walkways clear of backpacks, bags, cords, and other items.
• Report spills, damaged flooring, or other trip hazards when you see them.
• Wear footwear appropriate for the weather and walking conditions.

Remember: A hazard you report could prevent someone else from getting hurt.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Fall means more activity around campus, including increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

• Pay attention to your surroundings while you are walking or driving.
• Stay out of barricaded or restricted areas.
• Follow posted signs and detours around construction zones.
• Give vehicles, equipment, and delivery trucks plenty of space.
• Use designated pedestrian routes and crosswalks.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing roadways when possible.
• Don't assume a driver has seen you.

BE SEEN AS THE DAYS GET SHORTER

As fall progresses, daylight hours become shorter.

If you're walking, bicycling, or using any other sort of micromobility vehicle after dark:

• Wear bright or reflective clothing when possible.
• Use lights and reflectors on bicycles and other micromobility devices.
• Stay in well-lit areas.
• Avoid using your phone while walking or while crossing roadways.
• Stay alert for vehicles in parking lots and along campus roadways.

GET READY FOR CHANGING WEATHER

Lethbridge weather can change quickly. A sunny morning can turn into a cold, wet, or windy afternoon.

Before heading to campus:

• Check the weather forecast.
• Dress in layers.
• Carry rain gear when conditions call for it.
• Keep appropriate footwear available as conditions change.
• Be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially in the morning and evening.

SHARE THE CAMPUS

With thousands of students, faculty, staff, and visitors returning to campus, expect busier hallways, sidewalks, parking lots, and common areas.

Help keep everyone safe:

• Don't block doorways, corridors, or emergency exits.
• Give people using mobility devices or other accessibility equipment enough space.
• Don't leave personal belongings where they could create a trip hazard.
• Follow campus signage.

A safe campus is everyone's responsibility.

KNOW WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your surroundings when you arrive on campus.

Know:

• WHERE your nearest emergency exit and assembly point is.
• WHERE you can go if you need first aid or medical assistance.
• HOW to contact Security Services.
• WHAT to do if you discover a fire, hazardous condition, or other emergency.

For a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.

For emergency assistance on campus, contact University of Lethbridge Security Services at 403-329-2345 (or 2345 from an internal campus phone).

SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING.

If you notice a hazard on campus, don't ignore it.

Whether it's a spill, damaged sidewalk, blocked exit, unsafe condition, or another potential hazard:

Report it so it can be addressed. Your quick report could help prevent an incident.

Use our online Safety Reporting portal.

HAVE A SAFE & SUCCESSFUL SEMESTER!

Safety & Research Compliance Services