Student safety

The University of Manitoba aims to provide a safe campus for all UM community members including students. There are steps you can take to minimize your personal risk as well.

• Be aware of your surroundings – it’s easy to get absorbed in schoolwork or your phone, but sometimes a situation requires your full attention.
• Assess the risk – Can someone get hurt? Do I know what to do if something goes wrong?
• Find a safer way – Consider using lighted pathways or traveling in a group, let someone know if you’re working alone, and avoid distractions.

For information on Working Alone at the University of Manitoba, please visit the Working Alone section on the Workplace safety and health page.

For information on the Safe Walk Program and other similar initiatives for personal safety, see Security's UM Safe page.

Many courses offered at the University of Manitoba include hands-on learning opportunities such as labs, workshops, or studios. Required safety training is offered through your department and needs to be completed prior to beginning any work with hazardous materials or equipment. For more information on safety in lab spaces, please visit the Lab safety page or the specific topics below.

Chemical safety Biosafety Radiation safety

Your safety is important wherever you are on campus. Make sure to review the Residence contract carefully as it contains important information regarding your health and safety as well as that of others on campus. Some important safety tips include:

• Do not plug personal appliances such as kettles into power bars. These must be plugged directly into wall outlets.
• Candles, incense, and smoking are not permitted in the residence buildings.
• Do not leave your window open if you are not in your room.

Log in to the Residence Portal

When a fire alarm is activated in a building all occupants must evacuate. There are fire wardens located in UM buildings that have been trained to assist in the evacuation of buildings. Fire Wardens will be wearing a red pouch and will be able to direct you to the nearest exit. Do not enter a building that is in alarm, even if there is not a fire warden present at the entrance. Fire wardens may not be there to respond to alarms that occur after hours. For more information, please visit the EHSO Emergency Response and Fire Safety page.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact 911 for assistance. UM Security Services are trained in first aid and can provide assistance before Emergency Services arrive on scene.

Code blue stations and emergency phones can be found throughout campus for use during an emergency. For more information, please visit the Security Services (UMSS) webpage.

While you engage in courses that provide opportunities to learn outside the classroom, you can encounter hazards similar to how you may expect them in a typical laboratory setting.  When conducting learning activities in the field or other locations outside of the University of Manitoba your knowledge of working safely with hazards like chemicals or biologicals still applies.  Information on potential hazards in fieldwork can be found on the Field safety page.

Experiential Learning can exist in course project work, field trips, related volunteer opportunities, and Cooperative education programs as some examples. Whether the experience is on or off campus, part of a course or external learning, paid or unpaid, you should always be informed of any hazards you may be exposed to and how to keep yourself safe.  If you are unsure of potential hazards or need more information always know you have the ability to stop and ask questions prior to conducting any tasks or entering a potentially hazardous space.

Whether you have a casual or part-time job while you attend university or if you are entering the workplace after graduation, all workers are entitled to protection from injury and illness by law. An employer is responsible for workplace training, developing a health and safety program and making sure its workers understand and follow that program. Your responsibilities include following safety rules and safe work procedures, making every effort to protect yourself and others and reporting unsafe work. If you are ever unsure about a situation or how to do something safely, make sure to ask a supervisor for direction.

For more information about health and safety while working at the university, please visit the Workplace safety and health page.

Employees of the University of Manitoba who teach or supervise student learning activities may require assistance from the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) to review either course activities or experiential learning opportunities for hazards. EHSO can help to ensure risks are reduced to prevent any safety concerns. If you require assistance contact EHSO to discuss your program, course or experiential learning opportunity.