Visitor safety

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

• Be aware of your surroundings – do not enter spaces you are unauthorized to enter – this is for everyone’s safety.
• Assess the risk – Can I become hurt? Am I participating in something that requires specific knowledge or training?
• Find a safer way – Ask questions of your UM host or find a Security Services staff member for assistance.

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

If you are hurt or injured while on campus, please report your incident to EHSO by phone at 204-474-6633 or email EHSO.

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 as 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 page.

To provide a safe space for all visitors, there are some common safety tips that are recommended by EHSO.

• Walk on designated, lighted paths and be mindful of any varying surfaces or uneven grounds.
• You will notice emergency evacuation maps posted highlighting exit routes across campus facilities, follow these maps and the nearest emergency exit signs to evacuate buildings in case of a fire or any other emergency event.
• Keep out of any current construction areas on campus. As the university grows and continually improves, it is important to recognize and remain outside of any designated construction zones.
• Stay home if you are sick. There may be a way to participate in an event (seminar, ceremony, etc.) remotely.

• Are you a visitor to the University engaged in research or other similar activities?
• Are you volunteering at the University for an event or for an ongoing project?
• Are you a visiting student or academic from another university or educational institution?

If you have answered “yes” to any of the above questions or have any questions or concerns about your safety at the university, feel free to contact EHSO for assistance. Your UM Host will assess any hazards concerning your planned activities for your visit and provide you with any information, training and tools you need to make your experience positive. Our goal is to ensure your time here is safe for you, others in the UM Community and for the environment.

If you are a UM employee who is hosting a visitor who will be participating in research, volunteer, or educational activities, you may need to conduct a safety assessment. The assessment is required if your visitor will be working with or around any hazardous materials or equipment or any activity they are involved in may pose risk to their health and safety or that of others. Complete the Visitor Safety Risk Assessment form to determine if your visitor requires any specific safety training, waivers, personal protective equipment or other control measures in order to be safe while on campus.

Visitor Safety Risk Assessment Form

It is recommended that visitors to the UM who are conducting volunteer activities, research or experiential learning on campus complete the Visitor Safety online course in UM Learn. In order to access this course your visitor will require a sponsored account. Please visit the IST webpage for information on obtaining a sponsored account. Other training that may be required will be identified as you complete the above assessment.