Following the safe return of seven Level 4 Joinery students back onto the Burnaby Campus, BCIT School of Construction and the Environment further collaborated with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) to develop enhanced protocols and a comprehensive risk assessment plan that safely welcomed 64 Carpentry students back into their shops this week. These students, who are enrolled in Carpentry Level 1, 3, and 4, are on campus for up to four weeks to acquire the applied skills needed to complete their training.
In collaboration with OHS and with guidelines from the Public Health Officer and WorkSafe BC, BCIT developed thorough policies and guidelines for the consideration and, where approved, delivery of in-person and on-campus instruction when required for students to achieve their credentials. Prior to returning to a space for operation, OHS inspects teaching and learning environments and issues Safe Operating Procedure guidelines.
Safeguarding the health and safety of our people
In addition to reinforcing a two-meter physical distance between students and instructors sharing a space, these are some of the enhanced protocols that the School has taken to ensure the health and safety of everyone:
- All students will have a three-sided enclosed 8’ by 8’ workspace and use their own set of tools and supplies
- Additional hand washing stations have been installed
- The ground is marked with one-way travel arrows and red tape to reinforce a two-meter physical distance
- Frequent cleaning and sanitization of common areas and stationary equipment
- A large sneeze-guard has been installed outside the tool room
- Welding screens are also placed throughout the shop to ensure safe distancing between students and instructors
“While it is our priority to support students’ academic goals, we must do so in a manner that ensures the safety and health of all students and faculty,” says Wayne Hand, Dean, School of Construction and the Environment. “Following the successful and safe return of our Joinery students last week, I thank all faculty and students for following the necessary safeguards and adjustments in place to create an experiential, supportive, and safe learning environment for everyone.” BCIT continues to equip students with the tools required for academic success by combining adaptive and meaningful teaching, learning, and service-delivery methods.
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