Scottford Price is the safety guy in our Irving K. Barber office. He’s got the vest, he’s got the megaphone, and you better believe he’s got the attitude.
While Scott is our office’s safety lead, he’s hoping to soon take his safety skills to the next level by running for a seat on the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC). Each UBC Department has its own appointed JOHSC, and I sat with Scott to learn a little more about the committee, and why he’s so passionate about keeping us safe.
First things first: We work in an office. Sometimes, I sit in my chair and then stay there for 7 hours straight. I know that’s probably dangerous for my health, but for everything else, I think I’m good. So, why should I care about safety at work?
Scott: Safety affects everyone, and while it may seem silly in a relatively low risk environment, there can be serious hazards that present themselves. Vigilance is the best protection against potential harm in the workplace.
Nice! Stay vigilant!
Other than its members getting to wear high-vis vests (very cool and can get you anything you want!), what does the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Commitee do?
Scott: The Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee oversees all of the committees for our work group, and works to define parameters and regulations for how we keep the workplace safe. I have a particular interest in keeping these requirements simple, clear and easy to follow.
Tell us about a time that you implemented your safety skills? What went down and how did you come to the rescue?
Scott: I was doing an inspection for a department that shall remain nameless. I was looking for hazards when I found an unsecured shelf. This is pretty standard, but there was also a box stored on top of this shelf, so we decided to help by taking down the box to put it in a lower, safer place. Once in hand we find that the box is full of broken glass. After some wondering at the purpose of having broken glass stored high up on an unsecured shelf, we proceeded to recommend disposal. To this day, I use this as a perfect example of common sense safety consideration.
YIKES! Thankfully, with Scott on our team, and with the efforts put in place by the JOHSC in all units across campus, we won’t have to worry about potentially hazardous situations like that one.
Clearly, if you’re in danger or feel unsafe at work (or just need to know where to go during a fire drill) Scott’s your guy! Thanks, Scott, for keeping ES a safe and happy workplace!
To learn more about the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, visit: http://safetycommittees.ubc.ca/johsc/