Workplace Safety & Health

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Southern Health- Santé Sud is committed in providing a safe and healthy workplace for our workers, patients and visitors by integration of effective safety programs and tools to create an environment free of injuries and illnesses.

The Occupational Health and Safety Program provides resources and support to all sites, facilities, and programs throughout the region with various programs based on legislation requirements and best practices in the field safety and health.

Staying SAFE After Hours

Working late or night shifts is often part of the job—but your safety should never be at risk. Whether you’re in a hospital, community health office, or long-term care home, stay alert and take precautions when walking to your vehicle or moving between buildings after hours.

Below are practical tips to help you stay safe during evening and night shifts. By following these guidelines, you can reduce risk and feel more secure in your work environment. Let’s look out for one another—your safety matters.

Working Late? Here’s How to Stay Safe

• Always ensure you have your ID card on your person.
• Always follow specific procedures for working alone or after hours
• If possible before it’s dark outside, move your car to a well-lit area in the parking lots.
• Determine your destination and plan a route. Think about safe spaces where you can retreat to, and call for help.
• Be aware and avoid uneven surfaces, pot holes, etc.
• In winter avoid ice covered patches and be alert to fresh snow-covered areas for ice below.
• When leaving the building you are in, be aware to visually scan the immediate area you will be commencing your walk.
• If necessary, call another person and stay on the phone until you get you to your car. However, remain alert to your surroundings at the same time. Know where you are so you can give these details about your location if you need to call for help.
• If you enter an area where you suspect that someone else might be near who you do not trust, do not call out. Back out quietly and go to a safe space with a lockable door. Call for help. If you suspect someone is lurking outside buildings, call the Security Services or the RCMP.
• Always let a co-worker, friend, family member know you are working late and when you expect to leave.
• Keep your cell phone available or know where emergency phones are located.

• Use the “buddy system”. If you have to go outside phone a co-worker and let them know you are going out. Advise the staff member when you are leaving the building and communicate your destination and to be expected time of arrival. Call the person when you arrive to indicate you have arrived safely.
• Always try to walk in well-lit pathways and in close proximity to buildings.

• If walking to a vehicle visually scan the pathway to get to the vehicle and in a wide radius around it. If practical, have a second employee observe you until you are in the vehicle.
• If you are near your vehicle and someone approaches and you feel unsafe, activate your car’s alarm system if available. It may scare off the person and, it will attract co-workers attention that you may be in danger.
• Learn the warning signs that a person is becoming agitated and think about your VPP training.

Your safety matters.
Stay alert and safe!

We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace. Please share any suggestions, concerns, or ideas that would help you feel safe at work.