As high-performance athletes push their physical limits, countless individuals work behind the scenes to ensure event safety, from construction workers building the venues to technicians maintaining the equipment to volunteers. It’s the same at uOttawa, where safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Balls, projectiles…and GIANT SPEARS?!?!
There’ll be no shortage of projectiles in Paris this summer! From stray golf balls to wayward basketballs to flying javelins, the risk of struck-by hazards can be high. That’s why there are separate zones for the amateurs (and in some cases, the pros) and the spectators.
At uOttawa, struck-by hazards accounted for approximately one-third of the workplace injuries in 2023, resulting in lost workdays and replacement work costs. Hazards and injuries can be prevented and risks mitigated through identification of hazards and reduction of the likelihood and severity of harm. Learn more about how to identify hazards and assess risks!
Water, water and more water
There’s no shortage of water at the Summer Olympics! And while high performance athletes are dedicated to their craft, there are still spotters, lifeguards and emergency personnel ready to jump (into the water) and help someone in distress, whether they’re diving, swimming, or competing in water polo or artistic swimming.
Like at the Olympics, the uOttawa pool — filled with 3.3 million litres of water — is monitored by lifeguards whenever there are activities, helping ensure safety for all participants. They’re highly trained and ready to dive in!
But when you’re outside the watchful eyes of a lifeguard — like at the cottage — always be sure to swim with a buddy, keep children within arms’ reach and wear a life jacket when boating.
An often-overlooked element of pool safety is the hazardous materials required to maintain appropriate conditions. The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) sets out requirements for labelling and safety data sheets, and worker training. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has included a WHMIS focus in the provincial compliance plan.
Similarly, the recent capital investments made to our ventilation and filtration system means that the “pool smell” is now in the past!
Summer means outdoor activities
Spoiler alert — summer is hot. And athletes can expect to encounter warm weather while competing. Sufficient hydration, shade and recovery periods are critical to success.
Similarly, heat stress is also a significant cause of occupational illnesses, which can lead to death. Heat-related illnesses affect all workers. Indeed, due to climate change, extreme heat events are a growing health risk. Through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the provincial government is proposing a standalone heat stress regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, with requirements that would apply to all workplaces to which the OHSA applies.
Learn more about heat and cold stress at uOttawa.
Gee-Gees connection
Did you know that our very own Gee-Gees have strong roots at the Olympics? Dave Heinbuch, Gee-Gees swim coach, was an Olympian in Montreal in 1976. We asked him about swimming safety.
Q: Over the course of your career both as an athlete and a coach, how much has pool safety changed?
David H. : “I believe there is far greater collaboration between competition or training organizers and pool facilities. It has made a huge difference. A great example is the number of swimmers that are allowed in warmups at competitions. Decisions on pool safety are made much more quickly and effectively — we have better communication tools now that help the process.”
“Decisions on pool safety are made much more quickly and effectively — we have better communication tools now that help the process.”
Dave Heinbuch, Gee-Gees swim coach
Q: What safety elements are daily considerations now that might not have been when you were coming up in the sport?
David H. : “One is the number of lifeguards required for practices and competitions. Another key advancement is in the technology testing for water and air quality in the pools. Today, that is something at the forefront of planning and executing competition and training.”
In all, uOttawa alumni have won 14 Olympic and Paralympic medals. This summer, there’ll be five Gee-Gees athletes at the Paris Games, seeking a place on the podium. We wish all our Gee-Gees the best of luck at the Games!
Stay safe this summer!
No matter your sport or summer activity, the Office of the Chief Risk Officer wishes you a safe and happy summer!