UBC’s Occupational & Preventive Health unit provides confidential and free programs and services to help protect the health and safety of staff, faculty, and paid students working both on and off campus, including UBC-Okanagan and hospital sites.
OPH is available to all staff, faculty, and paid students who have questions or concerns about their health and safety in the workplace, including questions around COVID-19. To book an appointment with one of our Nurses, please contact OPH at oph.info@ubc.ca or 604-827-4713.
If you believe you require assessment for COVID-19 please use the Support App and Self-Assessment Tool, developed by the BC Ministry of Health. Evidence-based and current information on COVID-19 can be accessed through the BC Centre for Disease Control.
Updated: September 2, 2020 12:30 PM
What OPH can help with
- Immunization review with an Occupational Health Nurse
- Vaccinations, tests, and screenings based on workplace exposure risks
- Clearance to work
- Medical clearance for respirator fit testing
- Post-exposure follow-up
- Pregnancy planning and resources
- Occupational allergy care
- Assessments of workplace risks for exposure to infectious agents (i.e. Hepatitis B Virus)
- Consultations with the OPH Physician
- Specialist referrals
When should you make an appointment with OPH?
If your work at UBC involves one or more of the following, you should enrol in OPH by booking a First Assessment appointment with the OPH Nurse:
- Entry into a hospital, clinical or dental facility
- Potential exposure to human blood, body fluid, tissue or cell lines
- Work with animal species
- Potential exposure to human feces and/or urine
- Potential exposure to infectious biological agents
- Work in a childcare facility
- Potential exposure to dirt/soil or rusty metal
- Entry into a Containment Level III facility
If you have questions or concerns about your health in the workplace, including questions about COVID-19.
If you have had a workplace exposure incident (i.e. to human blood, body fluid, or tissue), contact OPH after you have notified your supervisor, received appropriate first aid and/or medical follow-up.
To book an appointment with the OPH Nurse, or if you have questions related to your health in the workplace contact oph.info@ubc.ca or 604-827-4713.
What to expect
Every situation is unique and OPH will work with you to determine the next steps to help support your physical and mental health in the workplace. We take into account the potential risks in your workplace and discuss your personal health needs in order to recommend and provide follow-up services like vaccinations, tests, health screenings and referrals to specialists.
Care & Support
Our medical team provides evidence-based services, resources and advice to promote a healthy UBC community, in support of UBC’s Strategic Plan. For some employees, enrolment in the Occupational & Preventive Health program is required by the provincial and/or federal regulations described below:
- WorkSafeBC Regulation 6.39 states that an employer must offer vaccination to all workers who are at risk of occupational exposure to biological agents for which there is a vaccine that prevents against infection.
- The Canadian Biosafety Standards & Guidelines state that a medical surveillance program must be in place to help prevent and detect illnesses related to the exposure of personnel to infectious material or toxins.
Accessibility
OPH is committed to providing accessible services. OPH offers appointments over the phone and in-person at our accessible on-campus clinic. As an employee, you are expected to engage in all OPH activities during work hours. If you have questions or concerns about accessing OPH services, please contact us.
Confidentiality
OPH operates under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and does not disclose your personal or medical information to anyone without your written consent. During your OPH appointment, the Nurse will provide you with the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about confidentiality.
Resources
Blood and Body Fluids Exposure Control Plan (PDF)
Pregnancy Planning Guide (PDF)
Guideline for Supporting Healthy Pregnancy at Work (PDF)
Lab Animal Allergens Exposure Control Plan (PDF)
Contact OPH
Email: oph.info@ubc.ca
Telephone: 604-827-4713
Clinic Location:
David Strangway Building
311-5950 University Blvd.,
Vancouver BC,
V6T1Z3 Canada