Safety in the spotlight

In March 2020, Concordians from across the university turned to Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for help in addressing the unprecedented situations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. EHS members swung into gear to provide guidance on safe practices for working and learning from home, while still overseeing all their regular safety programs.

“When the crisis hit, we had to continue most of our regular work and establish new protocols for every surface and space on both campuses,” says Frederic Guilhem, then acting director of EHS.

“For example, the team working on the Applied Sciences Hub continued to work on the safety of new research equipment, mechanical and ventilation systems and all the other safety considerations of setting up new laboratory spaces. At the same time, we developed rules to ensure that all those accessing campus could do so while minimizing risks of spreading the virus,” says Guilhem.

“When I returned as director in summer 2020, after months of collaborating on