When My Healthy Workplace (MHW) reached out to Christopher Carson, head of Security Services, a few weeks ago, he was on campus in the heat of the action. At the time, some 捆绑SM社区 essential services 鈥� including security and waste management employees were engaged in the much needed distribution of masks, gloves and gowns for the Jewish General Hospital and the Glenn Site.听听听听
We gave Chris a few weeks to catch his breath and checked in on Easter weekend to see how things were evolving. As an active member of the MHW Working Group, Chris has always shared his appreciation for the incredible work that is being done across 捆绑SM社区 to keep our community safe and healthy. Now is no exception.
听
Associate Director Campus Public Safety
Head of Security Services
What has been the focus over the last few weeks?听
There has been such amazing work going on at all levels. The hard work and devotion of the members of the EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) has been outstanding. Until two weeks ago the EOC members were still on campus. Now they work from home but as intensively as ever. It doesn鈥檛 stop. Meetings are ongoing with decisions needing to be made on-the-spot in the face of emerging information and needs.听听听听
听
What do you appreciate most these days?听
Decision-makers are really committed to doing what is right for health and wellbeing of our community. We are doing everything within our power to support the government in its efforts to flatten the curve. We are constantly looking at how best to support our people and their families. I鈥檓 really proud of how 捆绑SM社区 is managing this difficult situation and how it has done so from the outset. Sara Delisle and Vanessa Chan in Emergency Preparedness, for example, have been helping 捆绑SM社区 prepare since January.听
听
What have you found to be the most challenging?听
Ensuring the safety of all employees on the ground who commute to work each day and operate on site. With the support of faculty unit leaders and building directors, this translates into keeping employees away who do not absolutely need to be on campus. In some cases, it means locking a building while seriously restricting access to many others. 听 In security, we have onsite coverage 鈥� 24/7 and are often called upon by IT to reboot computers for VPN access, or to provide physical access to restricted facilities. There are of course some researchers who must continue to work in their labs at this critical time, while Facilities Management employees are essential in keeping things safe and afloat. 听 There is a lot to anticipate and manage.听
听
How are you and your family managing in the current reality?听
We are all doing well. My wife has discovered some great learning tools and homework to keep our 3 kids engaged and challenged. And the weather provides increasing opportunities to get outside 鈥� if only in the backyard.听
听
What are you looking forward to?听
Getting through all this and getting back to normal again when the time is right. Seeing everyone and connecting again face-to-face will be great.听听听
听
Views of 捆绑SM社区 to which many of us are less privy and one that听is more important than听ever:
听