The following update is shared with All Staff and Students at RRC Polytech on behalf of Melanie Gudmundson, Chief Human Resource Officer

Today, Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) addresses the importance of the National Day of Mourning, which commemorates workers who suffered injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the workplace. This day serves as a somber reminder of the importance of creating a safe working and learning environment for our staff, students, and community.

RRC Polytech will fly our flags at half-mast today in recognition of those affected by workplace tragedy and also reflect on how we can improve measures to prevent accidents from happening in the future.

According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, in 2021, there were 1,081 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada. Among these deaths were 18 young workers aged 15-24.

These figures remind us that we each have a role to play in staying safe and healthy in our workplaces and classrooms. As a College, we directly impact the practices and behaviours we instill in our students, which they carry forward into their careers.

It takes a commitment from all of us to remain vigilant and work together to ensure that we are continuing to create a safe and healthy working and learning environment for everyone.

A strong, proactive workplace safety and health culture is a top priority for RRC Polytech. The College is committed to setting an exceptional standard as an educational leader in workplace safety and health. Some of the initiatives RRC Polytech have undertaken to provide all staff and students with a safe and healthy environment includes:

• Machine Guarding Program – a five-year project the College is currently in year four of to review and update protective guards and equipment on campus. Since the project started, the College has audited over 800 machines, ensuring every equipment on campus complies with MB Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations, and replacing those that don’t.
• Campus Alerting and Emergency Response Plan – The Campus Alerting project has been successful in enhancing communications efforts to keeping our College community informed on everything from icy sidewalks to an evacuation of an area if necessary. Informacast is a mass notification software which enables RRC Polytech to broadcast alerts in a timely and efficient manner. Alerts will appear through your mobile phones, emails, on-premise devices (office phone or computer), or MS Teams. Staff and students are encouraged to subscribe for updates here.
• Contractor Safety Enhancement Project – an initiative focused on building stronger relationships with contractors and partners we work with to ensure that they continue to meet RRC Polytech’s high safety standards.

Safety, Health, and Security Services has also made significant web updates to ensure staff and students have access to the most up to date information regarding emergency and safety protocols. We encourage you to visit to learn more.

On this National Day of Mourning, take a moment to reflect on the importance of workplace safety, not just for ourselves, but for our colleagues, families, and friends who rely on us. Let us honour those who have been affected by workplace-related incidents, and work towards a future where everyone can learn and work safely.

If you have questions or ideas on how we can continue to make RRC Polytech a safe place to work and learn, please reach out to safety@rrc.ca