2025 Health and Safety Award Recipient- Ralph Kowatsch

Recognizing Safety Excellence

July 4, 2025 —

Environmental Health and Safety (EHSO) is honored to announce that Ralph Kowatsch is the recipient of the 2025 Health and Safety Award. This annual award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to creating a safe and healthy workplace, and Ralph exemplifies that spirit through his actions dedicated service.

Ralph’s safety leadership has supported students and colleagues across academic generations. Known as a reliable and approachable resource, Ralph has supported coworkers through chemical safety updates, hazard identification, WHMIS training, and equipment use guidance. He frequently assists new technicians with safe chemical disposal, regularly answers protocol questions, and has helped ensure that all laboratory groups follow requirements and guidelines.

A long-time advocate for laboratory safety, Ralph has gone above and beyond his formal duties by organizing and delivering annual WHMIS presentations for the Plant Science Department, ensuring all lab members stay informed of current regulatory requirements. His leadership has ensured that the department keeps current with safety legislation standards, and his presentations are a trusted part of the department’s safety culture.

Quotes from colleagues illustrate the depth of his influence. Colleagues noted,

“Ralph would visit me in my lab to update me on hazardous chemical updates and help me prepare for safety inspections.”
“He makes himself approachable with regard to any question, whether it be from graduate students or coworkers unsure of how to proceed.”

Notably, this nomination was a collective effort, submitted with the signatures of multiple staff members from his department, all attesting to the role Ralph has played in shaping a safer workplace. The nominations for Ralph strongly empathize his leadership, consistency, and genuine care for the well-being of others has left a lasting mark on the University of Manitoba community.

Please join us in congratulating Ralph Kowatsch on this well-earned recognition and thanking him for his contributions to keep our campus safe.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHSO)

award, campus safety, EHSO

Spring Into Safety: A Fresh Start for a Safe and Compliant Space

Spring cleaning serves as a reminder that a clean and organized lab leads to a safe lab, however, lab safety isn’t a once-a-year task but a continuous effort. Regularly reviewing storage practices, ensuring PPE availability, and keeping workspaces organized contributes to a safer and more organized research and learning environment. By making safety a priority, we foster a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, benefiting all who work and learn in our laboratories. Let’s work together to keep our labs safe, clean, and well-maintained throughout the year!

Geese Are Back: Respecting Wildlife on Campus

As spring arrives, so do the geese! These familiar campus residents are returning to the Fort Garry campus, where they share space with students, staff, and faculty. While geese are accustomed to human activity, they can be territorial during nesting season. To ensure peaceful coexistence, observe geese from a distance, respect posted nesting signs, and never feed or antagonize them.

Using personal mobility devices on campus

Recreational personal mobility devices (PMDs), such as bicycles and e-scooters, contribute to the University of Manitoba's Climate Action Plan. However, for safety reasons, these devices are not allowed inside university buildings or at entrances. PMDs should be stored securely, avoiding obstruction of common areas. Designated bike and e-bike parking spaces are available, though charging infrastructure is not provided. If a PMD is necessary for research or learning, a risk assessment must be conducted. Employees and students requiring accommodations should contact the appropriate university services.