Course Title: Personal Safety

Week No. 008 / Module 006

Lesson 6 – Personal Safety

Content of the Module

1. Personal Safety
a. What is personal safety
b. How to Stay Safe During Exercise and Physical Activity
2. To play it safe and reduce your risk of injury:

Personal Safety
Personal safety refers not only to physical safety (freedom from physical harm)
but also to psychological safety, which involves freedom from worry about physical
safety as well as being victimized by hostility, aggression, and harassment. Valuing
physical and psychological safety means emphasizing not only bright lights, but also a
welcoming, respectful environment.

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) recognizes that health and safety hazards can
represent significant impediments to student and staff professional, creative and social
growth” and “is determined to promote safe and healthy working conditions in its
facilities” (TRU Policy on Health and Safety, 1991). Further, TRU affirms that “all
employees and students have a right to work and study in an environment that asserts and
supports their fundamental rights, personal worth, and human dignity” (TRU policy on
Harassment Prevention, 1993).

TRU and/or its employees may be liable in instances where students, employees,
or campus visitors suffer injuries because the environment is found to be unsafe or
unhealthy.

What is personal safety?

Personal Safety refers to the freedom from physical harm and threat of physical
harm, and freedom from hostility, aggression, harassment, and devaluation by members

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Week No. 008 / Module 006
of the academic community. Safety includes worry about being victimized as well as
actual incidents.
Everyone's right of access to education, academic excellence, and career
achievement are seriously compromised when physical and psychological safety are in
question.
A positive, open and supportive climate can enhance learning and academic excellence.
Interactions with instructors, colleagues, co-workers, and peers which are cooperative,
friendly, helpful, focused, and trusting are important contributors to achievement and job
performance.
A substandard environment is bereft if mutual respect and compassion; it may be
characterized by differential treatment and devaluation of certain groups, usually women
and minorities. Such an environment can have a negative impact on the self-esteem,
academic achievement, career development, and income of targeted groups.

How to Stay Safe During Exercise and Physical Activity

Almost anyone, at any age, can exercise safely and get meaningful benefits. You
can be active even if you have a chronic condition, like heart disease, diabetes,
or arthritis. Staying safe while you exercise is always important, whether you’re just
starting a new activity or haven’t been active for a long time.

To play it safe and reduce your risk of injury:

1. Begin your exercise program slowly with low-intensity exercises.
2. Wear appropriate shoes for your activity.
3. Warm up before exercising, and cool down afterward.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings when exercising outdoors.
5. Drink water before, during, and after your workout session, even if you don’t feel
thirsty.
6. Dress appropriately for the temperature outdoors, or opt for an indoor activity if
it’s very hot or cold.

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If you have specific health conditions, discuss your exercise and physical activity
plan with your health care provider.

Endurance. Listen to your body. Your breathing may become faster, but you should still
be able to talk.

Strength
• You will need a chair to do many of the strength exercises on the.
• Be sure to choose one that is sturdy.
Balance. Have that sturdy chair handy or a person nearby to hold on to for
your balance exercises if you feel unsteady.

Flexibility
• Always warm up before stretching exercises—a few minutes of walking works
well.

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Reference:
https://www.tru.ca/safety/workinglearningsafely/personal.html
https://go4life.nia.nih.gov/how-to-stay-safe-during-exercise-and-physical-activity/