Important Health and Safety Information
Training and Compliance
Students participating in an on-site practicum must complete all safety orientation and training required by the practicum site and adhere to its health and safety processes, procedures, policies, and directives.
Students should keep up-to-date on all communications and announcements of COVID-19 related policy or procedural changes at the University of Toronto and at their practicum site.
Students completing clinical practicums may have additional requirements, including compliance with their program’s directives regarding interactions with COVID-19 positive or presumed positive patients.
Students placed in a public hospital also have specific immunization requirements. See the Requirements page in the Practicum manual for more information.
You may be asked by your practicum site to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination.
- See also the FIFSW COVID-19 updates page.
Best Practices
Students completing a practicum on-site should follow these best practices:
- Wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently and after touching common surfaces
- Avoid touching their face
- Avoid congregating in groups, even during breaks
- Maintain physical distancing as much as possible
- Wear a mask and/or other PPE when social distancing is not possible or when required by the practicum site
- Wipe computer and work station with disinfectant at the start and end of each work day.
Communicate with University
Students should inform their Practicum Supervisor and their Faculty-Field Liaison if they experience any workplace illness/injury or if they become aware of placement circumstances which are unsafe. Students have the right to refuse unsafe work immediately.
Modification Requests
Students should inform their Program lead if they believe they require modifications to their practicums based on their personal circumstances. Please note that Accessibility Services remains available to students experiencing disability-related barriers.
Health and Safety Policies and Resources
- Office of Environmental Health and Safety
- University of Toronto Health and Safety Policy
- Guidelines on Off-Campus Safety (PDF)
- Policy on the Framework on Off-Campus Safety (PDF)
- Standards of Professional Practice Behaviour for All Health Professional Students (PDF)
- HUEC Guideline – Guidelines for Clinical Sites re Student Clinical Placements in an Emergency Situation (for Health Science Faculties)
- Graduate Supervision Guidelines for Students, Faculty and Administrators
Updated October 1, 2022