All,
The university is implementing an occupational safety program across all aspects of operations including the research labs. To start this process, building managers and administrators have been asked to poll researchers about real or perceived shortcomings for a number of different areas as listed below:
One of the most important elements in having a safe and healthy workplace is having a clearly defined process for identifying and controlling workplace hazards. The Hazard Identification and Control Procedure has been developed to assist lab and research managers and staff by providing a framework for identifying and controlling hazards in their areas. All departments, including research and laboratory areas, must take adequate steps to ensure their areas are free from recognized and foreseeable hazards.
The second part of the equation is hazard communication. Hazard Communication refers to the processes and procedures put into place to ensure that employees are aware of the chemicals they work with and the hazards that they may pose, so that they can be well-informed and protect themselves from those hazards.
I have attached three documents concerning our expectations for safety training, these are meant to start a conversation that will address areas which may be falling through the cracks in the research labs. Situations where chemical and or biologics handling, PPE usage, equipment training and the like need to be better addressed either by additional training opportunities or better communication to current resources are all items we're interested in. These surveys are meant to enhance safety in the labs above and beyond the annual lab audits which will continue.
I'm going to keep comments open on this announcement, feel free to share concerns here or email me directly at Cuddy@umbc.edu.
Thank you!