EH&S Annual Report FY25
The work of UW Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) during the previous fiscal year is summarized in the EH&S Annual Report.
Health and safety committee nominations open soon
Nominations are coming up for the next two-year term of UW’s Health and Safety Committees, which starts on January 1, 2026. Every UW employee is represented by one of 10 committees, which play a key role in supporting workplace health and safety. Don’t miss the chance to nominate yourself or a colleague!
How does a UW employee become a committee member?
Committee members are:
- Elected by their peers; or
- Selected by a union; or
- Appointed by leadership
Who is eligible?
Report workplace safety concerns
The University is committed to ensuring a healthy and safe environment for working, learning, research, teaching and service. UW personnel have several ways to report workplace safety concerns:
Updated UW Accident Prevention Plan
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) published the annual update of the UW Accident Prevention Plan, which contains new and updated safety information and resources to help prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. Department/unit administrators and supervisors are asked to share and review the updated UW Accident Prevention Plan with their current and new employees.
New drowning prevention guidance
The Environmental Health & Safety Boating Safety Program created two new resources to help UW personnel identify and reduce the risk of drowning while working on, over, or alongside water. These resources are designed to prioritize the safety of UW personnel and clarify guidance from Washington State Department of Labor & Industries regarding the selection, use, and maintenance of personal flotation devices (PFDs) to protect workers when drowning hazards exist in the workplace.
What is my responsibility to prevent drowning?
New Asbestos Awareness Refresher Online course
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) launched a new Asbestos Awareness Refresher Online course that replaces the annual in-person refresher course, providing participants the flexibility to complete their training at their own pace.
Course highlights:
Emergency Procedures Flip Chart
Areas with hazardous materials can post the Emergency Procedures Flip Chart to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Prepare for EPA's new rule for trichloroethylene
In December 2024, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to protect workers, the public, and the environment from the risks of trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure. While certain portions of the rule are currently under legal review, most of its requirements are still expected to go into effect starting on September 15, 2025.
New online course for preventing slips, trips, and falls
Environmental Health & Safety is pleased to announce the launch of a 25-minute, self-paced online course to help reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace. Slips, trips, and falls are among the most commonly reported work-related incidents at the UW.
The course covers identification, prevention, safe behavior techniques, and proper response to fall injuries. While not mandatory, this course is highly recommended to enhance your safety awareness and prevention skills.
Regulated Building Materials
Building materials can contain a number of hazardous components that, if disturbed, can pose a health risk to workers and occupants. Materials that have potential to cause health and environmental problems are regulated by law.
Regulated building materials pose no health risk when left undisturbed and intact. During maintenance, renovation or demolition, when building materials are disturbed, the regulated materials that may pose health risks must be carefully managed, abated and disposed of according to regulations.