During periods of snowfall and potentially icy conditions, we remind you to use extra caution while walking on campus. Help prevent slips, trips and falls when walking on campus by doing the following:
On January 25, Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency related to a measles outbreak in Clark County, where there are 62 cases as of February 18. There has also been one case in King County and four cases in Oregon that are linked to the outbreak in Clark County.
If you have not received a measles vaccination – one component of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine – get both doses of the MMR vaccine as soon as possible.
The 2018 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 300A summaries of work-related injuries and illnesses are now posted on the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) website, along with summaries for previous years. The summaries are required to be posted from February 1, 2019 through April 30, 2019 in a location where employees can easily see them such as on a department’s safety bulletin board or in a break room.
The 2019 edition of the UW Biosafety Manual is here! The most significant changes include:
A list of changes is included in the log of changes.
Lab animal allergens can be a serious health concern for those who work with animals at the UW; it’s important to understand the health risks and how to protect yourself. EH&S has resources that can help.
www.lni.wa.gov
Particularly Hazardous Substances (PHS) are chemicals that pose a high risk to employees in the workplace. Work with these substances requires specialized training from your PI or supervisor, and customized standard operating procedures (SOPs) that identify designated work areas, containment devices (such as fume hoods and glove boxes), procedures for decontamination, and prior approvals before work begins.
After a research group has moved or left the University, the department may be faced with handling a variety of hazards. There may be chemicals, radioactive materials, biological materials, and equipment containing hazardous materials that must be managed before a new group takes ownership of the space.
PPE is the last line of defense against hazards that are part of your work in a laboratory or research space. Most eye injuries that occur in the lab are due to lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
You should always evaluate your workplace for potential eye hazards so you can select the appropriate safety equipment. Eyeglasses are never a substitute for safety glasses or safety googles. There are plenty of eye protection options that fit well over your eyeglasses.
Safety glasses versus safety goggles
UW Facilities hosted a Safety Symposium on November 28, 2018 in the FS Training Center to engage staff on safety issues facing today's workforce.
This was a UW Facilities-sponsored event in partnership with Environmental Health & Safety, featuring Kurt Stranne, who provided presentations on safety leadership shared by employees and employers. Lou Cariello, Vice President of UW Facilities, gave opening remarks.
