Health and safety committee nominations
Updated 10/31/23
It’s time again for the biannual health and safety committee elections. Most committees are seeking nominations for the next two-year term, which will begin on January 1, 2024.
Updated 10/31/23
It’s time again for the biannual health and safety committee elections. Most committees are seeking nominations for the next two-year term, which will begin on January 1, 2024.
Sprains, strains, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders account for more than 30% of total workers’ compensation injury claims in Washington state each year. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders include injuries to the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs.
During Global Ergonomics Month and year-round, supervisors and personnel should consider the following resources to help prevent injuries:
The updated UW Accident Prevention Plan contains new and updated health and safety information and resources for University units to share with personnel. Department/unit administrators and supervisors should review the UW Accident Prevention Plan and the Supplemental Accident Prevention Plan with their existing and new employees.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) updated rabies information for University personnel who conduct field work in areas where rabies is endemic.
The updated Rabies Information includes the latest recommendations from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices:
The Air Quality Index (AQI) has increased in the Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma areas, which may require public and occupational health and safety measures to be taken (summarized below).
Updated July 3, 2024
The University of Washington has multiple locations where KN95, KF94, N95 and surgical masks can be picked up through the 2023/2024 academic year.
Masks will be available to UW students and personnel at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Alumni, affiliates, visitors, and students with valid UW NetIDs are (at various times) not able to log into EH&S online training courses and will see an error message when attempting to do so. This is because Bridge, the UW learning management system, does not recognize their UW affiliation. The Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) developed a new self-service tool to assist these individuals with obtaining access to Bridge.
Compressed gases and cryogenic liquids are stored in gas cylinders under high pressure, which can have several safety considerations to prevent injury and property damage. University units and departments with compressed gases and cryogens, including liquid nitrogen, are required to follow regulations for safe storage of gas cylinders and Dewars.
Human blood and other potentially infectious materials may contain viruses referred to as bloodborne pathogens (BBP) that can make people ill if they become infected. Implementing workplace safety measures is important to protect workers who work with these materials.
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) updated the outdoor heat exposure rules to address minimum requirements to prevent heat-related illness and reduce traumatic injuries for outdoor workers. The updated rules are in effect on July 17, 2023, and apply year-round.