Workplace

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent hearing impairment resulting from prolonged exposure to high levels of noise. While noise is a well-understood source of occupational illness, new studies are focusing on chemical-induced hearing loss (ototoxicity). This research seeks to determine if chemical substances alone, or noise and chemical co-exposure, contribute to occupational hearing loss. Given that many different types of workers are exposed to noise and chemicals at the UW, supervisors should keep this possible association in mind as part of their hazard communication to employees.

The UW provides a safe and healthy environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors through maintaining a no smoking policy (WAC 478-136-035). Although research has clearly indicated that smoking damages the human body, there are still some 37.8 million adults that continue to smoke in the United States (CDC). 

Following a report of potential overheating and fire hazard of Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, EH&S recommended that UW organizational units

Every year, regulatory authorities publish updates and changes to regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials. Take note of the changes in hazardous material shipping labels that go into effect on January 1, 2017.

One example of a small change that was made to a commonly-used label:

OLD LABEL	NEW LABEL

Maker spaces, also known as fab labs and hacker spaces, are places to gather, exchange ideas, invent and create. These spaces are found in libraries, dormitories, academic and other workshops, both on and off campus, and they may contain some of the same hazards as other research or fabrication shops.

Recent incidents on UW campus and lab-related accidents across the country underscore the need for UW employees to take required trainings and follow critical safety protocols.

In July, a UW employee was seriously injured while attempting to relieve pressure that built up in a container packed with dry ice shipped to UW by another research institution. As the employee loosened the lid the container exploded, leading to a permanent hand injury.

A new administrative policy statement on Managing Asbestos and Other Regulated Building Materials (APS12.1) was adopted by the UW. While the majority of the policy and procedures apply to facilities services departments and other service units, some procedures apply to all departments, including the following:

Health & Safety Committees provide valuable contributions to the UW’s total workplace safety program. Ten committees represent all UW employees, and the new two-year term for these committees began January 1, 2016.

Representatives from these committees make up the University-Wide (U-Wide) Health and Safety Committee, which also began its new two-year term at the start of the year. The U-Wide committee has two representatives from each of the ten organizational committees, a representative from the Faculty Senate, union representation, and other ex-officio members.

The UW is a major research and teaching institution, and safety in our laboratories is very important to all of us. If you work in a lab, you can protect yourself and others from exposure to hazardous materials through the use of chemical fume hoods; safe work practices and training; and appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment (PPE).