Now is a good time for research and teaching labs that are reopening or seeing an increase in occupancy to conduct a self-inspection to check that all safety resources are in place and current.
Petzl issued a Safety Alert after identifying two defects causing rope slippage while using the ZIGZAG, ZIGZAG PLUS and ZILLON fall protection equipment. University units using ZIGZAG, ZIGZAG PLUS and ZILLON products are asked to perform a manual inspection and function test
3M Fall Protection issued a Product Advisory to notify users of the 3M™ PROTECTA® PRO-Stop™ Single Leg & Pro™ Pack Twin Leg Shock Absorbing Lanyards are not consistently meeting the OSHA requirements for breaking strength.
A person can be seriously injured, even killed, when working on a machine or equipment if the hazardous energy sources are not controlled.
When performing maintenance, service or repair work on equipment, processes or systems, all hazardous energy sources must be controlled using lockout/tagout procedures and OSHA-approved locks and tags to protect those impacted from the unintended start-up or release of stored energy. Common hazardous energy sources include electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, thermal, chemical or gravitational.
As the University is working toward a return to normal operations, you may be lifting and moving things around, such as chairs, printers, and other equipment, in preparation for on-site work. Take precautions before lifting or moving objects, as incorrect lifting can lead to back pain and/or a back injury.
Several recent incidents have occurred at the University in which a chemical or infectious material splashed or splattered into the eye because the individual was not wearing the correct type of eye protection for the hazards they faced, or not wearing eye protection at all. You should always evaluate your workplace for potential eye hazards so you can select the appropriate safety equipment.
Eyeglasses versus safety glasses or goggles
Excessive exposure to heat can cause a range of heat-related illnesses, from less serious heat rash and heat cramps to more serious heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention because it can be deadly, so take precautions while working in the summer heat.
The UW Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) congratulates EH&S staff who have been recognized for outstanding service and dedication to the UW community through the UW Awards of Excellence.
The Managing Laboratory Chemicals – Online course has been updated to improve accessibility and incorporate adult learning concepts. The updated course replaces the existing HTML course and is similar in content.
