Safety Committees
"Zero Harm" is our goal - no one hurt or injured. Like the concept of zero waste, zero harm is an ambitious target especially for an institution with over 17,000 employees, but it's also a goal we would like to achieve.
One initiative of Zero Harm is the formation of Safety Committees. Safety Committees explore safety issues in departments, program areas, or workspaces and may act as advisors to the directors or supervisors of these groups. Participation in a Safety Committee is voluntary. The committees usually meet on a monthly basis. Safety Committees make recommendations and work with administrative staff to bring identified safety issues to resolution.
Division of Housing and Food Safety Committee
Safety Committee Video
- This upcoming video aims to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents to workers on campus. Coming soon!
Resources for Starting a Safety Committee
- Guidelines for Developing an Effective Health & Safety Committee
- Workplace Safety Toolkit / Workplace Safety Committee
- Quick Guide to Safety Committees (PDF)
- Safety Committees for the Real World (PDF)
- Tips for an Effective Safety Committee (PDF)
- Best Practice Safety Committees (PDF)
Examples of Safety Committees on Campus
- Chemical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics
- Facilities Services
- Division of Housing & Food
Examples of Chemical Engineering Safety Committee Posters
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Examples of Safety Committee Initiatives
Academic
- Improved completion of lab safety training by requiring all students to take all required safety training before being issued a key to work in a lab
- Creation of toxic gas ordering and usage procedures
- Monthly lab inspections that are performed and reviewed by committee members
- Disciplinary actions for not using proper personal protective equipment
- Lab cleanouts 2 times a year
- Updating Material Safety Data Sheet books
Non-Academic
- Installation of handrails for the steps on the east side of FC1
- Safe roof access procedures
- Maintenance program for first aid kits and AEDs
- Replacement of old wooden ladders with fiberglass ladders
- Replacement of natural gas heaters in shops after concerns regarding gas odor and improper operation
- Fostering departmental unity on all safety procedures
- Addressing safety concerns brought up by committee representatives, such as significant sidewalk trip hazards, low light work areas, and branches obstructing safety signage
- Setting safety goals
