Environmental Health and Safety at
Washington University
Environmental health and safety is a broad field that involves the development and
implementation of policies, procedures theworldagenda, and programs to protect people and the
environment. It is a critical aspect of any business because it can help to prevent
serious accidents and injuries that could result in lost work time and lost profits.
EHS focuses on the physical and social health of workers and also the surrounding
areas that can be affected by an industrial activity, such as residential
neighborhoods or the environment theworldagenda.com. The goals of EHS include the prevention of fires,
explosions, and releases of hazardous materials into the environment or the
workplace.
The focus of EHS is on providing guidance, policies, and practices that will ensure
the safety and well-being of all those in the vicinity of an industrial facility. In
addition, environmental health and safety also includes protecting the quality of life
for residents in the community.
A good EHS program will include training, hazard recognition, and emergency
response. The program should also include proper procedures for handling and
disposing of hazardous materials.
If you work in a lab, make sure that you are always wearing the proper safety
equipment to avoid any injuries. This could include a mask, gloves and even a pair of
work boots that are fire-resistant and nonslip.
Whenever possible, fix unsafe conditions or risks in the workplace as soon as you
notice them. If the risk is dangerous, it is your job to notify your supervisor and get
assistance.
It is your responsibility to keep your work area free of dust, debris and other
dangerous chemicals that can cause a health hazard. This will keep you and your
coworkers safe, so you can do your job more effectively.
The EHS department provides information and guidance to the faculty, staff, and
students on all occupational and environmental health and safety issues relating to
their work. This includes compliance with federal, state and local regulations as well
as university policies and procedures.
EHS is dedicated to supporting Washington University’s mission of conducting
research, education, and clinical care in a safe and healthy environment while
furthering environmental stewardship and sustainability. This includes establishing
and monitoring health and safety programs and ensuring that investigators, staff,
students, and contractors comply with all federal, state, and local environmental,
health, and safety regulatory standards and codes.
This department also works closely with Facilities & Planning and other departments
to ensure the university’s operations, maintenance, renovation, construction and
other projects are completed in a safe, compliant manner.
They develop, administer, and monitor the University’s safety program; assist with
obtaining and maintaining federal and state permits for work; and provide oversight
and recommendations to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws
related to occupational safety and health.
These programs include chemical management, hazardous waste management,
safety audits, inspections, training sessions and emergency response actions. They
are responsible for the compliance of all Washington University laboratories and
their activities with all applicable federal, state, and local laws pertaining to
occupational health and safety.