Campus Safety Links
Occupational safety encompasses the everyday actions of all employees. From stepladders and extension cords to confined spaces and forklifts. The work we do each day to make the College of Engineering exceptional requires attention to safety in order to protect ourselves from injury or injuring others.
Confined Spaces: Access to confined spaces requires specific training and preparation. Contact the CoE Safety Office for information about work or research which may require access to a confined space. All confined space work must comply with the UW-Madison Confined Space Program.
Tool Guarding: Many of the machine tools that we work with in the College of Engineering have specific guarding requirements that will help keep you safe while you work. These regulations are extensive and you are strongly encouraged to work with the COE Safety Office in order to ensure you are working in the safest possible manner.
Ergonomics: Individuals who spend significant amounts of time in a single location or position may experience discomfort when their environment does not support them ergonomically. EHS provides ergonomic services free-of-charge to eligible UW–Madison employees to promote health and safety, decrease injury potential and Worker’s Compensation expenses, and increase productivity..
Forklifts and other Powered Industrial Trucks: Operations fall under OSHA standard 1910.178 and their use requires training by a certified instructor. Drivers must be re-certified every three years. Contact the CoE Safety Office for information about acquiring your forklift certification if use is required for your position in the College of Engineering.
Indoor Air Quality: First report or concern should be directed to your Building Manager for resolution or referral. Work orders for HVAC, chemical fume hoods, or other equipment will need to be submitted through your Departmental Administrator. EH&S may need to be consulted for biosafety cabinets. UHS/EOH may be consulted for mold concerns or other air quality issues.
Office Safety: A job where most of the work tasks are completed while sitting in a chair in a climate-controlled office building would seem less fraught with danger. However, a surprising number of hazards can be present in an office setting. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 50,000 office and administrative workers suffered on-the-job injuries in 2016. Many of these injuries could have been prevented had employees and supervisors recognized the risks and implemented simple workplace modifications to help mitigate them. Check out these Office Safety Tips.
Respirators: Medical clearance is a prerequisite to a fit test and wearing a respirator. Environmental and Occupational Health coordinates compliance for OSHA 1910.134 Respiratory Protection and aligns services for initial and annual respirator user fit testing with Occupational Medicine. Contact the CoE Safety Office if you may need a respirator for your work or research.
Prescription Safety Glasses: UW-Madison employees may order and receive prescription safety glasses through Wisconsin Vision.