UEA Safety Officer: Steve Sternberg
Safety is one of the more important concerns you should have about your job. There are federal and state laws that set the minimum guidelines for what is a safe environment. Your union contract includes those laws, as well as a commitment from UEA and the University to maintaining a safe and healthful working environment.
Typical safety concerns on the UMD campus involve chemical and hazardous substances in research labs, in art studios, and around construction/ demolition sites. These sites all require involved personnel to have proper training before using the area or materials and that these locations have limited access.
Another common concern for everyone on campus is indoor air quality (IAQ). There are many causes for IAQ issues and only some of these are considered safety hazards. Even if the IAQ issue is not a safety concern, it can still be worrisome and cause anxiety with those that must work in those areas. Knowledge and understanding is an important part of resolving these issues.
If you have a concern about your safety or the existence of hazardous working conditions you are obligated to tell your immediate supervisor. If you feel that their response is inadequate or if you have additional concerns, you may notify either the Administrations Safety Officer, Mahjoub Labyad (mlabyad@d.umn.edu ), facilities management (phone: 8262) or the UEA Safety Officer (ssternbe@d.umn.edu).
I have met with Mahjoub and we are both committed to making sure everyone has a safe working environment.