Sprains, strains, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders account for more than 30% of total workers’ compensation injury claims in Washington state each year. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders include injuries to the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs.
During Global Ergonomics Month and year-round, supervisors and personnel should consider the following resources to help prevent injuries:
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) updated rabies information for University personnel who conduct field work in areas where rabies is endemic.
The updated Rabies Information includes the latest recommendations from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices:
The Air Quality Index (AQI) has increased in the Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma areas, which may require public and occupational health and safety measures to be taken (summarized below).
Alumni, affiliates, visitors, and students with valid UW NetIDs are (at various times) not able to log into EH&S online training courses and will see an error message when attempting to do so. This is because Bridge, the UW learning management system, does not recognize their UW affiliation. The Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) developed a new self-service tool to assist these individuals with obtaining access to Bridge.
Compressed gases and cryogenic liquids are stored in gas cylinders under high pressure, which can have several safety considerations to prevent injury and property damage. University units and departments with compressed gases and cryogens, including liquid nitrogen, are required to follow regulations for safe storage of gas cylinders and Dewars.
Source: Michael Oppenheimer
Human blood and other potentially infectious materials may contain viruses referred to as bloodborne pathogens (BBP) that can make people ill if they become infected. Implementing workplace safety measures is important to protect workers who work with these materials.
Source: National Cancer Institute
This week, outdoor temperatures are expected to rise above 85°F, which requires University units to implement safety measures for outdoor workers to prevent heat related illness.
Summer in Seattle means hiking, biking, kayaking and ... lab work. Yes, many of us spend gorgeous summer days working in the lab. While it's fine to wear shorts, skirts, sandals or flip flops outside, wearing these items in the lab can expose you to hazards. Proper lab attire ensures your skin is covered and protected.
Even if you aren't working with hazardous materials that day, your coworker might be, so always dress to protect yourself. We recommend keeping an appropriate change of clothes and shoes in the lab so you are never without the right gear.
June 9, 2023 - This recall has been expanded to include select Wawona Frozen Foods Organic Daybreak Blend frozen fruit blend packages that were distributed in Washington state Costco stores between April 15 and June 26, 2022. The affected product lots are no longer available for purchase. Costco has begun contacting members who have a purchase history of the affected products.
Individuals can continue to follow the consumer guidance included in the March 2023 recall advisory (below).
The Washington State Department of Health is working with local and federal public health partners to investigate cases of Salmonella likely linked to consuming raw chocolate chip cookie dough and raw s’mores bars dough from Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza from multiple locations in Washington state. The company has discontinued selling the raw cookie dough products nationally at this time.