Walking around Berkeley Lab can be challenging with its uneven terrain, sloping walkways, staircases, fallen leaves, pine needles, and cones. The condition is exacerbated by rainy weather and multiple construction and demolition projects. Construction materials or wind-blown debris may appear unexpectedly on pathways, which contribute to slip, trip, and fall hazards. Employees are advised to keep their eyes on the path, watch out for unanticipated obstacles, use handrails, and wear appropriate shoes with low heels and good traction soles. It is a good idea to keep an extra pair of walking shoes in your work area for use when necessary. Employees can contact the EH&S Division (x5514) regarding safety concerns and observed hazardous conditions.
Berkeley Lab’s Health Services has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation distinguishes this surgical center from many other outpatient surgical facilities by providing a safe work environment and the highest quality of care to its patients. Status as an accredited organization means the Lab has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care set by AAAHC. Almost 5,000 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC.
Last week a person was spotted riding a skateboard down the roadway on the Lab’s hill campus. Employees are reminded that, because of the steep terrain, all skateboards, scooters, inline skates and electronic personal assisted-mobility devices (such as Segways) are prohibited from operating on Laboratory property. This does not include electrically powered wheelchairs. Go here for more on the Lab’s Operation and Parking of Motor Vehicles and Bicycles policy.
This is a follow up to last month’s article titled, “Are You Familiar With Hazards and Controls in Your Lab?” That article described three different chemical lab incidents across the nation, and included a video about one of those incidents, a tragic accident at UCLA in which a researcher was killed. Recently, criminal charges were brought against the Regents of the University of California and the Principal Investigator for safety violations related to the UCLA incident. Lab scientists are again reminded of the importance of integrating safety into your work. More>
