Workplace Safety

As the University is working toward a return to normal operations, you may be lifting and moving things around, such as chairs, printers, and other equipment, in preparation for on-site work. Take precautions before lifting or moving objects, as incorrect lifting can lead to back pain and/or a back injury.

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) updated several University COVID-19 and respiratory illness prevention resources, including our Illness and Exposure Guidance, Public Health Flowchart, Face Covering Policy, and the UW Respiratory Illness Health and Safety Plan.

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) serves as the University representative and liaison to Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) for all campus locations, including UW Medicine, and will coordinate all activities related to an L&I investigation. EH&S will coordinate on behalf of the University with the appropriate unit and University representatives, including Human Resources Labor Relations.

If an L&I Inspector contacts you

Notify EH&S immediately by calling 206-543-7262. Examples of contact may include:

EH&S launched an updated online Wildfire Smoke Safety course to address new regulatory requirements. UW personnel can access it in the EH&S Course Catalog.

This course is required for University personnel who work outdoors and may be exposed to wildfire smoke at an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 72 or higher. Annual retraining is required.

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) published updates to our Shop and Maker Space Safety resources for units and departments that operate shops and maker spaces at the University of Washington.