Occupational Safety and Health Programs
About The Programs
The University has implemented several health and safety programs to protect employees as they carry out their work functions, and to provide a safer campus learning and work environment for all community members. The programs have been developed in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and engage employees in a process of compliance with University safety policies and procedures. Employees and Supervisors participate in OSHA-required training, safety inspections, hazard correction/elimination, injury reporting, accident/incident investigation, safety concern reporting, use of personal protective equipment, safe work practices and safety process improvements. EHRS works with the Departments to implement and support these program elements.
The EHRS Department administers or coordinates implementation for the following occupational health and safety programs and activities (not all inclusive):
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Hearing Conservation
- Respiratory Protection
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Laboratory and Research Safety & Chemical Hygiene
- Biosafety
- Radiation Safety
- Hazard Communication
- Laser Safety
- Fall Protection
- Electrical Safety/Lockout-Tagout
- Confined Space Entry
- Injury Reporting & Incident Investigation
- OSHA-required Training Programs
- Workplace Safety Committee
Safety Committees
Workplace Safety Committee Mission Statement: To promote a safe and healthful workplace through the evaluation of workplace incidents, illnesses and near misses, by implementing written procedures and helping to maintain environmental/occupational compliance. Recommendations are made on improving the workplace to help ensure the safety of all employees. The meeting format is designed to comply with the Pennsylvania Safety Committee certification requirements for Workplace Safety. This State-certified committee meets monthly.
Institutional Biosafety Committee Mission Statement: Ensure that, regardless of funding source, all recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid research activities at the University comply with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. This NIH-registered committee meets quarterly or as needed.
Science Lab Safety Mission Statement: The Science Safety Committee promotes a safe working environment with respect to chemical and physical hazards in all research and teaching laboratories. The committee meets to discuss and resolve safety issues that are particular to the laboratories of the campuses of Saint Joseph's University (Hawk Hill, University City, Lancaster). This committee meets quarterly.
Information for these safety committees, including membership lists, and documentation such as agendas, minutes, reports, charters and mission statements can be viewed in the Nest or contact EHRS for copies (215-596-8925 UC; 610-660-3037 HH). Also, contact EHRS if a member of the university community or public would like to attend a meeting.