Protecting Human Health, Safety and the Environment
Environmental Health and Safety
Feb. 19, 2025: Shut the Sash: A Lab Energy Challenge
When using a fume hood, remember to keep the sash as low as possible, or even closed depending on the particular type of hood. Doing so provides greater protection for lab workers, saves energy and may also improve the reliability and validity of your experiment. For these reasons, Environmental Health and Safety’s Shut the Sash campaign challenges lab workers to be aware of their fume hoods and have the knowledge to consistently use them properly. Read more about Shutting the Sash: A Laboratory Energy Challenge.
Oct. 25, 2024: Free Traction Pull-Over Device Program for Employees
The university cares about the safety and well-being of our faculty and staff and has invested in continuing the winter weather slip and fall prevention program. Traction pull-over devices are available for employees to use when walking from vehicles to the office or moving around campus. The Korkers are easy to use and reduce the chance of slipping on the ice and snow. Their compact size makes them ideal to keep in your vehicle or winter coat pocket.
If you do not have a pair from previous years of the program already, the traction devices may be picked up in person by faculty and staff free of charge through Environmental Health and Safety (1108 West 6th St) on a first come, first served basis. Employees will be asked to bring a signed Traction Device Checkout Form. Please note, Facilities and Auxiliaries have their own footwear programs and are not eligible for this limited program.
U of I faculty, staff and students may also purchase traction pullovers locally from a number of vendors in a variety of styles and sizes. Traction pullovers may be purchased by departments for use on-the-job directly from U of I Facilities Shop Stores. To order from Shop Stores, or for additional information, please call 208-885-7555.
In addition to wearing appropriate footwear, please use available handrails and walk on the maintained pedestrian sidewalks and walkways. Using traction pullovers on shoes and boots during the winter months is an additional precaution that can significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls when walking on snow-covered, icy walking surfaces - a frequent cause of serious injuries to U of I employees.
Please note: This equipment is designed and intended for exterior use only and not to be worn inside buildings on hard floor surfaces. Many of the buildings will have seating near entrances for donning and doffing the devices. For additional information about this program, please contact EHS at 208-885-6524 or safety@uidaho.edu.
What training do I need?
Because we are frequently asked about our training courses and how to know which courses a particular person or job may need, we have prepared a matrix for supervisors to use as a guide in determining training. Based on answers to a list of questions, a training profile can be developed for each job. The matrix is intended as a starting point, and all of our general training must be accompanied by job/task-specific training from the supervisor or designee. Our website provides supplementary written materials on many topics, and we can provide supervisors with individual assistance upon request.