Health and Safety Moment
By Dayna Kaumanns
In much of our work at ASL, we test samples to see if they pose health and safety risks to others. But what does that mean for the health and safety of our laboratory staff?
Like many aspects of CH2M HILL's business, laboratory work carries inherent safety risks. Our team regularly works with hazardous materials and substances that require stringent attention to handling and testing practices.
Specific precautions must be taken regularly to prevent injury or exposure to dangerous chemicals and other substances. And office safety rules apply all the time, too. Because of these potential hazards, the lab operates under a comprehensive health and safety program that requires initial and refresher training for all employees. Our training program includes an overview of ASL's chemical hygiene plan, web-based laboratory safety training, safety videos, medical monitoring, and a communication of safety topics at all operational meetings.
Other important elements of our health and safety program include dedication to quality, use of appropriate personal protection equipment, a near-miss incident system to track potential hazards, an ongoing system to check all safety equipment, and a program that rewards those employees who identify potential hazards and improve the safety of work practices.
An estimated more than 500,000 hours worked without a reportable injury over 6 straight years demonstrates that the ASL team has been living Target Zero—now that is something we are happy about!