Operational Safety & Community Health (OS&CH) provides safety support to Plant Operations; administers the Medical Surveillance program, including respirator fit testing for the entire campus; provides Ergonomic Workstation evaluations; and provides Community Health support for food service establishments on campus, drinking water issues, pesticide usage, and swimming pool issues.

Swimming Pools and Drinking Water
Inspection and licensing of campus pools and spas is a responsibility of OS&CH to ensure sanitary conditions are maintained for all pool users. University properties that use wells as the source of drinking water are sampled on a periodic basis to assure safe water quality.

Integrated Pest Management
OS&CH is responsible for auditing the use of pesticides in University buildings to assure that an ecological approach to pest management is being implemented in accordance with government regulations.

• Integrated Pest Management

Operational Safety includes health and safety activities for Plant Operations. Training is provided to assure compliance with the regulations that govern the type of work conducted by Plant Operations staff. Training is conducted upon hire and annually thereafter. The training covers the following topics: aerial work platforms and forklifts, confined space entry, construction safety, hazard communication, noise and heat stress, and personal protective equipment, including respirator usage. Additional topics are included as needed. Worksite assessments are also conducted to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control hazards associated with workplace tasks.

Hazardous Situations

• Confined Space Entry
• Heat Stress Monitoring
• Lockout/Tagout Programs
• Noise Exposure Monitoring

• Permitted Equipment Safety

• Construction Safety for Plant Operations
• Glove Compatibility Charts
• Personal Protective Equipment Program
• Respirator Fit Test Program
• Hazard Communication Program

OS&CH provides medical surveillance services to 2500 University employees who have the potential for occupationally related stressors or illness. This program provides physical examinations and other relevant testing to assure optimal health for staff.

• Medical Surveillance Request Form
• MWorks Testing Protocols
• Map to MWorks Occupational Health Clinic

Animal Handler Program

• Bite/Scratch Protocol

DOT (CDL) Drug/Alcohol Testing Program

There are approximately 250 UM employees covered by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for drug/alcohol testing as commercial drivers license holders. This program provides training and random testing to assure compliance with federal rules, as well as the safety of personnel and property.

• Federal Highway Administration Drug/Alcohol Substance Abuse Program