How safe is your work place? Many people think of occupational health and safety as an issue dealing mainly with chemical waste, flammable products or respiratory hazards. There are, however, other components of a safe work environment that include field trips, law and security and ergonomics.

This week was North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH), and Risk Management Services (RMS) presented a variety of events to inform and educate McMaster workers.

This year's fair is the third organized by RMS. Christel Kaiser-Farrell, one of the organizers of the event, states that the goal of the week's events, was “to raise safety awareness on campus.” She adds, “We can also raise awareness outside of work, for example, environmental awareness.”

She feels that there are a lot of potential hazards on campus, but RMS is working to minimize them. The office is involved in all sectors of the university, except for Health Sciences, which has its own department.

“If people have a question about work place safety, they can contact our office, and someone will be able to help them,” she advises.

On Wednesday (May 8), the NAOSH festivities were visible in the form of a big white tent set up in front of John Hodgins Engineering Building. Under this tent, vendors displayed various equipment designed to make the workplace safer or more comfortable.

Participants included the Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory, Borgo, Lordly Jones Office Furniture, Working at McMaster, 3M Respirators, Lawlor Safety, and Fisher Safety. Many of these companies already work with the University, training personnel and providing equipment.

The vendors demonstrated and showcased all forms of safety equipment for both labs and offices. Products ranged from gloves, goggles, and gas detectors to respirators and reflective vests. Other displays included ergonomic office equipment, such as keyboard platforms and office chairs designed to aid in the prevention of repetitive stress injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome.

In conjunction with the displays and a barbeque lunch, Risk Management Services tested attendees' knowledge with a safety quiz. Questions included proper responses to fire alarms and hazardous conditions in individual work areas. People who complete the quiz correctly will be entered in a draw to win one of many prizes donated by the vendors.

Prizes include a chair supplied by Borgo, a cordless drill supplied by Lawlor Safety, a putter provided by 3M, T-shirts, mugs, and a sweatshirt supplied by our own bookstore. The draw for the winners will be held today(May 10).

Through the NAOSH Week events, RMS hopes to make the campus a safer place. Safety is the responsibility of everyone on campus and improved awareness will create improved work environments.

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