January – Specimen Transport

Shipping regulations change in January of each year and this is an opportune time to enlighten your staff on your requirements for shipping infectious and biological substances both within and outside of the facility.

February – Hoods and Environmental

Biosafety cabinets and fume hoods must be certified each year and the records maintained for accreditation visits.  If you need to do environmental monitoring in the laboratory, this is a good time to reinforce safety practices when using chemicals.

March – Personal Protective Equipment

Employees must demonstrate how to don (put on) and doff (remove) their lab coat or gown and aseptically remove their gloves.

April – Ergonomics 

Demonstrate the proper adjustment of the workstation including chairs may divert a potential Worker’s Compensation claim due to musculoskeletal illnesses.

May – Bloodborne Pathogens

Most employees are familiar with bloodborne pathogen safety but it is the wise safety officer that creates a fun way to energize the staff to remember exposure issues. 

June – General Safety

June is National Safety Month and there are many ideas that you can use from the National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) to jump start your educational activities – posters, puzzles and games, etc.

July – Compressed Gases

The Holiday reminds us of the explosive nature of improper compressed gas use and a perfect time to make sure everyone who uses compressed gases does so properly.

August – Safe Work Practices

As summer fades and staffing is short due to vacations,  it is time to reinforce the safe work practices throughout the lab.

September – Chemical Hygiene

Back to school reminds us to practice good chemical hygiene.

October – Fire Safety

It is National Fire Prevention Month and there are lots of unique ideas on the Internet to use to promote fire safety.

November – Electrical Safety

As you prepare for the Holidays you tend to think of electrical needs at home and this is a perfect opportunity to reinforce electrical safety in the lab.

December – Waste Management

We think of the end of the year as a time to clean up and prepare for the new year.  Waste Management can be your end of the year educational offering for safety as well.