DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

There is an interesting article about an external review of institutional oversight of lab safety at
https:​//www.deseretnews.com/article/900070696/broken-system-puts-university-of-utah-lab-workers-at-risk-audit-says.html
I've included the introductory paragraphs below.

- Ralph

SALT LAKE CITY â?? Two University of Utah students suffered chemical burns in College of Engineering labs the past two years despite safety inspections that identified major deficiencies just before the incidents.

Not correcting the problems is reminiscent of inaction at other universities that led to severe injuries over the past decade, including a death at UCLA, according to a Utah legislative auditreleased Tuesday.

The Office of the Legislative Auditor General says the problems identified in the 64-page report show a "broken system" that puts lab workers at risk. The audit focused on the occupational hazards in U. academic labs.

"Though the university has not had a fatality, it has experienced serious accidents. Safety deficiencies need to be addressed to ensure future accidents are minimized," according to the audit.

Sen. Karen Mayne, D-West Valley City, said she has seen many audits, but "I've never seen one that says broken. This is a broken system."

Mayne, who requested the lab safety audit, said the problems have not gone on for years but for decades. She said when she asked U. officials five years ago if the school was compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, she was assured it was.

....more at URL above

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