Occupational Health & Safety Program
The Occupational Health and Safety Program (OHSP) is designed to protect the health of university personnel and animals used for research or teaching.
Enrollment is required for faculty, staff, students, and visitors who have direct contact with vertebrate animals in research or teaching settings. The extent of the program is based on the individual’s health history and the risks associated with their animal activities. Depending on the risk category, the individual may need to obtain medical clearance to work with animals.
The OHSP is administered by the Research Protections Office (RPO) under the guidance of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the Environmental Health and Safety Officer, and Health Services.
PIs/Instructors are responsible for ensuring that all personnel under their supervision are enrolled in the OHSP, are trained, and are following safe practices and procedures in the animal laboratories/workspaces/field. Participants are responsible for ensuring their own understanding of research/class responsibilities, safety procedures, research procedures, risks involved with animal care and use, and costs associated with required immunizations.
To enroll, please use the following link to access the Animal Handler’s Health Questionnaire. Upon enrollment, personnel are required to complete the Health Questionnaire at least once every three years, or upon a change in health status, environmental risk conditions, or species used.