Lab Safety Week, held Feb. 10-14, is an initiative from Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association to promote laboratory health and safety programs on college campuses. Lab Safety Week serves as a reminder of our dedication to maintaining a secure and healthy research environment.
Whether handling chemicals, biological specimens, radiological materials, or specialized equipment, prioritizing safety is crucial for ensuring research advances smoothly and without avoidable risks. UAB Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is tasked with cultivating a culture of safety and compliance, understanding that a well-maintained laboratory is the cornerstone of groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Why Lab Safety Matters
Safety in the lab is about more than just following rules—it’s about protecting lives. From students and researchers to faculty and support staff, every individual plays a role in maintaining a safe working environment. By following safety protocols accidents and exposures can be prevented, and UAB can remain compliant with regulatory standards.
Laboratories Setting the Standard
Labs that consistently excel in safety practices demonstrate a culture of responsibility, innovation, and compliance. These high-performing labs recognize that safety enhances productivity, protects researchers, and ensures the integrity of their work. In the spirit of Lab Safety Week, EH&S is recognizing the following UAB labs because they excel in making safety a top priority in their research environments:
- Zhangli Su, Ph.D., KAUL, Genetics Department
- Fengbin (Jerry) Wang, Ph.D., KAUL, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department
- Thane Wibbels, Ph.D., SEC-SSH, Biology Department
- Outi Keinaenen, Ph.D., Chemistry Department
- Nicholas Lennemann, Ph.D., Department of Microbiology
- Nathaniel Erdmann, M.D., Department of Medicine-Division of Infectious Disease
All these labs exhibit a strong commitment to addressing any deficiencies promptly and effectively. Their lab managers and/or designated representatives have gone above and beyond expectations, demonstrating exceptional dedication and efficiency in ensuring compliance and maintaining a safe working environment. EH&S intends to regularly acknowledge labs who prioritize safety moving forward.
Other Crucial Safety Partners
EH&S also recognizes the hard work and dedication of the Hospital Laboratory Safety Committee. This committee of professionals works tirelessly to ensure our hospital and clinical laboratories are safe and compliant.
EH&S also thanks all laboratory personnel at UAB for your continued collaboration in keeping our laboratories and our UAB family safe. It is because of you that our laboratory safety program and UAB are successful.
Remember, research safety is an essential component of scientific discovery and because of this a safe and compliant laboratory is a successful laboratory.