Participation in the Ohio State’s Occupational Health Program is mandatory for all faculty, staff, students, and volunteers who work in university laboratories and animal facilities. Additional university employees participate in the program due to job-related duties. Part of this program is completion of an online risk assessment (ORAT) to identify, evaluate, manage and reduce potential health risks associated with animals (direct or indirect contact), hazardous agents, operations or environments that may be encountered as part of work-related responsibilities.
Faculty, staff, students and volunteers are required to update their information when changes in potential exposure have occurred. Any changes in species used, in the number of hours of animal contact, exposure to chemical, biological or radioactive materials, or any other potential health hazard should be indicated. Once the initial online risk assessment is submitted, individuals will receive, on an annual basis, an email reminder and instructions to review their information and update as needed. This update helps to ensure that an individual is provided appropriate information regarding risks associated with their work. Beginning in 2023, an annual acknowledgement will be required even if there are no changes to the ORAT.
A summary of the risk assessment is sent to the enrollee’s supervisor for verification. Depending on the information provided, the information is either reviewed by Environmental Health and Safety to determine if additional safety information is required or by Occupational Health and Wellness (OHW) (formally Employee Health) and/or Student Health Services (SHS) to determine if a medical examination is required. The enrollee will be notified of the examination requirement. The ORAT now allows enrollees to decline medical services when permitted.
If you have additional questions about the ORAT please contact Holly Ferris at ferris.56@osu.edu.