The University Laboratory Safety Committee (ULSC) at The Ohio State University recognized the seventh annual winners of the “Excellence in Safety” Award. The award, in three categories, recognizes a university faculty or staff member (Individual Award), an undergraduate or graduate student (Student Award) and a laboratory research group (Group Award) who has made a considerable contribution to improving laboratory safety on the Ohio State campus. Such contributions can be defined as, but are not limited to, actions taken to prevent injury or illness, outstanding response and cooperation given to resolve unsafe conditions, consistent improvement during laboratory inspections, or any other consistent and proactive demonstration of efforts in support of a positive laboratory safety culture.
Individual Award - Dr. Amy Moore
Dr. Moore is the general chemistry laboratory coordinator in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (CBC). For the past two and half years, she has also served as the chemical safety coordinator. In her role, Dr. Moore responds to fire and chemical spill emergencies, indoor air quality issues, maintenance of ventilation systems of hoods, documenting and reporting medical injuries and supervising the disposal of hazardous waste. She also provides training to lab users to correct potential incidents before they occur and emphasizes the importance of producing standard operating procedures (SOP's) for any potentially hazardous activity. New initiatives led by Dr. Moore include providing fire extinguisher training for all laboratory personnel in CBC, checking that first aid kits are properly stocked, upgrading department personnel protective equipment to include fire retardant lab coats and increasing laboratory safety communications.
Student Award - Alisyn Greenfield
Alisyn Greenfield is the head safety officer for Andre Palmer Laboratory and has held the role since Fall 2021. In 2023, she was also recognized with the outstanding lab safety award. In her role, Alisyn works to ensure that safe laboratory practices are taken every day. Reviewing EHS safety inspection checklists annually, she implements lab changes when needed and communicates updates to all lab staff. She also serves as the primary point of contact for laboratory safety training in her area and writes SOP's for safety officers in her area. Alisyn is described as an individual who responds with decisive and appropriate action steps, while remaining calm under high-stress situations.
Group Award - Ozkan Lab
The Ozkan Lab was recognized for exemplifying the university's mission to promote safety, compliance and a healthy environment. Leadership promotes laboratory safety practices regularly and staff conduct proactive safety self-inspections throughout the year. The practice has led to perfect Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) inspection scores, which demonstrate the lab's commitment to creating a culture of safety. The team has also implemented a laboratory continuity plan that requires all members to be familiar with key safety procedures and capable of training others. Through the creation of a gas cylinder management policy, individual lab members are assigned a cylinder,
e to encourage personal accountability and quick remediation when issues arise.