Seth Teague

What is your position at UNC-Chapel Hill, and how long have you been associated with the University?

My position is titled Workplace Safety Field Specialist. My specialty is the fall protection program. I have been with UNC-Chapel Hill since August of 2022.

How did you initiate your career in this field or what led you to your current position?

I got my bachelor’s degree in environmental health from Western Carolina University. Through my degree I was able to secure positions in this career field. I have worked in all aspects of environmental health. I have had positions in Air Quality, Food Safety, Occupational Health, Public Health and Workplace Safety. I got into my current position through my family. My dad and mom both retired from UNC and my brother currently works at UNC as well. They all had positive things to say about their jobs and how great it was to work at UNC. I started looking at EHS after hearing about their positive experiences.

Which sectors of the University does your role impact, and in what ways does it contribute to those areas of work?

Workplace Safety affects all sectors of the University. We are responsible for the well-being of all employees on campus and interact with employees and students alike. We contribute to all sectors by completing inspections of work areas to ensure they are safe for the employees. We complete workplace safety training on a routine basis for employees and students as well. This training increases knowledge for the employees and students and contributes to a safe work environment.

Describe what you love most about your job.

I enjoy interacting with employees and students daily and know that the work I am doing is contributing to a safe work environment; this in turn affects employees and students in a positive way. The thing I find most interesting about this job are the workplace inspections that we do and seeing how different departments work and learning about their processes.

What advice do you have for those interested in entering a career in your line of work?

The advice I would give to someone interested in Environment, Health and Safety is take advantage of all opportunities that you are given in this career field. Be open to learning new things outside your specific skill set and learn as much as you can from those with more experience than yourself.