Timeline
On July 1, 1974, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill launched the Health and Safety Office, now recognized as Environment, Health and Safety (EHS). Led by the department’s inaugural director, Donald G. Willhoit, this initiative was a response to the mandates outlined in the North Carolina Safety and Health Act.
The Health and Safety Office merged Radiation Safety, Fire Safety and Workers’ Compensation from existing areas across the University. With a team of fourteen staff members, the department was tasked with investigating safety and health hazards, as well as developing a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety of existing University facilities.
As EHS marks its fifty-year milestone, it reflects on the significant adaptations made since its inception in 1974 to advance the University’s mission of teaching, research and service.
Before 1974
- 1960
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- Radiological Safety Office established on June 1, 1960
- Raymond C. Pfleger named Radiological Safety Officer
- 1967
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- Francis de Friess named Radiological Safety Officer
- 1970
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- Occupational Safety and Health Act passed by Congress to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.
1974-1978
- 1974
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- University Health and Safety Office created on July 1, 1974
- After adoption of Office by N.C. General Assembly, Donald G. Willhoit appointed Director
- Office created from the merger of Radiation Safety, Fire Safety and Workers’ Compensation from existing areas within the University
- New unit for Industrial Hygiene was added
- Facts and Figures:
- Number of staff: 14
- Research Income: $41,000,000
- Workers’ Compensation Costs: $38,000
- Radioactive Material Users at the University: 120
- Radioactive Waste Disposal (dollars per cubic feet) $2.54
- Biological Safety Cabinets: 0
- 1977
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- Biological Safety unit was added
1979-1983
- 1979
-
- Hazardous Waste Program was added
- 1983
-
- Hazardous Materials Facility constructed
- Asbestos Coordinator was added
1984-1988
- 1988
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- Outstanding Achievement in the area of Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management
1989-1993
- 1989
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- Governor’s Award of Excellence Outstanding Achievement in Waste Management by having demonstrated outstanding commitment to protecting the state’s environment and public health through innovative waste management practices.
- 1991
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- Hazardous Materials Facility Warehouse constructed
- 1993
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- Workplace Health and Safety Committees established in compliance with NC General Statue 143-584.
- Ergonomics program created
- Employee safety handbooks and manual created
- HASMIS program created
- Emergency Coordinators Program established
- Governor’s Award for the Workplace Safety Program
1994-1998
- 1994
-
- Environmental Affairs Program and Training Officer was added
- 1996
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- University Employee Occupational Health Clinic created July 1 – first in the University System.
- The following services were provided during fiscal year 1996-1997:
- Immunization Reviews: 1,657
- Physical Exams: 388
- Workers’ Compenstation Encounters: 1076
- Other: 11.
- 1997
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- Collaborative Laboratory Inspection Program and Hazards Management Plan started.
1999-2003
- 2000
-
- EHS Storage Facility
- 2000-2001
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- Name changed to Environment, Health and Safety
- 2003
-
- June 6: EHS takes response lead after first case of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) appears in North Carolina.
2004-2008
- 2004
-
- Jan. 21: Norovirus Outbreak
- 2006
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- EHS moves to new building on Estes Drive Extension
- EHS Liquid Waste Storage Facility constructed
2009-2013
- 2009
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- EHS one of campus leads on H1N1 pandemic response/vaccination effort
- 2012
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- EHS launches the EHS Compliance Portal
- EHS begins partnership with the student-run Carolina For the Kids UNC Dance Marathon to raise money and support the patients and families of UNC Children’s Hopsital.
- 2013
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- Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) Complete Safety Award
2014-2018
- 2018
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- American Chemical Society University Health and Safety Award which honors comprehensive laboratory safety programs in higher education.
2019-2023
- 2020
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- EHS one of campus leads on COVID-19 pandemic response
2024-Present
- 2024
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- Celebrating 50 years of EHS at UNC-Chapel Hill
