Testimonials

Biological Safety

“Emergency operations within biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) facilities represent low frequency, high risk events. The emergency response procedures we’ve developed, in concert with the Biosafety Office at EHS, will help mitigate much of the risk inherent in such operations. That risk can be further reduced through training simulations. In this case, the Chapel Hill Fire Department was particularly fortunate to be able to train in a temporarily decommissioned BSL-3 facility during a series of drills organized by the Biosafety Office. The ability of our firefighters to rehearse these procedures, in real time, in a fully functional lab space, is vital to our success should a true emergency occur in a BSL-3 facility.”

— Patrick Spencer, Operations Division, Chapel Hill Fire Department

Chemical Safety

“We have on two occasions needed to use EHS for disposal of expired or unused DEA scheduled compounds. Both times, it was a relatively painless procedure. They were very helpful in making sure the paperwork and documentation was correct, and were prepared for our questions. EHS at UNC is always professional and helpful. I look forward to continuing to work with them.”

— Todd O’Buckley, Molecular Neuropharmacology Lab, UNC Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies

Fire Safety and Emergency Response

“In hosting 250 athletic competitions annually, from men’s basketball to fencing, our primary responsibility is to keep our fans, staff and student-athletes safe. Our collaborations with the Department of Environment, Health and Safety, in particular the Fire Safety Unit, are invaluable to maintaining this trust. From providing guidance and input in our training and planning, to supporting our efforts on Game Day, to providing strong response in crisis and emergency, we are grateful for continued engagement and focusing on these common goals.”

— John Brunner, Assistant Athletic Director for Event Management, UNC Athletics

Occupational and Environmental Hygiene

“Our division has worked closely with Occupational and Environmental Hygiene to provide training and medical surveillance to our employees. We have almost 60 employees enrolled in the University’s Hearing Conservation Program. In the past, our employees were required to go offsite to receive annual hearing tests. By arranging for a mobile unit to come to campus, Occupational and Environmental Hygiene has helped our division save both money and time. They have also been instrumental in identifying heat stress areas where our staff are at risk. By providing us with education, training and easy-to-follow instructions, they haves helped keep our employees safe.”

— Kenneth Muller, Training Coordinator for the Division of Comparative Medicine

Radiation Safety

“This past year our nursing unit began providing care for pediatric patients who received I-MIBG therapy. Over the past couple of years we prepared our staff to care for these patients. The radiation safety team provided us ongoing support during this time. They provided us extensive education, participated in numerous meetings, as well as participated in simulation activities. During the time that we provided care for these patients, they made themselves available to answer any questions and helped to ensure that we were being safe when providing care. We have truly appreciated all that they have done for our staff and for our patients.”

— Patricia L. Yee, RN, MSN Patient Service Manager III

University Employee Occupational Health Clinic

“(The 2018-2019 Alana Yaksich National College & University Flu Vaccination Challenge) was truly a community effort, and we are very grateful for your support and efforts in promoting this challenge. We are hopeful that this campaign has raised awareness of the importance of flu vaccine and better prepared our community for the flu season.”

— Ken Pittman, Executive Director of Campus Health Services

Workplace Safety

“The 2018 EHS Shop Safety Fair provided me with new helpful information. I didn’t know the proper way to use some PPE and safety equipment. I learned a lot from the fair, and I hope this will be an event every year. The fair was fun and beneficial with prizes, food and useful information.”

— Michael Penny, Mason II, UNC Facilities Masonry Shop

Risk Management

“Although planning for disasters is extremely important, it is often low on the list of priorities for many departments. We are fortunate at UNC to have a group of highly skilled professionals focused on proactive planning to avoid and mitigate the risks associated with any disruption of operations. As the chair of the University’s Information Technology Executive Council, I worked closely with the Risk Management Team of Robin Bennington, Janet Hoernke, and Drew Nicholson during the development and implementation of a new tool to help departments create business continuity plans. This tool was named Tar Heel Mission Ready, acknowledging our university’s nickname and the purpose for this planning. This team performed extensive research to find a higher education-focused tool to support this critical work. They consulted with other leading universities as they developed best practices for the implementation. Throughout this process, I observed a genuine concern for the people and operational processes within the University. Through their efforts, UNC departments now have access to a streamlined business continuity tool that helps all departments become more proactive and resilient.”

— Ray Reitz, Executive Director for Information Technology, Finance & Operations and Chair of UNC’s Information Technology Executive Council

“Payroll Services just completed our Mission Ready Continuity Plan through the software program provided by Risk Management. The Risk Management Team were insightful and instrumental in helping us develop a user-friendly and comprehensive resource that will be available for our staff should an emergency situation arise.”

— Stephanie Kidd, Payroll Manager