Planning Safe Research

A strong safety culture is a goal wherever University of Michigan (U-M) research is performed.  This goal can only be met when you (faculty/lab managers/supervisors) plan for it during the experimental design phase and carry it through to completion of the research; taking the time to:

  • Evaluate and understand the hazards and risks of the operations and equipment involved in the research.
  • Understand the safety requirements associated with activities being performed.
  • Ensure that all aspects of having a safe operation, including appropriate training, personal protective equipment, engineering controls, approvals, and standard operating procedures are in place from the start of the activities.

EHS is your partner in this endeavor. We are always available to consult with and assist you in the process of starting a new shop or laboratory or relocating to a new space. For more information, contact your EHS representative or call (734) 647-1143.

Understanding Your Role in Safety

As a lab or shop director, actions and activities occurring in space under your control are your responsibility, and as such maintaining a safe operation is important to make sure everyone that comes to work for you is able to go home at the end of the day as healthy as when they arrived.

Safety is a core institutional value at the University of Michigan that is ingrained in everything we do – from academics to research and creative practice. We must be diligent in observing university safety guidelines throughout campus and providing high quality education The Research and Academic Safety Policy sets the expectations for academic and research activities that involve potentially hazardous materials or equipment, occurring in laboratories, shops, or studios affiliated with the Ann Arbor campus.

Research Safety First Initiative

Safety, in all academic and research endeavors throughout campus, is a core institutional value at the University of Michigan. Exceptional research means safe research and all campus community members working to ensure that safety is prioritized in U-M research environments every day. The dedication of U-M’s research community is essential to keeping research safe and for elevating the university’s reputation as a global leader in research and scholarship.  For more information about this initiative visit the Research Safety First web page.

Skip to content