Maintaining a safe working and learning environment is of critical importance, particularly to those in scientific fields. That is why STEM-focused colleges from around campus are coming together to host the University of Utah STEM Safety Day on Friday, Sept. 6, from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House. This free event is open to all researchers, staff, students and faculty in U of U Health and the broader campus to brush up on best practices in safety and well-being.

STEM Safety Day will offer a wide range of seminars, trainings, and interactive sessions designed to help the U’s science, engineering and medical community better understand the hazards and mitigate the unique health and safety risks associated with working in STEM disciplines. Topics range from basic first aid and proper use of personal protective equipment to handling hazardous materials and lab safety protocols. Whether participants work in offices, labs or patient-facing settings, there will be sessions that are applicable to them.

“We are dedicated to fostering a culture of safety and wellness in STEM disciplines at the University of Utah,” said David Thomas, director of safety at the College of Science and organizer of Safety Day. “By hosting this yearly event with colleges and units throughout campus, along with our consistent daily efforts, we are doing just that.”

With wellness in mind, the event will also provide flu and COVID-19 vaccines and offer various sessions on personal well-being, including a presentation on mental health self-care by the OSHER Center for Integrative Health.

The event will kick off with a panel discussion and Q&A featuring university and college leadership, including Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Mitzi Montoya, Vice President of Research Erin Rothwell, College of Science Dean Peter Trapa, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine Dean Samuel Finlayson and John and Marcia Price College of Engineering Dean Charles Musgrave. The panel will be moderated by Chief University Relations Officer Chris Nelson.

“Safety is an integral part of doing research at the highest level and is one of many areas in which the U needs to continue to lead as an R1 institution,” said Montoya. “Bringing many of our leading STEM units together for this Safety Day provides a unique opportunity for us to collectively improve both the efficacy and safety of our research practices.”

Space is limited for many of the in-demand sessions and early registration is encouraged. To view the finalized agenda and register, visit science.utah.edu/events/safety-day.

STEM Safety Day is co-hosted by the College of Science, John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, the College of Pharmacy and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. This event is also sponsored by private partners Industrial Supply and Fisher Scientific.

• Bianca Lyon associate director of marketing and communications, College of Science
  (801) 587-2999 bianca.lyon@utah.edu