EHS General Services Building on the Colorado State University campus
Occupational Health and Safety Program

Introduction:

Occupational Health supports the welfare of the CSU community through risk assessment, application of controls (engineering, administrative and PPE), and medical surveillance, in order to meet our goals of providing the safest and healthiest work environment possible at CSU, as well as meeting University, funding, accreditation, and regulatory requirements. We are safer when we are aware of risks and use our resources to reduce them. We take a collaborative approach to prevent injuries and illnesses. When incidents or concerns do arise, we approach them as opportunities to educate, increase safety awareness, and cultivate relationships. Rams take care of Rams and CSU Occupational Health is here as a resource for you.

Employees, faculty, staff, graduate students, and work-study students must fill out a Risk Assessment form on an annual basis to determine their level of risk to animal allergies, infectious agents, chemical agents, noise, and physical hazards. Once the risk assessment if filled out they may be placed in a medical surveillance program.

Tip: Scroll down for comprehensive information about additional Occupational Health Program Element

Van Sickle, Joni Triantis

Van Sickle, Joni Triantis

Occupational Health Program Administrator

Joni.Triantis@ColoState.EDU (970) 491-3102 work (970) 491-4804 fax
French, Danette Marie

French, Danette Marie

Occupational Health Professional/DOT Program Administrator

Danette.French@colostate.edu (970) 491-6349 work (970) 978-5132 mobile (970) 491-4804 fax
Nelson, Kim

Nelson, Kim

DOT/Occupational Health Professional

Kimberly.Nelson@colostate.edu 970-491-6746 work 970-491-4804 fax

Occupational Health (OH) Committee:

The Occupational Health Committee supports the Occupational Health Program by developing strategic initiatives, policies and practices. The Committee is appointed by the Vice President of Research (VPR) and Vice President of University Operations (VPUO), and membership includes representation from across CSU as stipulated in the charge to the Committee. The Committee membership includes:

  • CSU Veterinarian
  • CVMBS Environmental Health Safety and Facilities Management Director
  • Environmental Health Services Director
  • Representatives for:
    • Each College
    • Foothills and South Campuses
    • Infectious Disease Research Center
    • Laboratory Workers
    • Vice President for Research
  • Occupational Health Care Provider
  • Risk Management Official
  • CSU Occupational Health Program Coordinator

For all employees in contact with infectious agents; to help prevent laboratory acquired infections through proper vaccination and medical surveillance (for BSL-3 and HIV research). Surveillance includes baseline medical exam, vaccinations and post-exposure training.

BSL3 Agent Fact Sheets and Illness Procedures are found in the tab labeled "BSL3 Illness Procedures..." below.

Bloodborne Pathogen Training

Bloodborne pathogen training is required annually for those exposed to human blood/blood products, tissue, cell culture, or other human bodily fluids, click Here to take your online training now.

Declaration of Vaccination Preference

If you are at occupational risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens, vaccination for Hepatitis B is available to you.

You need to let CSU know if you wish to accept this vaccination or if you are declining vaccination by filling out the Declaration of Vaccination Preference. If your occupational exposure continues you may change your mind at any time during your employment.

Click Here for the Declaration of Vaccination Preference.

What we do

Chemical exposure can occur anywhere on campus, not just in laboratories, through a variety of routes of entry including ingestion, absorption, and inhalation. EHS can evaluate the health hazards that exist in the lab or workplace through an exposure assessment that considers how chemicals are used, the frequency and quantities used, and the engineering controls that are in place. If necessary, instruments and detection devices may be used to determine the associated risks.

What you can do

Following standard operating procedures and safely using engineering controls (fume hoods), and/or using personal protective equipment (respirators, gloves, safety glasses) can substantially reduce your risk. Respirators should only be used when engineering controls are not adequate to control the risk. If you are concerned about your contact with potentially harmful chemicals while doing a specific task at work, contact EHS Occupational Health to arrange for an assessment. If chemical concentrations above OSHA permissible exposure levels are detected, EHS will work with the department to enact engineering controls or assign the use of personal protective equipment and medical surveillance, as applicable. Surveillance includes baseline medical exam, biological monitoring and exposure training to educate people of the warning signs of intoxication.

Information Sheets and Helpful Links:

Reproductive Hazards

Reproductive Hazards List

For all employees exposed to noise above 85dB TWA or 50% dose; Surveillance includes baseline audiogram, annual audiogram, and training on proper use of hearing protection.

Contact Frank Gonzales for noise assessment

Audiometric Testing Questionnaire

For all employees in the health profession and CSU PD; to ensure that these individuals have the proper vaccinations to be dealing with students and the public. Surveillance only includes distribution of vaccines.

Bloodborne training is required ANNUALLY. Please log on to RamCT for a refresher under General Biosafety.