Lee Gould, Occupational & Environmental Health Specialist – Northern Michigan University Tom Anthos, CIH – Principal Industrial Hygienist, Owner TriMedia Environmental & Engineering Services

Statistics Annually 162,000 injury deaths Annually 1,903,000 injury hospital discharges Annually 29,529,000 emergency visits Health and Safety must be a priority!

In today’s “compliance world”, a team approach to safety is the best way to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Find a team members strength and leverage their knowledge.

Need for Comprehensive Understanding University health and safety issues are rarely limited to a single risk or aspect – most issues are typically multi-faceted University enterprises continue to expand in scope and complexity, but EH&S budgets may not grow in suitable proportions Ability to demonstrate how EH&S program furthers the key missions of an institution is critical for program survival and continued proportional support

Through the years… NMU Public Safety once had a full-time Health and Safety position, however due to budget cuts in the early 1990’s the position was eliminated. Safety at NMU did not stop when the Health & Safety position was eliminated Public Safety as a team moved forward with Health and Safety at NMU, the problem was, the individuals in Health and Safety were primarily law enforcement so Safety was not their only job!

How do Universities move forward with Health and Safety providing a safe work environment and learning atmosphere? Partner with companies who have resources, equipment and personnel!

Through the years… The Safety Director, Deputy Director/Fire Marshall and Assistant Director/Training Coordinator together as a team dealt daily with safety on campus and performed their daily law enforcement duties for approximately 12,000 students and 1,200 employees In 2000, NMU contracted with a consultant, TriMedia to further develop a team approach to safety.

Through the years… With TriMedia on board to fill the gaps, Public Safety provided safety in areas appropriate to their expertise and availability and TriMedia filled the gaps in areas where competent individuals were needed and provide the services necessary to support Public Safety.

Through the years… TriMedia and Public Safety provided the following: Asbestos management Health and Safety training Emergency response (hazardous materials) MIOSHA and DEQ compliance

Success Stories Large scale construction projects – Science buildings – Fine Arts Facility – Student Services Building – Dormitory Renovations Continuing Education – Staff, students, and outside vendors Cost recovery University Audit

Today… November of 2010, NMU Public Safety reestablished the full time EH&S position to further develop the Health and Safety culture at the University and work with TriMedia to bring NMU to the next level of a Health and Safety culture Once settled, I realized how large of a challenge I had ahead!

Today… Arc Flash Mold Mercury BBP Emergency Response Power Tool Policy Excavation/Trenching LOTO Aerial Lifts/Fork Lifts PPE Hot Work Overhead Cranes Ladders Extinguishers First Aid/CPR Noise Fall Protection Confined Spaces Right to Know Lead Paint Guarding Respirator Protection

Today… Policies/working procedures Equipment Grants Training Face on Campus

Future… Establish an interactive safety program giving ownership and leadership to employees Have employees believe in safety!

Future… Road Map 2015 Initiative… Four items relate to safety on campus 1. Innovation 2. Meaningful Lives 3. Campus Attributes 4. Community Engagement

Future… Innovation: ~Successful Programs (continuing Ed) ~Relevant (lessons learned from others) ~Meaningful (take home skills) ~Professional Development (take away knowledge)

Future… Meaningful Lives ~High Quality Work Force Ownership Pride Sense of priority University community knows that their health and well being is an important priority

Future… Campus Attributes ~Standard of Excellence – setting the bar high ~Manage Cost

Future… Community Engagement – with the goal of establishing an environment of trust and an attitude of accountability within the University

Challenges Partner coordination Chain of Command Cost Control Extended term contracts

Benefits Large experience pool – low relative cost Partner with knowledge of the Physical Plant and University systems Temporary staff to support special projects or initiatives Objective third party

Questions We welcome your input and your shared experiences