Creating an Effective Safety Culture in a University Environment E. R. Kupp, S. V. Henninger, M. A. Hickner, J. A. Robinson and G. L. Messing Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Materials Research Institute Penn State University University Materials MRS April 6, 2015

Outline History of safety journey in materials research at Penn State Challenges faced in implementing safe practices Communication 2

MatSE Safety Culture Journey 2008 MatSE Safety Awareness Organization (MSAO) formed Department’s External Advisory Board engaged with safety culture improvement Safety glasses mandated in all labs Began requiring researchers pass MatSE department safety training/exam Safety signage designed to emphasize a “Safety First” attitude 3

Safety Signage 4

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MatSE Safety Culture Journey 2009 First annual MatSE Safety Awareness Week Safety officer at Owens Corning evaluated our safety program Stall Wall Safety 6

MatSE Safety Culture Journey 2009 First annual MatSE Safety Awareness Week First industry visit from Owens Corning on safety Stall Wall Safety 7

MatSE Safety Culture Journey 2010 Monthly lab inspections Annual face-to-face Lab Safety Refresher training required in MatSE Laboratory Safety Officer Training made available to lab overseers in MatSE labs 8

MatSE Safety Culture Journey 2010 Monthly lab inspections Annual face-to-face Lab Safety Refresher training required in MatSE Laboratory Safety Officer Training made available to lab overseers in MatSE labs 9

MatSE Safety Culture Journey 2010 Monthly lab inspections Annual face-to-face Lab Safety Refresher training required in MatSE Laboratory Safety Officer Training made available to lab overseers in MatSE labs 10

MatSE Safety Culture Journey 2011 MatSE Safety Dance Video released ( MRI engaged to convey consistent safety message within entire materials community at Penn State 11

MatSE Safety Culture Journey 2012 Engagement with Dow Chemical through a pilot Dow/University safety initiative program MatSE begins using hazard assessment tool to evaluate safety of experiments before going into the lab MRI moves into new facility and institutes a safety committee for this facility– works closely with the MSAO 12

MatSE Safety Culture Journey 2012 MatSE begins using hazard assessment tool to evaluate safety of experiments before going into the lab Engagement with Dow Chemical began with two visits by Dow personnel to Penn State and one to Dow by Penn State researchers MRI moves into new facility and institutes their own safety committee Initiated Safety Moment presentations to start seminars and Millenium Café presentations 13

MatSE Safety Culture Journey MRI moves into new facility and institutes a safety committee for this facility– works closely with the MSAO

MatSE Safety Culture Journey 2012 Initiated Safety Moment presentations to start fall seminars and Millennium Café presentations 15

MatSE Safety Culture Journey 2013 Materials Safety Newsletter (joint effort between MatSE and MRI) started Continuing to raise awareness across campus and with other Universities Both MatSE and MRI meet requirements for Penn State EHS Integrated Safety Plan 16

Current Initiatives 2015 Modules for on-line safety training Effective continuous means for safety training WPSU to produce safety videos VP for Research agrees to support on-line videos for safety training Safety moments in required junior level undergraduate labs Safety moments in required junior level undergraduate labs Planning for move to Renewed Steidle Bldg

Obstacles to Successful Implementation of an Effective Lab Safety Culture Complacency – “We’ve been doing this for years and never had a problem” Invincibility – “Nothing’s going to happen to me” Cultural differences – researchers from countries where safety is not even a consideration 18

Obstacles to Successful Implementation of an Effective Lab Safety Culture Financial cost – PPE, oversight and training all incur a price Pressure to get work done – perception that implementing and following safe laboratory practices slows research progress Lack of knowledge of proper procedures – “I didn’t know what to do” 19

Overcoming Obstacles Persistence – acceptance and willing practice of proper safety protocols does not happen overnight – Oversight must come from multiple levels (peers, supervisors, administration) – Consistent implementation and enforcement of safe practices is critical Positive peer pressure – a few enthusiastic and dedicated proponents of safety have a great effect on the overall safety culture in a lab/department 20

Overcoming Obstacles Education – prove worth of lab safety practices – Employers value employees who understand and support a safe lab culture – Hazard assessment of new experimental procedures saves time and money – Project sponsors beginning to assess safety culture in university labs where they are sponsoring research – OSHA oversight of university laboratories requires implementation of these practices 21

Overcoming Obstacles Buy-in by leadership – PIs and department heads must support safety efforts – Education and expectations must be clear – PIs are liable for the safety of the members of their research groups – EAB meets with MSAO every meeting (spring and fall) Ready access to resources – Links to safety information on department web page – Bring safety training on-site Communication – keep the safety conversation going 22

PI Awareness of Responsibility for the Safety of Their Research Group Members 23

Safety Pages on MatSE and MRI Web Sites Link to safety page on home page of web site Easily navigable links to: – University EHS office – Forms and resources (e.g., glove selection chart, safety data sheet sites, external safety information) – Department and university safety requirements (e.g., safety training, SOPs, hazard assessment tools) – Safety newsletter, stall wall safety, near miss reports 24

Multiple Forms of Communication Newsletter Stall wall safety Web site Facebook Signage and labeling Safety moment presentations Dialogue among lab-mates and during group meetings MRS BULLETIN VOLUME 38 AUGUST

Keys to Establishing an Effective Safety Culture Commitment to making safety a priority at all levels – Unit leader/Administration – Principal investigators – Researchers Education – Training in lab safety, chemical and waste handling, specialized topics (e.g., lasers, x-rays) – Refresher training Ingrain safe practices in everyday interactions – Ongoing discussion/education – Maintain oversight – Positive reinforcement for safe practices – Consistent with industrial safety practices 26