Immediate supervisors of laboratory employees are responsible to:

• Ensure potential hazards of specific projects have been identified and addressed before work is started
• Ensure effective safe operating procedures are written and followed for lab work involving high hazard materials and activities
• Identify and provide necessary safety supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Discuss and reinforce safe work practices and PPE use, and provide coaching and disciplinary action as necessary
• Conduct continuous inspection of the research space under the supervisor's control, and ensure that unsafe conditions are identified and corrected
• Ensure that all accidents, injuries, and spills are reported to HSRM as soon as possible
• Investigate laboratory incidents, identify root causes, and implement appropriate solutions in conjunction with HSRM personnel
• Actively participate in safety improvement efforts
• Provide initial and annual update training for lab workers regarding lab-specific hazards in their area and associated with their work
• Maintain documentation of initial and annual training for all laboratory personnel
• Objectively evaluate direct reports on their safety involvement and continuous improvement efforts
• Leave facilities and equipment in a clean and safe condition when the premises are vacated

Resources:

• Written Programs and Document Library - Fact Sheets and SOP Templates
• UMN Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Lab Safety Plan Toolkit
• Safe Science - Action for Principal Investigators and Department Chairs
• ACS - Employer's Safety Awareness Expectations for New Hires
• Training Requirements
• Lab-Specific Training
• Lab Safety - Audit Items
• Emergency Procedures
• Animal Work (IACUC) Resources Folder
• Field Research Safety