October is Global Ergonomics Month

 

Sprains, strains, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders account for more than 30% of total workers’ compensation injury claims in Washington state each year. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders include injuries to the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs.

During Global Ergonomics Month and year-round, supervisors and personnel should consider the following resources to help prevent injuries:

New self-service access to online safety training

 

Alumni, affiliates, visitors, and students with valid UW NetIDs are (at various times) not able to log into EH&S online training courses and will see an error message when attempting to do so. This is because Bridge, the UW learning management system, does not recognize their UW affiliation. The Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) developed a new self-service tool to assist these individuals with obtaining access to Bridge.

Safely store compressed gases and cryogens

 

Compressed gases and cryogenic liquids are stored in gas cylinders under high pressure, which can have several safety considerations to prevent injury and property damage. University units and departments with compressed gases and cryogens, including liquid nitrogen, are required to follow regulations for safe storage of gas cylinders and Dewars.

Proper storage of compressed gases and liquid nitrogen includes:

2023 Hepatitis A outbreak associated with frozen organic strawberries

 

June 9, 2023 - This recall has been expanded to include select Wawona Frozen Foods Organic Daybreak Blend frozen fruit blend packages that were distributed in Washington state Costco stores between April 15 and June 26, 2022. The affected product lots are no longer available for purchase. Costco has begun contacting members who have a purchase history of the affected products.  

Individuals can continue to follow the consumer guidance included in the March 2023 recall advisory (below).