Environmental health and safety
National Safety Month
It's the 30th anniversary of National Safety Month!
Each week this month highlights an aspect of a safe workplace:
- Creating a culture of safety
- Staying safe on the roads
- Promoting holistic worker health
- Preventing slips, trips and falls
Click on the link below to learn about ways to make your workplace safer.
Firefighter Safety Stand Down
The Firefighter Safety Stand Down is a national initiative held June 14–20 to promote firefighter health and safety. This year’s theme, Responder Behavioral Health, encourages departments to focus on firefighter fitness through foundations, intentional training, technique, nutrition, evaluation, sleep and long-term success strategies.
For more information, visit the 2026 Firefighter Safety Stand Down website, contact your local fire department or reach out to OSU Environmental Health and Safety at 405-744-7421 or fls@okstate.edu.
2026 Excavation and Trenching Stand-Down
Service. Quality. Knowledge.
The OSU Environmental Health and Safety Department consists of four teams - Environmental Compliance, Fire and Life Safety, Laboratory Safety, and Occupational and Construction Safety. Our primary goal is to promote health, safety, and environmental protection by providing exemplary programs and services in support of the university's mission.
Student Employee Feature
Lucas Condon
Lucas is a student employee for EHS, majoring in Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineering. He is an active member of the Fire Protection Society. He's a pro at BBQing and stays safe while doing it. We’re lucky to have you on the team and appreciate everything you do, Lucas!
Laboratory Manager Spotlight
Brandi Simmons
Brandi is the laboratory manager for the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (DASNR) at OSU, where she has served for over two years — part of a 25-year career at OSU. Her role includes administrative tasks, equipment coordination and compliance. Brandi has been prioritizing safety through consistent educational posters for laboratories, a DASNR SharePoint site with QR codes for safety info, and collaboration with EHS. Thank you, Brandi, for keeping DASNR safe!
Quarterly Newsletters Newsletter Archive
Monthly Training
Respiratory Protection
Register- Class will take place the first Tuesday of each month.
- Next opportunity: July 7, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
- Facilities Management North building, Room 101C
Bloodborne Pathogen
Register- Class will take place the second Tuesday of each month.
- Next opportunity: July 14, 9-9:45 a.m. or 2-2:45 p.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Employee Training
Register- Class will take place the third Thursday of each month.
- Includes back safety, Hazcom, slip/trip/fall safety, fire safety, and office safety.
- Next opportunity: July 17, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Fire Safety Training
Register- Class will take place the second Friday of each month.
- Next opportunity: July 10, 9-10 a.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Laboratory Safety and Hazardous Waste Training
Register- Class will take place the fourth Tuesday of each month.
- Next opportunity: July 28, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- EHS Conference Room, University Health Services 003
Additional Training Opportunities
OSHA 300A Logs
Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers with more than 10 employees to keep a record of serious work-related injuries and illnesses. The records must be maintained at the worksite for at least five years.
New EPA Regulations on Methylene Chloride
Fact Sheets and Safety Info
The EPA has finalized a rule regarding methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM) under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). Learn more via the links below.
Timeline of Changes
As a research institution, laboratories on campus are allowed to continue some use of DCM, contingent upon new requirements and compliance with the timeline of changes.
- Initial monitoring by 05/05/2025 with periodic monitoring depending on results
- Ensure new exposure limits are met by 08/2025 and provide PPE for affected employees
- Development of an exposure control plan or Workplace Chemical Protection Program by 10/30/2025
Ensuring Compliance
If you are a PI on campus who uses DCM also known as methylene chloride in your lab spaces, please contact us to conduct air monitoring and an assessment of your current chemical hygiene plan.
Forms and Permits
New Forms
Our department is moving to a new system for submitting permits! CampusOptics is a platform specifically designed to assist with environmental, health, and safety-related program implementation and monitoring on college campuses. Login to your OSU CampusOptics account here!
We hope this new system will streamline our processes, but in the meantime, please contact us with any questions or issues.
Safety Documents
Fact Sheets
Access useful fact sheets and brief safety information. Topics include:
- Accident Investigation
- Ergonomics
- Laboratory Safety
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
Manuals
Access safety information and guidance documents. Topics include:
- Addressable Fire Alarm Systems
- Chemical Hygiene Plan
- Machine Guarding Checklist
- Respiratory Protection Program Manual
Reporting Safety Concerns Call EHS with any concerns regarding the safety of campus personnel or facilities.
Such concerns could include unsafe work environments or classrooms, unsafe work practices, perceived poor indoor air quality, and more.