Health & Safety Training

OEHS Health & Safety Training programs provide a foundational education on current safety practices, procedures, and policies. The goal is to ensure WSU personnel are aware of and understand the specific hazards and risks associated with their jobs and working environment while also providing information on how to minimize that risk. Training is also a requirement of many local, state, and federal regulations; grant funding agencies; and accrediting bodies. OEHS training programs include regulatory requirements, best practices, and WSU specific requirements. 

Laboratory Personnel Training 

Depending on the hazards being worked with in the research or teaching facility, laboratory personnel may be required to complete several different health and safety training courses. At a minimum laboratory personnel are required to complete general laboratory safety but may also need to complete courses in topics such as animal safety, biosafety, chemical safety, radiation safety, and more. Most courses are completed online through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative at the University of Miami (CITI). More information on required training for laboratory personnel can be found on the Laboratory Safety Training webpage. 

Non-Laboratory Staff Training 

Some non-laboratory staff may be required to take health and safety training related to the work being performed. This may include such topics as respiratory protection, occupational noise exposure, electrical safety, as well as other topics. Training should include both general health and safety courses as well as job specific training. To understand what health and safety training your job requires, contact your supervisor. Questions can also be directed to OEHS. 

Currently FP&M uses SafetySkills for online health and safety training courses. Contact your supervisor for login access to SafetySkills. Additional educational materials and information can be found at Toolbox Safety Talks and General Health & Safety.

Hazard Communication Training 

Individuals working with or around chemicals are required to complete Hazard Communication training. The OSHA/MIOSHA Hazard Communication Standard (Right-To-Know Law) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). This update to the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. Visit the WSU Hazard Communication Program page for more information. 

Training on the Hazard Communication standard, including labeling requirements and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), is required for all individuals working with chemicals. 

  • For non-laboratory staff, to fulfill the training requirements, please complete the HazCom slide presentation. The last slide contains a link to a brief quiz and registration form. This must be completed to confirm and document your training. 

  • For laboratory workers, this training requirement is covered by the Hazard Communication course found in CITI