Workplace Safety

The campuswide Workplace Safety Program serves as the university’s central program for creating a safe and healthful work environment. 

Materials Handling and Storage Self Inspection Program

Each year, shipping/receiving and storage managers (or their delegates) are asked to conduct Materials Handling and Storage self-inspections. The self-inspections cover facilities such as:

Loading docks

Loading dock materials storage areas

Distribution facilities for mail and package delivery

Facilities used for furniture and event supplies storage and transport

The topics covered are designed to supplement inspections...

Respiratory Protection Program

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2018

EH&S evaluates workplaces for possible airborne hazards and recommends ways to reduce these hazards when found. When appropriate, EH&S will fit campus workers with respirators and provide annual training on their proper use. This program is administered in cooperation with University Health Services. UHS evaluates a person's ability to safely wear a respirator prior to a respirator being issued. For more information contact EH&S at ehs@berkeley.edu.

Principal Investigators

Principal Investigators (PIs) must ensure the safety of work assignments and work spaces, assign safety training related to hazards, provide safety procedures and equipment, correct identified hazards (where practicable), look into the causes of incidents and take action to prevent similar incidents, and discuss safety in regular meetings and performance reviews.

Field Safety Reminders for the Spring/Summer

April 16, 2024

Following these simple steps supports safe and successful research.

Five reminders for the Spring/Summer fieldwork & travel season

Register all University travel >100 miles via UC Away (Calnet login required) for travel insurance documentation, 24/7 travel assistance, and a destination-specific trip brief.

For international travel, review the...

Changes to Special Event Permissions for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)

April 9, 2024

The California Retail Food Code regulates food service for Non-Profit Charitable Organizations. This includes Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) at UC Berkeley. The Code restricts organizations from holding more than four events per calendar year where food is served to the public and requires approval by a Local Enforcement AGENCY (LEA). As UC Berkeley’s LEA, the Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) is responsible for providing permits and performing inspections for campus events at...

Shop Safety Self-inspections Due May 1, 2024

March 21, 2024

The annual shop safety self-inspection period is here! As a reminder, shops are asked to conduct self-inspections each year to supplement EH&S inspections in order to promote safety awareness and safe work practices.

Important Update Expanded Shop Safety Checklist The inspection checklist has expanded to include additional safety considerations for a more thorough safety inspection. Be prepared to spend more time conducting the self-inspections. There are now 10 safety categories, which includes a total of 83 items to check as part of the self-inspection. Review the...

Event Safety

Ensuring safe and compliant campus events. Fire & Life Safety during Events

An event permit may be required to ensure the fire and life safety of the campus community. Issues of concern include:

Expected attendance of fifty or more people Campus space being used for other than normal purposes Tents or canopies over 400 sq ft Locations that could impact access by emergency vehicles Use of open flame,...

Event Permit Procedures

Ensuring safe and compliant campus events. Special Event Requirements for Registered Student Organizations

The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) is responsible for permits and inspections of campus events at which food is served to the public. In accordance with the California Retail Food Code, Registered Student Organizations can hold up to...

Wildfire Smoke

Providing resources and guidance for the UC Berkeley community to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.

Shop Safety Self-Inspections

Each year, shop managers (or their delegates) are asked to conduct shop self-inspections. The topics covered are designed to supplement inspections conducted by EH&S to facilitate safety awareness and ownership within the shop.

Compliance Requirement

Self-inspections are a requirement of the campus Workplace Safety Program and Policy.

2024 Shop Safety Self-Inspections

Complete a...