Workplace Safety

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

Machine Guarding Program

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2024

The Machine Guarding Program describes various types of physical guards, interlocks and safeguarding methods for facilities and research machinery / equipment. This program can assist you in identifying the hazardous parts of a machine, determining the need for safeguards, and obtaining or fabricating the necessary guards.

Download Machine Guarding Program Document

How the dangers of heat waves sneak up on people

July 8, 2024

Californians are staring down an unusually long and dangerous heat wave. Public health officials are opening cooling centers and urging caution as folks head out to celebrate the Fourth of July in what the National Weather Service says could be several days of 110-degree temperatures.

There’s no question that kind of heat is hazardous to your health. But why?...

Working in Hot Weather: Reminders for Employees and Supervisors

May 13, 2024

Working in high temperatures can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It is important to take precautions and to be prepared for high heat conditions. Please share this information with supervisors and employees in your department that work outdoors or may be exposed to high temperatures indoors during their workday.

Outdoor work when temperature exceeds 80°F

Workers performing job duties outside must follow the campus ...

Radiation Safety Awareness Training Update

June 3, 2024

Radiation Safety Awareness Training (EHS 404) is required for all staff who work in areas where radioactive materials and/or radiation producing machines are located. This training was recently integrated into the Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety training (EHS 101)

What this means

As of June 1, 2024, any person who has completed EHS 101...

New Chemical Inventory Requirements

July 12, 2024

Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) is in the process of tagging all chemicals in all buildings on campus in response to new chemical inventory requirements issued by the UC Office of the President (also see MAQ project page).

Town Halls: Introduction to chemical tagging

EH&S is hotsting virtual town halls throughout the...

Heat Illness Prevention and Response

Heat Illness Prevention and Response

Work in hot environments can have direct effects on human health including, heat exhaustion, reduced labor productivity, and heat stroke. All university employees who work outdoors or in environments with elevated indoor temperatures may be at risk for heat illness– the group of medical conditions caused by the body’s inability to cope with heat.

Heat exposure can be dangerous and potentially life-...

Vertical Milling Machine

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2024

Job Safety Analysis - Operating A Vertical Milling Machine

Download Word Document Download Google Document

Department Safety Coordinators

Department Safety Coordinators (DSCs) are a vital part of the campus safety structure, coordinating, implementing, and documenting safety practices in departments across campus.

Wildfire Smoke

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

UC Berkeley Workplace Violence Prevention

California state law requires every employer to establish, implement, and maintain an effective Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (California Labor Code, Section 6401.9). Consistent with its legal obligations, UC Berkeley is committed to providing a safe learning and work environment that is free from threats and acts of violence.


Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) is the responsible department for
...