Workplace Safety

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

UC Berkeley Workplace Violence Prevention

Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) is the responsible department for overseeing the campuswide Workplace Violence Prevention Program.

Overview Workplace Violence Prevention Plan What to Report How to Report Employee Training Requirements Workplace Violence Hazard Assessment Resource and Policy Links Overview

The University of California, Berkeley is...

UC Berkeley Workplace Violence Prevention Plan

2025

The UC Berkeley Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WPVP Plan) addresses the hazards associated with the four types of workplace violence as defined by Labor Code (LC) section 6401.9. This Plan is available to all employees on the Environment, Health and Safety website: ehs.berkeley.edu/wpvp and applies to, and is in effect, at all...

Wes Chase

Senior Certified Industrial Hygienist
Air Quality
Workplace Safety
Field Research
Wildfire Smoke

Vince Hawkins

Environmental Health Specialist, REHS
Food Facilities
Event Safety
Food & Water Safety

Jacob Sharp

Industrial Hygiene Specialist
Workplace Safety
Indoor Air Quality

Safety Training Assessment & Records Tool (START)

About START

The Safety Training Assessment & Records Tool (START) is a web application, created and maintained by Berkeley EH&S. START allows supervisors to easily determine the safety training needs of their employees and personnel, and whether or not they have completed assigned safety training.

START

...

Laser Safety Vendor Fair

An all-star showcase of the best in lasers, optics, and safety, brought to you by the Office of Environment, Health & Safety.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Labs

EH&S provides campus researchers with lab coats, safety glasses, and goggles. Please contact the PPE coordinator at ppe@berkeley.edu if you have any questions or comments about personal protective equipment for your lab.

We also distribute N95 masks to employees when campus is impacted by unhealthy air quality due to wildfire smoke (when AQI exceeds 150). View distribution schedule.

Campus Laboratory Safety Policies

The University of California, Berkeley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for the campus community. Faculty, students, and other personnel in laboratories and other academic settings may work with hazardous materials, equipment, and processes. With regard to safety and environmental protection, this teaching, and research work is governed by state and federal regulations and University policies.

New UC Systemwide Laboratory Safety Policies...

Understanding Sharps Safety and Handling

June 25, 2025
What Are Sharps?

Sharps are any items with pointed edges or projections capable of cutting, puncturing, or piercing the skin. Common examples include:

Hypodermic needles

Syringes with attached needles or tubing

Razor blades, scalpels, and X-Acto® knives

Glass Pasteur pipettes

Broken glass items

Glass microscope slides and coverslips

Sharp instruments...