Safety Programs

Programs and Training for a Safe UNE Community

The University of New England has developed and implemented a range of safety programs designed to protect the health and safety of students, employees, visitors, and volunteers. These written programs establish clear expectations and procedures for maintaining safe practices across University operations.

All official safety programs are compiled in the UNE Safety Manual (PDF), which serves as a central resource for University safety policies and requirements. Employees are expected to be familiar with the safety programs and policies that apply to their specific roles, duties, and work environments.

Appropriate training must be completed before beginning work at the University and whenever job responsibilities or work conditions change. Additional information on required and available safety training can be found on the Safety Training web page.

Download Safety Guidelines

Explore UNE EHS Safety Programs

UNE recognizes the importance of ergonomics in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, supporting employee well‑being, and promoting safe and effective work practices across a wide range of job functions.

UNE’s ergonomics program, administered by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), focuses on identifying and addressing ergonomic risk factors associated with office, laboratory, and other work environments. Through education, assessment, and collaboration with departments, EHS supports the evaluation of workstations, tasks, and equipment to help minimize strain, discomfort, and injury while maintaining compliance with applicable occupational health and safety standards.

Ergonomic risk reduction is a shared responsibility. Supervisors and employees are encouraged to work proactively with EHS to identify ergonomic concerns early and to implement practical solutions consistent with University policies and established work practices. Through ongoing awareness, training, and continuous improvement, UNE seeks to promote safe, sustainable, and productive work environments for all employees.

Who Is Responsible for Ergonomics at UNE?

As with all health and safety issues at the University, responsibility and accountability for assuring that an employee’s workplace meets regulatory requirements rests with each supervisor. However, ergonomic assessments can be scheduled through the Office of Human Resources. Please contact the Assistant Director of Human Resources if you are having aches and pains due to your workstation or work practices. Human Resources works closely with EHS to provide solutions to understand and treat ergonomic issues case by case. If you suspect any health or safety issues with your work environment, please report them to your supervisor as well.

Laboratory Ergonomics

Apart from the potential risk of working daily with hazardous substances, laboratory personnel also have the potential to be exposed to many ergonomic risk factors due to the nature of their work (i.e., work benches) and the research they conduct (i.e., long hours).

Ergonomic risk factors associated with laboratories are no different from those found in the office and general industry. These factors consist of awkward and static postures, high repetition, excessive force, contact stresses, vibration, and pinch grip, among others.

The following information is meant to assist laboratory personnel in controlling laboratory ergonomics risk factors, improving their level of comfort while performing their jobs, and reducing the risk of acquiring occupational injuries.

Laboratory Workbenches

When used inappropriately, laboratory workbenches can expose researchers to a variety of hazardous conditions or ergonomic risk factors, depending on the laboratory procedure being used. Most workbenches at the University are at fixed heights and cannot be modified (raised or lowered). In general, they are the same height and were designed for light to slightly heavy work. Using a laboratory workbench as a computer workstation is an example of inappropriate use, since it forces the worker to assume a variety of awkward postures and may increase the likelihood of acquiring Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Laboratory workbenches are at fixed heights and have been designed using general guidelines suggested by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These guidelines are as follows:

  • Precision Work: Workbench height should be above elbow height.
  • Light Work: Workbench height should be just below elbow height.
  • Heavy Work: Workbench should be 4–6 inches below elbow height.
Preventive Measures
  • Use a fully adjustable ergo-task chair or stool with a built-in solid footrest.
  • Use anti-fatigue mats if you will be standing for long periods of time while working at the laboratory workbench.
  • Remove drawers, supplies, and other materials underneath workbenches to provide legroom.
  • Use an ergonomically designed footrest if your feet do not rest comfortably on the floor.

Laboratory Ergonomics Tips

Please reference the OSHA Quick Card (PDF) for more information.

UNE strives to maintain acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) in all University‑owned and operated buildings to protect occupant health and support academic, research, residential, and administrative activities.

UNE’s Indoor Air Quality program is administered by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and is designed to address indoor air quality concerns that may affect building occupants. Good indoor air quality includes appropriate temperature and humidity control, an adequate supply of outdoor air, and the effective control of airborne contaminants originating both inside and outside of buildings. UNE’s IAQ program establishes a consistent process for the reporting, evaluation, investigation, and, when necessary, monitoring of indoor air quality concerns.

UNE’s approach to indoor air quality is guided by applicable occupational health principles and regulatory frameworks, including ventilation and exposure standards referenced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While OSHA does not maintain a specific indoor air quality standard, UNE complies with the OSHA General Duty Clause by identifying and addressing recognized hazards that could adversely affect employee health or safety. Through collaboration among EHS, Facilities Management, and building occupants, UNE seeks to promptly address IAQ concerns and implement practical, effective corrective actions consistent with University policies and procedures.

If you have an indoor air quality concern or complaint, follow these steps:

  1. Notify your supervisor and call the Office of Safety and Security at 602-0176.
  2. Contact Environmental Health and Safety.

Who is Responsible?

Everyone on campus has a responsibility for indoor air quality. Individual building occupants and departments, Facilities Management, Capital Projects, and Environmental Health and Safety all play a role in ensuring good indoor air quality at UNE.

What Can Be Done?

Building Occupants
  • Observe the locations of any sinks and/or floor drains in the work area (this includes looking under refrigerators and other equipment or furniture, which may have been placed over floor drains). If not used regularly, the traps could dry out, allowing sewer gases to enter the room. Fill infrequently used fixtures with water at least every two weeks. If a fixture is no longer in use, contact Facilities Management to request it to be capped off.
  • Clean work areas regularly. Remove excess papers, food crumbs, and dust. If food or drink is spilled, clean it up immediately.
  • Rotting food frequently causes foul odors, so check desk drawers and old brown paper bags. Clean any cups, plates, or other utensils used to prepare or consume food daily. Clean out microwaves and refrigerators (including the drip pan) at least once a month.
  • Control dust by having carpeting vacuumed regularly. Wet-wiping desks and other furniture weekly can achieve additional dust control.
  • Keep all ventilation grilles and ducts clear. Don't place furniture, boxes, posters, or other items in locations where they will block airflow.
  • Keep all exhaust ports and air inlets to electrical equipment clear. Overheating electronic equipment can produce irritating odors.
  • Ensure that plants are well-maintained and not overwatered. Overwatering can promote the growth of mold in the soil and on the plant or container (and drown the plant). Remove dead foliage regularly. Carefully follow directions on labels for fertilizers.
  • Use all cleaning and office products only as recommended on the label. Be aware that products with a citrus odor can be irritating to some people, so avoid their use if possible.
  • Whenever possible, use cleaning products without added fragrances.
  • Use perfumes, colognes, and scented lotions sparingly. What smells good to you may not smell good to your neighbor.
  • If you notice an odor, check with occupants in adjacent rooms and floors to determine whether the problem is throughout the building or specific to your workspace. Ask if they are conducting any activities or know of any activities that might create a similar odor.
Departments
  • Ensure all employees and students have received the appropriate training regarding the handling and use of chemicals and products.
  • Ensure facilities are appropriate for the types of research and coursework being done.
  • Ensure faculty and staff do not smoke inside buildings or close to building entrances and air intakes.
  • Process requests for assistance from Facilities Management or Environmental Health and Safety as quickly as possible.
Facilities Management
  • Ensure that all building systems are operating as intended. This includes ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as the building envelope.
  • Carefully select products and processes used on jobs. This includes selecting products with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), alternative products with fewer hazardous chemicals, and products without added fragrance when possible.
  • Use products and chemicals only as intended and follow directions on the label. When products with volatile chemicals or strong odors are used, provide as much ventilation as possible and schedule work when the building is minimally occupied.
  • Notify building occupants when odor-creating work will occur.
Environmental Health and Safety
  • Provide consultation services and make recommendations when indoor air quality is a concern.
  • Provide air monitoring if needed.
  • Work with Capital Projects, Facilities Management, and Housekeeping to control processes that produce odors.

UNE operates fork trucks in several departments across campus. Any employee who operates a fork truck must be trained and licensed through the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department.

Key requirements include:

  • Fork truck training and licensing are required before operating any equipment.
  • UNE EHS contracts this training through an approved external vendor.
  • Operators must be trained and certified every three years.
  • The training covers maintenance, inspection, and safe operation of powered industrial trucks.
  • To receive a license, employees must successfully complete both a written test and a driving test.

For more information or to begin the process, please contact EHS.