Category: Hazardous Materials

On July 31, 2025, OES hosted the 7^th Annual Department Safety Coordinators (DSC) retreat. The event included updates on OES accomplishments and upcoming programs with presentations for our guest Speakers Kimberly Spears-McNatt, Vice President for Public Safety, Dr. Lesslie Pekarek MD, FAAFP, Vice President for Student Health and Wellness Services, and Dr. Matthew Breed, DVM Attending Veterinarian/Director of Animal Resources. Jay Harris, the DSC for CCIT, presented the health and safety achievements in his department  and several OES team members provided updates. VWR/Avantor along with their suppliers sponsored the event.

The following Recognition and Awards were also presented

Outstanding Department Safety Coordinators

Jay Harris – CCIT- Jay has worked diligently to provide training and ongoing hazard assessments to maintain a safe workplace. He has been a DSC since the start of the program over 10 years ago.

Lane Chambers – Bioengineering- Lance consistently promotes safety and maintains SciShield records to average 98% compliance for training and registrations. He is a long-term DSC with extraordinary commitment to safety.

Sara Pederson – Pee Dee Rec  Sara has done an excellent job in her role as DSC for the past 2.5 years providing training and identification of work hazards.  She has a strong dedication to safety and is as excellent partner with OES.

Outstanding Department and OES Partner Awards

        CCIT –  CCIT has many unique hazards associated with the operation center including high voltage, remote workers for 24/7 coverage, and medical response. Employees have been trained in hands on fire extinguishers, First Aid/CPR, AEDs. 

  Chemistry – The Chemistry department had a major challenge with the shutdown of the entire building for renovations.  Faculty and staff worked diligently with OES  to secure chemical and research hazards before, during and after the renovations with no major incidents.

        Facilities – Masonry Shop The Facilities Masonry Shop handles a wide variety of job tasks that require ongoing hazard assessments, PPE, training, and medical surveillance.  They have an exception training record and support of OES programs and keep safety a priority in their jobs.

Outstanding OES Partner Clemson University Business Intelligence (BI) – Jim presented this award to BI  for their outstanding partnership with migrating SciShield data to provide more statistical analysis of accident/incidents.

Summer has just begun and we are in a heat wave.  With temperatures approaching 100^oF this week, now is the time to review safe practices to BEAT THE HEAT.

OES has a fact sheet on Heat Stress to read,  download , and/or  post to stay cool and safe this week and the rest of the summer.

Heat Stress Fact Sheet.pdf

Dr. Weber meeting with the fire department in preparation of the Hunter Hall shut down.

In anticipation for building repairs, Dr. Chris Weber is strategizing with the CUFD to make sure everyone stays safe for the two week shut down.

Congratulations to Dr. Andrea Conner on completing her PhD in Chemistry. OES is so proud of her managing school along with a full time position. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for her.

Congratulations to the ClemsonLIFE Hospitality Certificate Program students Kalim, Camille, Zavien, Grey and Patrick for completion of the OSHA 10 hour class presented by Occupational and Environmental Safety.

The students attended 10 classes on such topics as Hazard Communication, Personal Protective Equipment, Ergonomics, Bloodborne Pathogen, Shop Safety, Electrical Safety, Emergency response, and Chemical spill response. The students were issued OSHA 10-hour cards and certificates to mark this accomplishment.

This is the second class to complete the OSHA 10 hr. since the program was established by OES and ClemsonLIFE in 2024.

Dr. Chris Weber, OES’s Chemical & Lab Safety Manager has many talents. One he has most recently shared is his teaching skills in providing Adult First Aid/CPR/AED to Clemson faculty and staff. Great feedback was from one of his most recent course attendees.

“It’s been a few years since I obtained this training, and the updated information was extremely helpful. Also, gaining skills on using AED’s was an added bonus”. 

“In addition to the American Red Cross content, the instruction provided by Chris was truly exceptional. He was thorough, interesting, and passionate about the material he was presenting. He progressed through the training modules well organized, and his insight of personal experiences kept the class engaged which enhanced our learning. In our department we are reviewed,  and we provide feedback for others regarding instructional skills. Without a doubt Chris excelled in his instructional methods, and I wanted to share my appreciation”.  “Heather Dunn, Ph.D., Dept. of Bioengineering

OES recently hosted a SafeTEA party for those labs in Jordan, Long, and the BRC.  Hot tea and cookies were provided and attendees were given an overview of the Lab Inspection Checklist.  OES personnel also helped with the SciShield lab setup for new PIs.  Be on the lookout for future SafeTEA parties or other outreach sessions in your area!

Blake Robinson a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS II) at OES conducted an Ergonomics Training for Facilities Support Services Safety Growl on March 4, 2024. Todd E. Barnette, Chief Facilities Officer Clemson University Facilities provided the following compliment regarding this training .

“I really appreciate and value the ongoing partnership between our departments.  Blake brought us a great ergonomic overview in our Support Services safety growl this morning.  He represented your outstanding team very well. I appreciate him doing that.”

OES values our partnerships and is committed to excellent customer service.  If you would like to learns more about the OES Ergonomics program visit the website Ergonomics.  Blake is available to conduct in-person training on Ergonomics and conduct Ergonomic Assessments. He can be reached at trobin5@clemson.edu.

Congratulations to our own Andrea Conner, Health and Safety Specialist

“The Digital Accessibility team is excited to introduce another skilled advocate for document accessibility – Andrea Connor! After an orientation to digital accessibility concepts, Andrea worked quickly and thoroughly to apply new knowledge about WCAG 2.1 standards to Occupational and Environmental Safety factsheets. Thank you, Andrea, for advocating for accessibility and working to ensure that all Clemson students and employees can access these critical safety resources.” – Walker Massey, Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations

Paper cutters are common tools found in most departments and offices.  These cutters should be properly guarded at all times.  Operating  this tool without guards can lead to severe injury. Please review the below fact sheet on proper guarding.  If the paper cutter is not guarded please remove from service until a guard can be installed or discard the equipment.

For any questions email OEShelp@clemson.edu