Category: Research Safety

OES staff returned to this year’s annual Homecoming Float Build on Bowman Field to support a safe and successful event. OES staff members Tanner Finney, Jeff Anthony, and Blake Robinson helped each day and night to monitor work areas, check scaffolding setups, assist students with safety concerns, and encourage the use of appropriate equipment and safe work practices throughout the week.

Students showed responsibility and care as they worked together. The annual float build is a great reminder that preparation, awareness, and following established safety practices are essential parts of any hands-on project.

Thank you to Clemson Central Spirit and Clemson Facilities, along with the students, organizers, volunteers, and all other participants, for their commitment to making this another safe and successful year.

Rochelle Batdorf has joined OES as our Assistant Radiation Safety Officer. Rochelle comes to us from Ohio State University with many years experience. We are excited to have her.

If you need her assistance, please feel free to reach out directly at 419-564-0165 or rbatdor@clemson.edu

On August 14^th, 2026, OES hosted the 8^th Annual DSC Retreat.  This retreat was packed with presentations on hazardous materials, new heat illness prevention plan, asbestos program management and new chemical inventory bulk import tool for SciShield.    Special thanks to Simon Morris for his presentation on Reddi Lab and Allison Honea for her presentation on Occupational Health services.  Jim Grieger, Executive Director, also provided OES highlights from 2025-2026 and areas of focus for 2026-2027.

Rick Petillo, Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations and Chief Financial Officer spoke to the group on the advancement of the University including Workday.

Kerri Kwist, Biosafety Officer, hosted a Family Feud style game incorporating SciShield safety statistics that all enjoyed.

Kevin Christenbury, CUFD Interim Fire Chief was recognized and for being an outstanding partner in safety. We appreciate all Kevin is doing for Clemson University.

Thank you to all DSCs for your support of safety throughout the CU community!

Antonio “Tony” Craig, Hazardous Materials Supervisor in the Occupational and Environmental Safety Department, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Craig began his career at Clemson in 2021.

“Tony was an exceptional person and staff member. There was never a time he wasn’t wearing a smile and had an infectious laugh that brought a smile to everyone he met. He was always willing to help and went above and beyond the call of duty for not only his job but for lending a hand around the office,” Jim Grieger, executive director of Occupational and Environmental Safety, said.

“If something needed to be moved or lifted or some other odd ball department need he was willing to help. There wasn’t a spill he hasn’t cleaned up. He also volunteered in his community with the Spartanburg Search and Rescue. He was a person who put others before himself and was a proud military veteran. I will especially miss his positive attitude and dedication to OES. He will be greatly missed.”

“Jim was instrumental in helping us get our hoods up and running so we could continue our cell research. He and OES are a great resource for the University.” – Cassie Gregory, Lab Manager, BIOE

We love getting feedback from the Clemson family! Thank you Cassie. Always happy to help.

Dr. Chris Weber, Chemical & Lab Safety Manager, lead the annual CPR & AED training for the Clemson Centre this month. Even OES Director, Jim Grieger got in the mix.

This training is a great way to ensure your building occupants are ready for an emergency. It could save a life. Do it!

Chris Weber hosted a training in the basics of Wilderness First Aid to groups from Clemson who plan to do field studies.  Chris was able to focus this training specifically on the hazards they will encounter. 

If you have a need for basics of Wilderness First Aid, contact OES to set up a training.

OES recently participated in the Career Fair at Dacusville Elementary School, where they shared information about workplace health and safety with local students.

Kerri Kwist, Biological Safety Officer, and Blake Robinson, Health and Safety Specialist, represented the department and introduced students to the role safety professionals play in helping keep people safe and healthy in the workplace.

Their presentation included a simple ventilation concept to show how moving air can help maintain a healthier indoor environment. Using a small fan and visible smoke to illustrate airflow, students were able to see how ventilation helps move air through the space.

Clemson OES would like to thank Dacusville Elementary School for the opportunity to participate in this year’s career fair, and looks forward to supporting future events.

OES is excited to announce that Andrea Conner has accepted the position of Hazardous Materials Specialist – Asbestos Program Manager. Andrea has worked with OES for several years in the Industrial Hygiene Program. Prior to that she was a Teaching Assistant with the Department of Chemistry. She received her PhD in Chemistry from Clemson University last year. 

As with all our programs, OES is continuing to strive to improve our services within the asbestos program and is looking forward to offering more support to the University with projects that involve asbestos abatement. 

Andrea started this new position on December 16, 2025. She will now report to June Brock-Carroll, OES Environmental Compliance Manager. Please help us congratulate Andrea in her new position and feel free to reach out to either Andrea or June with any questions, concerns or needs.

For 10  years, Anne Kogut has been more than just a valuable member of our team, she’s been a cornerstone of our department. 

Her dedication and guidance have left a mark on our culture and each of our careers.  The knowledge, support and leadership she’s shown will continue to guide us long after she’s gone. 

Help us congratulate Anne on her well-deserved retirement.