Environmental Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety Office

UVM's Occupational Health and Safety Office (OHSO) promotes a continued culture of workplace safety by providing training, outreach, and education; compliance assistance; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in the workplace.

What information is on this Page?

OHSO is dedicated to providing safe work facilities for UVM employees (faculty/Staff), students, and visitors, including contractors and consultants, while complying with federal and state safety and health standards. Administrators, employees, union representatives, and students all share responsibility to reduce the hazards associated with the workplace.

Do you have a workplace safety concern related to any of the programs below? Email ohso@uvm.edu

If you would like to be included in our monthly email list, please click the link below. Monthly emails include important information on upcoming virtual and in-person trainings, safety tips and reminders, as well as OHSO Safety Shorts.Email ohso@uvm.edu to be added to the Monthly OHSO Email List

The Safety Brief by OHSO

Introduction to The Safety Brief by OHSO

Body

The Safety Brief by OHSO includes monthly short safety discussions focused on highlighting potential hazards and safe work practices. 

These briefings aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses by raising awareness and promoting safe behaviors. Please look through the monthly topics and see how you can improve the culture of workplace safety within your department/college/unit today. 

Winter Safety

Body

WINTER SAFETY: 

WALK SMART. STAY WARM.

"Safety Champ" - Lake Champlain's Champ wearing PPE

Cold weather increases the risk of slips, falls, and cold-related illness. A few simple habits can make all the difference.

WALK SAFE OUTDOORS:

Take slow, deliberate steps 

Maintain your center of balance 

Wear proper winter footwear 

Use handrails on stairs and ramps 

Avoid distractions — put the phone away

 

ENTER BUILDINGS WITH CARE:

Watch for wet floors, melted snow, and ice 

Wipe shoes thoroughly on entry mats 

Remove traction cleats before walking indoors 

Look for posted slippery surface signs

 

GETTING OUT OF VEHICLES:

Maintain three points of contact 

Use the vehicle for support 

Shift your weight slowly and carefully 

Exit first — retrieve items after 

Do not grab loose objects while stepping out

 

PROTECT AGAINST COLD STRESS: 

Stay Warm: Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, stay dry, and take warm breaks 

Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly even in cold weather 

Listen to Your Body: 

  • Stop work if symptoms appear
  • Protect Each Other
  • Use the buddy system and carry extra cold-weather gear
Falls cause over 300,000 injuries and more than 1,500 deaths each year.

Winter-Safety (pdf)

Be a Safety Champ - See Something, Say Something

Body

Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

Safety Champ Poster

 

For Immediate Building or Safety Concerns Call SOS @ 656-2560
For all other concerns call EHS @ 656-SAFE (7233) or Email – safety@uvm.edu
 

Other ways to report: Report a Concern | Division of Safety and Compliance | The University of Vermont 
VOSHA: Employee Rights | State of Vermont Department of Labor

Our Safety Programs

Additional Information and Resources

Directions to Our Office
Body

OHSO and training classroom is located in an historic building at Fort Ethan Allen off from Route15 in Essex, just a 10-minute drive from main campus.

Front Entrance

University of Vermont
Environmental Health and Safety
Occupational Health and Safety Office
321 Ryan Street, Essex, Vermont 05452

OHSO Office Building, Fort Ethan Allen, 321 Ryan Street, Essex VT

From I-89 North, Take exit 15 for VT Route 15 toward Winooski/Essex Jct.
Bear right onto VT Route 15 E.
Go past St. Michaels College, Fanny Allen Campus, and Camp Johnson.
Take left turn onto Ethan Allen Ave.
Upon entering, bear right onto Diane Drive.
Turn Left onto Ryan Street.

overview map of 321 ryan street essex vt

Other Resources
Body

US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs (PDF)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 

NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topics

Campus Partners