Occupational Health and Safety Office

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

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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.

November 2025 - Mental Health & Fatigue Awareness

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Mental Health and Fatigue Awareness
🌤️ Shorter Days. Colder Weather. Bigger Impact. As daylight fades and the weather cools, many of us start to feel tired, unmotivated, or stressed. These are common reactions to the change in season, but they can also affect our alertness, safety, and overall well-being.
👁️ Recognize the Signs Trouble concentrating or staying alert on the job Feeling unusually tired or irritable Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping Loss of motivation or interest in activities Withdrawing from co-workers or friends These can be signs of fatigue or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – both common during fall and winter.	✅ Tips for Staying Mentally Fit Get outside during daylight hours whenever possible Take short breaks to move, stretch, or step away from screens Keep a consistent sleep schedule Eat well and stay hydrated Check in with co-workers — a simple “How are you doing?” goes a long way Reach out for support when needed (UVM Employee Assistance Program, supervisor, or trusted colleague)
⚠️ Safety Starts with Self-Awareness Fatigue and stress reduce reaction time, increase mistakes, and lower attention to hazards. Recognizing early warning signs can prevent accidents and promote a safer, more supportive workplace.

Mental Health and Fatigue Awareness

🌤️ Shorter Days. Colder Weather. Bigger Impact.

As daylight fades and the weather cools, many of us start to feel tired, unmotivated, or stressed. These are common reactions to the change in season, but they can also affect our alertness, safety, and overall well-being.

👁️ Recognize the Signs

Trouble concentrating or staying alert on the job
Feeling unusually tired or irritable
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Loss of motivation or interest in activities
Withdrawing from co-workers or friends

These can be signs of fatigue or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – both common during fall and winter.

✅ Tips for Staying Mentally Fit

Get outside during daylight hours whenever possible
Take short breaks to move, stretch, or step away from screens
Keep a consistent sleep schedule
Eat well and stay hydrated
Check in with co-workers — a simple “How are you doing?” goes a long way
Reach out for support when needed (UVM Employee Assistance Program, supervisor, or trusted colleague)

⚠️ Safety Starts with Self-Awareness

Fatigue and stress reduce reaction time, increase mistakes, and lower attention to hazards. Recognizing early warning signs can prevent accidents and promote a safer, more supportive workplace.

Safety Short_Mental Health.pdf

Our Safety Programs

Additional Information and Resources

Directions to Our Office

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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.

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.