Virginia Tech Environmental Health and Safety

Proud to spotlight our team member Amanda, who represented us in Orlando at the AAOHN - American Association of Occupational Health Nurses 2026 National Conference! She connected with occupational and environmental health nurses nationwide and is bringing back fresh insights for our work.

Meet Mikaela, our new Lab Safety Specialist! As part of the radiation safety team, she’s leading updates to our laser inventory, revitalizing the Laser Safety Program, and supporting lab inspections and safety equipment testing across campus. 🌟 In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her red heeler rescue by her side.🐾

Congratulations to Matt and Cyndi on completing the 8-week Basic Safety Officer Certification Course, presented by the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management! 🎉

Their dedication to safety makes a meaningful impact across our organization. 🌟

Lab Safety Day at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, Virginia! 🧪🥽🥼

We’re announcing an opportunity to join the Virginia Tech Public Safety Division as the Assistant Director of Strategy and Planning.

This role plays a key part in guiding policy, supporting innovative programming, and advancing the safety initiatives that help keep our community prepared and resilient.

➡️Apply now to join our team as Virginia Tech Public Safety Division Assistant Director, Strategy and Planning: https://jobs.apply.vt.edu/jobs/assistant-director-strategy-and-planning-blacksburg-virginia-united-states

When others react, you're already planning ahead! We are seeking a leader who can navigate crises, analyze complex challenges, and build strategies that help keep our community safe and prepared.

Put your passion for public service to work by guiding transformative safety initiatives at Virginia Tech. 🦃

➡️Apply now to join our team as Virginia Tech Public Safety Division Assistant Director, Strategy and Planning: https://jobs.apply.vt.edu/jobs/assistant-director-strategy-and-planning-blacksburg-virginia-united-states

As we observe Grain Safety Week, it is important to recognize that grain bins contain hidden hazards, including augers and confined space risks within each vessel. ⚠️

Awareness, training, and safe work practices are essential to preventing injuries. Let’s commit to fostering a culture of safety and responsibility in our communities. 🫶

🌾

Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Virginia Cooperative Extension Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences U.S. Department of Agriculture

Members of EHS attended the CSHEMA Spring Symposium 2026: University Ventilation, hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. 💛🌟

The event brought together EHS professionals, facilities managers, engineers, and researchers to discuss best practices and challenges in campus ventilation systems. The symposium focused on industrial and laboratory ventilation, with 102 attendees from 35 universities and 12 presentations covering a wide range of ventilation topics.

Our team co‑presented with Chip Albright of Fume Hood Certified, focusing on chemical fume hood performance factors and essential operations. We also shared an overview of one of our buildings, highlighting the collaborative, team-driven approach we use to identify challenges and implement effective solutions.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Fume Hood Certified

🌎 Happy World Water Day! Each year on March 22, we celebrate Earth’s most essential resource: clean, safe water.💧

We want to highlight the incredible work of The Virginia Household Water Quality Program! 👏 Virginia Cooperative Extension Virginia Tech College of Engineering Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Clinical Community Virginia Tech Biological Systems Engineering

This program helps people get their water tested and then understand the results, so appropriate action can be taken. In the United States, regular testing and treatment of municipal water supplies is required under the Safe Drinking Water Act, but private water systems are the responsibility of the owner.

The Virginia Household Water Quality Program offers water testing programs (drinking water clinics) in around 70 Virginia counties every year through local Virginia Cooperative Extension offices with trained local agents. These programs provide affordable, confidential water testing, interpretation of results and help understanding how to solve water issues.

Visit www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu for more information and upcoming water testing clinic dates.🚰

Workplace Eye Wellness Month is an annual observance in March dedicated to promoting eye health and safety in the workplace. It highlights the importance of preventing eye strain, injuries, and vision problems caused by digital screens and work environments. 👀

Epcot, one of is helping us spread this message by showing off his own pair of safety glasses. 🐾🧡🥽

Protect your vision with these practices:

- Use proper eye protection: Eye protection should be worn when performing tasks with corrosives, biologicals, or equipment where debris is generated. 🧪🧫

- Flush your eyewash stations: Eyewash stations should be flushed weekly to ensure they are clean and functioning properly in the event of an emergency.💧

- Follow the 20-20-20 rule to relieve eye fatigue: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. ⏰

- Take regular screen breaks: Give your eyes a chance to relax by briefly looking away from your screen throughout the day. 💻

- Get routine eye exams: Regular eye checkups help catch issues early and ensure your eyewear prescription is up to date. 👓

Prevent Blindness

March is National Ladder Safety Month! Here are some quick tips that will help you stay safe when you are using a ladder. 🪜🦺✨