The mission of Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety (RM/EHS) is to protect our students, visitors, faculty and staff through training, education, risk assessment and mitigation. Additionally, we will assist in the preparation of our students for the future in the area of environmental health and safety. We will ensure that all activities conducted on campus meet and exceed requirements set by local, state and federal agencies, thus enhancing the overall working environment while fully supporting the education mission on campus.

All Safety Email
safety@westga.edu  

Safety & Environmental Services
Facilities Annex
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA. 30118

Tel: (678) 839-6277

Important Links and Information

  • Ergonomics

    Ergonomics

    Ergonomics applies the knowledge of a human’s capabilities and its limitations to the design of workstations, tasks, tools, equipment, and the work environment as a whole. The primary goal of an ergonomic program is to lessen the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) by reducing or eliminating the conditions that contribute to such injuries. Other ergonomic goals include: 

    • Increasing worker productivity and performance
    • Decreasing worker discomfort
    • Improving the overall quality of the work environment

    The main stressors that can lead to WMSD are 1) quick, repetitive actions, 2) awkward position, and 3) use of force. The elimination or reduction of these stressors and/or an increase in rest helps to prevent such injuries from occurring. 

    Computer Work Stations

    As an increased amount of time is spent at computer workstations, we need to be aware of how the design and arrangement of our equipment can impact our comfort, health, and productivity. The following links from "Office Ergonomics Training" provide computer workstation guidance. If however you would like further consultation please contact RM/EHS.   

    Ergonomics Awareness Training

  • Right-To-Know / Safety Data Sheets

    The Georgia Right-To-Know Law requires each employee (faculty, staff, student workers, full time employees, part time employees and/or temporary employees) to be provided with information and training on the hazardous chemicals that they may be exposed to as part of their job. To comply, RM/EHS has developed an RTK program outlining the law requirements as it applies to the UWG community. This program requires all new employees to take RTK training within the first 6 months of employment and annually thereafter.

    To facilitate this requirement, the BOR has an online Right to Know / Globally Harmonizing System training module. On request, we can also provide customized training to meet a department’s specific needs.

    The cornerstone of any RTK program is a complete inventory of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all the chemicals a department might use.  An SDS is a document that provides a wealth of information about a chemical product, whether it is in solid, liquid or in a gaseous form.

    Reference

  • Training

    Online Training Modules

    Right to Know / Global Harmonized System - This program is designed to educate USG employees on the importance and benefits of properly recognizing and safely working with hazardous materials.

    Hazardous Waste Awareness - Designed to educate employees on the importance and benefits of properly identifying, handling, and disposing of hazardous wastes.

    Blood borne Pathogens - Designed to provide a basic understanding of blood borne pathogens, common modes of transmission, and methods of preventing exposure.

    Computer Workstation Ergonomic Training - Designed to provide knowledge, skills, and educational tools to help identify potential ergonomic related injuries, recognize ergonomic risk factors, and reduce regionalized risks by using good ergonomic work practices and procedures.

    Library Ergonomic Training for Stacking - Designed to provide an awareness of ergonomics and how it applies to handling books in the library.