KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee-s safety campaign ends Sept. 30, and many of the suggestions made by faculty and staff to improve the safety environment throughout the university have been implemented.
The yearlong project’s theme, “UT Safety Begins With You,” began as a way to remind people to stay safe in their workplaces, and included a contest for the best safety suggestions.
UT assistant vice president for human resources Sara Phillips said widespread participation was important for the program to make progress.
“It-s important for everyone to be aware how critical safety is to our overall success,” Phillips said, “whether it is in the work environment, the classroom, or special events.”
Although the official safety campaign is ending, Phillips said, the University community will “take the theme to heart and remember that safety begins with each individual. We can all help to maintain a safe environment in which to work and learn.”
Safety posters were placed throughout the university providing messages that reminded students, faculty and staff of different aspects of safety.
The contest collected safety suggestions from employees and awarded prizes to the first-place winners. The following suggestions were then carried out:
Knoxville – An ongoing column called “The Safety Zone” is featured in the employee newsletter “Staff Stuff”.
Institute of Agriculture – The traffic light at the base of the new bridge on Joe Johnson Drive was reprogrammed to slow traffic and maximize pedestrian safety.
Space Institute – At least five employees have received CPR and first-aid training.
Martin – A pedestrian bridge was built between residence halls and a fitness trail, traversing a road drainage ditch.
Health Science Center – A safety fair was held to highlight proper procedures for handling biohazard materials and sharp items such as needles.
Chattanooga – Non-slip adhesive strips were placed on the interior entrance steps of Pfeiffer Hall.
Phillips says she hopes the University community will “continue to focus on safety even though the campaign is over. If you see an unsafe situation, notify your supervisor or local safety officer so that UT safety can continue to begin with you.”