State asks for feedback on campus safety

Since 2007, the state of Washington has conducted an annual safety survey. Most years it has gone only to the largest 32 cabinet level agencies to assess the agencies' safety program and to determine how to improve workers’ safety in Washington. More recently, the survey has been opened to all agencies, including higher education.

This voluntary but valuable survey is presented by the state Office of Risk Management, which is part of the Department of Enterprise Services. The survey is designed to capture safety information about state workplaces in an easy-to-understand and brief format.

The results of this survey will be used by each state agency to improve their respective safety programs and collectively to look for ways to improve workplaces for all state employees.

The terms "safety hazard" and "hazard" are used frequently in this survey. The terms refer to any type of recognized hazard in the workplace that could potentially cause death, injury or illness to a worker. Examples of hazards include improperly labeled chemicals, sharp edges, tripping hazards, materials not properly stored, fumes and locations with a risk of falling from a height.

Western encourages faculty and staff to take a few minutes to complete this online survey. The information that you provide is anonymous and will be used to improve safety in the state and at Western.

If you have any questions, please call Paul Mueller at (360) 650-3065 or Gayle Shipley at (360) 650-6512.