Safety Culture of University Labs Scrutinized

Taken for Granted: Building a Culture of Safety," written by Beryl Lieff Benderly, asks whether researchers are focused sufficiently on safety. It discusses Cal/OSHA penalties assessed in May 2009 against UCLA in connection with the Jan. 16, 2009, death of a research assistant.

Jun 13, 2009
A worrisome look inside the safety of university science labs is currently featured on the online site of Science Careers, which is associated with the journal Science. Titled "Taken for Granted: Building a Culture of Safety," the article written by Beryl Lieff Benderly of Washington, D.C., discusses Cal/OSHA penalties assessed in May 2009 against UCLA in connection with the Jan. 16, 2009, death of research assistant Sheharbano "Sheri" Sangji. She succumbed to burn injuries suffered on Dec. 29, 2008, after her clothing caught fire as she transferred a pyrophoric chemical from one container to another.

Benderly has followed this story closely for Science Careers. Sangji was not wearing PPE or a lab coat, according to the coverage, which notes that UCLA announced May 4 it would not contest or appeal the $31,875 fine.

Benderly's latest article quotes lab safety experts about the state of safety in university laboratories. PPE is not frequently used in some university labs, where the culture prizes individual creativity. One expert urges lab workers to speak up forcefully whenever they see a colleague working in an unsafe manner.

UCLA's May 4 statement quoted Chancellor Gene Block: "In the wake of Sheri's tragic accident, I communicated to the UCLA community plans for a comprehensive review of our laboratory inspection programs and implementation of revised procedures to ensure the safety of our researchers. Although substantial progress has already been made, we will continue to thoroughly monitor and assess our lab training and safety protocols as an integral component of our daily operations. The Cal/OSHA report will provide critical assistance with these ongoing efforts. As we continue to mourn Sheri's death and grieve for her family, we are determined to rededicate ourselves to ensuring the safety of each and every member of our entire Bruin family." (More....)