Though we’re not always conscious of it, every day on campus presents with hundreds of opportunities to minimize — or ignore — our exposure to danger.

Researchers, students and support staff work with potentially hazardous chemicals, animals, biological materials, equipment and power tools. But no one is exempt from day-to-day risks that can affect anyone, such as improper lifting and reaching, overloading a power strip, or not washing hands before eating.

To help people throughout the campus understand risks and learn how to avoid them, Safety Services created a monthly online publication, Safety Spotlight, which debuted in October 2009.

“Our goal was and is a simple one: help keep people safe and healthy while safeguarding University resources,” Associate Vice Chancellor Jill Blackwelder Parker said.

Safety Spotlight features different safety and health topics every month, with input from subject matter experts in all parts of the UC system. With lively graphics and original articles, it presents information and links that are directly helpful for readers in all areas of campus operations.

“Managing your personal risk is not always front and center during a busy workday. But it’s something that can be learned and practiced,” Parker said. “The newsletter is designed to provide simple reminders about familiar safety procedures and to expand knowledge of other safety measures. We encourage readers to share it with their family, since accidents actually happen more often at home than on the job.”

UC Davis leadership in safety communications

Soon after the launch of Safety Spotlight, other UC campuses began linking to it or borrowing content for their own safety programs. Recognizing Safety Spotlight’s growing appeal, UC's Environment, Health and Safety Leadership Council decided to make Safety Spotlight available systemwide — to the 10 campuses and the medical centers — beginning in June 2011.

Now, Friday Update will provide a link to each month's Safety Spotlight.

“We’re pleased that our newsletter is now building safety awareness across all UC facilities,” Parker said. “Through this new collaboration, we are practicing the ‘Power of Ten’ concept by sharing a valuable resource at minimal cost.”

February's Safety Spotlight is available here (click on the image of the front page).