50 Things Any EH&S Staff Member Should Know

1. 50 Things Any EH&S Staff Member Should Know Robert Emery, DrPH, CHP, CIH, CSP, RBP, CHMM, CPP, ARM Assistant Vice President for Safety, Health, Environment & Risk Management The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Associate Professor of Occupational Health The University of Texas School of Public Health

2. Need for Comprehensive Understanding • University health and safety issues are rarely limited to a single risk or aspect – most issues are typically multi-faceted • University enterprises continue to expand in scope and complexity, but EH&S budgets may not grow in suitable proportions • Ability to demonstrate how EH&S program furthers the key missions of an institution is critical for program survival and continued proportional support

3. Observations/Remarks • Experience based on multiple EH&S program peer reviews across the country, and 8 years of conducting the “EH&S Academy” has shown: • A consistent lack of understanding about how universities operate and how to succinctly convey what the EH&S program does to further the mission of the institution • Shortcoming likely due to lack of specific training in this area – virtually every person enters the university EH&S field from other settings, with no formal academic preparation on university operations

4. The 50 Questions • To address this shortcoming, a list of 50 key items collectively considered important for any EH&S person to be able to answer about their institution was developed • Consists of both objective and subjective issues • Debated (heatedly) amongst EH&S management staff and system level staff until consensus list identified (almost)

5. Disclaimer • Knowledge of the “50 questions” will not make everyone an expert nor omnipotent • Intended merely to equip persons with a fundamental awareness of issues and the ability to adequately handle basic inquiries and problems • “Your list may vary” • Ability to answer and comprehend the 50 items likely places persons in the top 5 to 10% of the profession (this is inclusive of EH&S management as well!)

6. 50 Question Major Topic Areas • Institutional parameters, program aspects • Fire & life safety • Risk management & insurance • Chemical safety • Biological safety • Radiation safety • Environmental protection • Indoor air quality • Security

7. Pilot Application: The Sanity Check • 16 participants in an EH&S Academy session held in Houston, TX in August 2005 provided the 50 questions on first day (without the answers) and asked 2 questions: • Could you answer this question for your institution (yes or no)? • In your opinion, would knowing the information be of benefit to you fulfilling your EH&S function (yes or no)?

8. Ability to Answer 50 Questions? gray = yes, white = no, participants: n = 16 August 2005 EH&S Academy Administration Chemical Safety Fire Safety Biosafety Radiation Environmental Risk Mgmt Security

9. Benefit Knowing Answer? yellow = yes, white = no, participants: n = 16 August 2005 EH&S Academy Administration Chemical Safety Fire Safety Biosafety Radiation Environmental Risk Mgmt Security

10. Ability to Answer 50 Questions? gray = know and should know, yellow = should know but don’t, white = see no need to know, participants: n = 16 August 2005 EH&S Academy Administration Chemical Safety Fire Safety Biosafety Radiation Environmental Risk Mgmt Security

11. The 50 Questions

12. Implementation at UTHSCH • Questions presented to staff during weekly professional development seminars (over 4 to 5 sessions, each lasting one hour) • Answers and rationale for importance also discussed • Expectation for ability to answer such questions in the future established

13. Outcomes to Date • Improved staff understanding of overall processes, inclusive of important perspectives • Improved customer service and improved “point of service” delivery • Improved management confidence and assurance – staff understanding and conveying knowledge of the “big picture” • Improved stakeholder perception of program – less perception of “unnecessary specialties” or “duplication of efforts” • Initiated pathways for future learning, professional development

14. Outcomes for EH&S Academy • Participants in August 2005 edition echoed the comments of the UTHSCH staff • Enjoyed novel approach in class • Will employ as some sort of course contest in future editions • Exploratory efforts with others (UC System) also promising

15. Comments/Questions? • Your feedback on this approach is welcomed!