OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Learn more about Job Safety Analyses, ergonomic assessments and other ways we continuously support occupational health and safety for everyone on campus.

Ergonomic Assessments

The simplest definition of ergonomics is fitting the job to the worker. The goal of ergonomics is to enhance the worker's comfort, health and productivity. If ergonomics is not considered when designing a job or workstation, injuries can occur.

Ergonomic-related injuries are observed in the office environment, laboratories and material handling jobs. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety offers ergonomic consultation services and training for all Villanova University employees.

Hearing Conservation Program

Exposure to loud noises can permanently affect an employee's hearing. Employees exposed to sound levels above the OSHA action level are included in the hearing conservation program.

Job Safety Analyses

A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a written procedure which integrates safety and health principles and practices into a particular task or job. In a JSA, each basic step of the job is analyzed to identify potential hazards and to corrective actions to avoid or minimize the hazard. The analysis process may identify previously undetected hazards and increase the job knowledge of those participating. The JSA process helps to increase safety and health awareness, promote safe work procedures and improve communication between workers and supervisors.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. PPE can include gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (ear plugs or muffs), hard hats and respirators. PPE is selected to address the specific hazards in the workplace by conducting a hazard assessment.