Safety Measures for the Blazing Season
As Oberlin College transitions into the summer months, the community is encouraged to prioritise safety and wellbeing. Here's a roundup of essential safety tips for students, researchers, and staff during this period.
First and foremost, it is crucial to stay vigilant and aware of surroundings, especially during less populated times. This includes paying attention to unfamiliar individuals in restricted areas or any activity that seems concerning, at which point Campus Safety should be contacted immediately.
In the realm of personal safety, it is advisable to secure personal spaces, such as rooms, apartments, or lab spaces. Using lockboxes for important items like passports, electronics, and confidential materials is recommended. Furthermore, working alone after hours should only be done if approved by a supervisor, and using well-lit paths is advised during solo walks.
For those working or conducting research on campus, it is essential to follow all lab safety protocols. This includes using gloves, goggles, lab coats, proper ventilation, and chemical handling procedures. Additionally, new hires must complete all required onboarding and training, which likely includes safety protocols.
Summer heat can affect lab chemicals and equipment safety, so wearing appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) and staying hydrated is critical. It is also recommended to limit working hours to up to 35 but no more than 40 hours per week during summer jobs, which helps prevent fatigue-related accidents.
In terms of digital safety, it is advisable to avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public or unsecured Wi-Fi. Keeping personal information secure and always logging out of shared devices is also important.
International students should remain in contact with the International Student Resource Center. Research students should maintain regular check-ins with their faculty mentors, and traveling with a companion, especially at night, is recommended.
To stay informed about emergencies and updates, make sure you are signed up for ObieAlert, the College's emergency notification system, and check your Oberlin email regularly for announcements.
For authoritative and specific summer lab/workplace safety guidelines at Oberlin College, contacting the college’s Environmental Health and Safety office or Student Employment office directly would provide the most accurate recommendations.
Lastly, to ensure overall safety, hydrate regularly, wear sunscreen, and avoid prolonged exposure during peak heat hours. Avoiding distractions like earbuds while walking alone is suggested, and it is essential to leave valuables unattended or in plain sight.
Campus Safety is available 24/7 and can be reached at (440) 775-8444. In case of emergencies, safety escorts, or to report suspicious activity, Campus Safety can be contacted. Remember, the campus community includes individuals present for research, work, and leisure, so let's work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer at Oberlin College.
Science and health-and-wellness are interconnected as it's important to prioritize safety and wellbeing, especially during less populated times, while engaging in scientific research or lab work. It's advisable to follow all lab safety protocols, such as using proper protective equipment and staying hydrated to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
In the realm of lifestyle and education-and-self-development, it's crucial to prioritize personal safety by securing personal spaces, staying informed via ObieAlert, and adhering to digital safety guidelines, such as avoiding sensitive logins on public Wi-Fi.
