To strengthen U-M’s culture of safety and enhance shared accountability in academic and research settings, the department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and the Research and Academic Safety Committee have introduced a new Research Safety Continuity Policy.
The policy, applicable to all faculty Principal Investigators (PIs) who manage a research laboratory, shop, and/or studio that contains potential hazards to personnel and/or the environment (i.e., spaces under EHS’ inspection purview), establishes a proxy-based safety plan to ensure oversight continuity during a research leader’s approved leave of absence, including sabbatical.
Proxies must be:
- Identified by the Faculty/PI Lead
- Physically present on campus
- Knowledgeable of all hazards in the laboratory, shop, or space
- Empowered to make decisions regarding occupational health and safety in the PI’s absence
- Trained in any additional requirements for assigned spaces
Faculty/PI Leads should use the provided template to complete their Continuity Plan prior to sharing with all relevant stakeholder groups, including approval from their respective deans, directors, or chairs. Where applicable, Continuity Plans must also be shared with internal compliance units (e.g., the IACUC, IRBs, Controlled Substances, IBC).
PIs with an active animal use protocol should share a copy of their Continuity Plan with the Animal Care & Use Office, who supports the IACUC. Copies may be sent via email to [email protected].
Questions?
Visit the Research Safety website for more information about this policy, including a list of FAQs, templates, and forms. Additional questions may be directed to EHS at [email protected].