Health and Safety

The Texas A&M University System is committed to provide a safe and healthy environment for all employees, students, and visitors and ensure the preservation of state property. In view of this commitment, The Texas A&M University Office of Environment, Safety & Security (ESS) provides expert guidance and timely services to the A&M System community. Through a commitment to employing best practices and collaboration, and by building long term relationships aimed at promoting a productive and safety-conscious working and learning environment for all members, ESS assists system members in developing and maintaining comprehensive health and safety programs.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Exposure to bloodborne diseases can occur in many activities in the higher education community that reach well beyond the confines of biosafety in the laboratory. Many jobs or activities that involve intimate contact with people, whether it is health care, public safety, athletic training, childcare, or custodial work, can result in exposure.

Contaminated Sharps Injury Reporting

As of the beginning of FY20, 09/01/2019, System Members must have a process in place to ensure that contaminated sharps injuries are being reported appropriately to the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) and that a Sharps Injury Log is maintained internally by the member. Members are required to report all contaminated sharps injuries that happen at their facilities, independent of the employment status of the individual that sustained the injury (Texas Administrative Code §96.401 and Health and Safety Code §81.304)

Student Laboratory and Shop Safety Training

In keeping with the commitment of the Texas A&M University System to provide a safe and healthy environment for all employees, students, and visitors, System Environment, Safety and Security expects student laboratory and shop safety training to be part of member health and safety programs.

Questions regarding these programs can be directed to:

Keith Benton MPH, REHS, CSP  kbenton@tamus.edu