A retrospective analysis of compensable injuries in university research laboratories and the possible prevention of future incidents

• Published in: ACS Chemical Health & Safety. Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 31 - 37
• Main Authors: Gosavi, Abha, Schaufele, Markus, Blayney, Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.03.2019
• ISSN: 1871-5532
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jchas.2018.10.003

Research science is potentially dangerous. For almost thirty years, the federal government has mandated laboratory safety and health programs to protect scientists, others and the environment. The effectiveness of any safety program depends, in part, on understanding the type, frequency and severity of potential injuries and employing appropriate prevention strategies. A mismatch between understanding and prevention could mean that otherwise avoidable laboratory injuries will occur, individuals will be hurt and costs incurred. This study is a retrospective look at laboratory-associated injuries (called incidents) at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL between 2010-2017. Compensable injuries of scientists were analyzed by type and potential severity (assumed by cost), then further examined by job classification and time of year. Cuts, lacerations and punctures accounted for the largest number of laboratory incidents—thirty-two percent (32%). Chemical exposure(s) accounted for another nineteen-percent (19%). Needle-stick(s), animal bite(s) and exposure to blood and body fluids were another twenty-five percent (25%). Insights from this study led to the implementation of a hand injury prevention program in the Fall of 2017. The intended effectiveness of this program in reducing the frequency and severity of cuts, lacerations and punctures in research laboratories will be evaluated over time. Our hypothesis is that targeted prevention strategies are likely to reduce the frequency and cost of future incidents involving scientists.