Reducing Risk: Strategies to Advance Laboratory Safety through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect

Dunn, Anna L.; Decker, Debbie M.; Cartaya-Marin, Claudia P.; Cooley, Joya; Finster, David C.; Hunter, Kirk P.; Jacques, Daniel R. N.; Kimble-Hill, Ann; Maclachlan, Jennifer L.; Redden, Patricia; Sigmann, Samuella B.; Situma, Catherine

doi:10.1021/jacs.3c03627

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…A high intellectual skill set of competencies is needed when working at the frontiers of science. In addition, mental health issues can arise due to long hours, limited social circles, uncertain progress toward the degree, and other factors. , In this context, laboratory safety is often viewed as an obstacle rather than a means to achieve scientific goals. ,, A variety of tools and educational approaches have been introduced in an effort to assist and encourage young investigators to integrate safety into scientific method. In 2013, one of us (D.S.L.)…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Assessment of Laboratory Safety Training in Undergraduate Education

Zhao,

DeSousa,

Henriksen

et al. 2024

J. Chem. Educ.

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A survey was developed and implemented to determine how pervasively safety principles and cultural expectations are included in the chemistry curriculum at the undergraduate level. The survey was completed by first-year doctoral candidates in the chemical/pharmaceutical sciences. A majority of the respondents were trained in the use of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and PubChem. Additionally, a majority (61%) reported frequent safety discussions prior to performing experiments in their laboratory courses. In contrast, similar discussions occurred infrequently in their research laboratories (16%). Approximately 20% of the surveyed students reported experiencing a laboratory injury, and significantly larger percentages observed near misses in their teaching and research laboratories. However, the survey did not find any correlation between the frequency of safety discussions, chemical resource training, or the delivery mode of training with the likelihood of incidents. The survey did find that a specific training method explicitly intended to preclude mishaps, namely, the RAMP risk management system, is not well integrated into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Finally, the survey contained a series of potentially dangerous laboratory scenarios in order to determine whether the tendency to engage in risky laboratory behavior correlates with specific demographics and/or prior experiences. The data suggest that prior experience with an injury or observation of a near miss encourages the choice of safer options when confronted with a hazardous situation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Assessment of Laboratory Safety Training in Undergraduate Education

Zhao,

DeSousa,

Henriksen

et al. 2024

J. Chem. Educ.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…This approach integrates safety measures into daily operations, guaranteeing that scientific research and industrial processes can be carried out with confidence and responsibility. Consequently, the benefits of scientific advancements can be realized without jeopardizing the well-being of the individuals involved or the environment. − …”

Section: Risk Assessment and Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mitigation of Potential Risks in Chemical Laboratories: A Focused Review

Abedsoltan,

Shiflett

2024

ACS Chem. Health Saf.

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This review paper presents an analysis of safety practices in chemical laboratories. It encompasses a systematic exploration of various facets including risk assessment, hazard mitigation, and the implementation of safety protocols. Emphasis is placed on the critical role of continuous education and training, advocating a proactive safety culture, and adapting to technological advancements. Additionally, the paper underscores the importance of adhering to regulatory standards, promoting exceeding baseline compliance toward establishing best practices in laboratory safety. This comprehensive approach highlights the dynamic, multifaceted nature of laboratory safety, positioning it as a fundamental aspect of scientific research.

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“…1 Furthermore, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) academic communities, including chemistry, are known to be less diverse than other disciplines due to oppressive learning and working environments, especially along dimensions of gender, race, and disability. [2][3][4][5][6] Most work aiming to characterize or ameliorate systemic issues thus far has focused on marginalized identities that are easily measurable. Because trans identities are not obviously apparent and must be disclosed by individual people, current research often makes trans people invisible or deliberately excludes them.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Behind Closed Doors: The Untold Challenges of Transgender and Nonbinary Graduate Students in Chemistry

Nolan,

Blythe,

Vincent-Ruz

2024

Preprint

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Transgender, nonbinary, two spirit, and gender-expansive students are marginalized in higher education and have significantly different college experiences than their cisgender peers. Using in-depth interviews modeled after Sista Circle methodology and applying reflexive thematic analysis, this qualitative research illuminates the nuanced experiences of transgender students navigating academia in chemistry graduate programs. Counterstories revealed tensions between participants’ identities as transgender people and as chemists, where STEM professional culture encouraged the participants to cover and separate their transness from their graduate studies. The results highlight disparities between institutional rhetoric and tangible support for transgender graduate students. From grappling with the absence of inclusive policies to the burdens of advocating for institutional change, participants confronted systemic barriers that impeded their academic and personal growth. This study underscores the imperative for transparent and proactive support structures within academic departments to foster an environment where transgender and nonbinary individuals can thrive. As the political landscape intensifies with escalating threats to transgender rights, this research serves as a clarion call for academia to confront and ameliorate the challenges faced by marginalized populations in STEM fields.

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Reducing Risk: Strategies to Advance Laboratory Safety through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect

Cited by 7 publications

References 22 publications

An Assessment of Laboratory Safety Training in Undergraduate Education

An Assessment of Laboratory Safety Training in Undergraduate Education

Mitigation of Potential Risks in Chemical Laboratories: A Focused Review

Behind Closed Doors: The Untold Challenges of Transgender and Nonbinary Graduate Students in Chemistry

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