Umeå University Strengthens Laboratory Safety and Work Environment Culture – Lab Manager

Report on Umeå University’s Laboratory Safety Program and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Strategic Framework for Sustainable Laboratory Operations

Umeå University’s Department of Clinical Microbiology has implemented a comprehensive laboratory safety program that aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Led by work environment representatives Mikaela Lagerqvist, Carin Wibom, and Ylva Hedberg Fransson, the initiative integrates safety and well-being into the core of research operations, serving as a model for advancing sustainable and responsible scientific practices.

Advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work)

The program directly supports SDG 3 by promoting the physical and mental well-being of all staff and SDG 8 by ensuring a safe and secure working environment. This is achieved through a multi-faceted risk management strategy.

• Physical Health and Safety: Proactive management of ergonomic risks, chemical exposure, and physical hazards to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
• Psychosocial Well-being: A strong focus on mitigating workplace stress and fostering a supportive atmosphere, which is crucial for mental health.
• Systematic Incident Management: Utilization of the IA incident reporting system to log and analyze safety events, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and prevention.

The reporting process is structured to encourage engagement and ensure accountability:

1. Reporting: Staff report near misses (categorized as “Oops”) and actual incidents (“Ouch”) through a web-based tool.
2. Investigation: Each report is followed up by the safety team to determine root causes.
3. Corrective Action: Measures are implemented to prevent recurrence, as demonstrated by the replacement of faulty freezer hinges before an accident could occur.

Fostering an Inclusive Environment Aligned with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

The initiative champions a holistic approach to workplace health that extends beyond physical safety to encompass psychosocial well-being, directly contributing to SDG 5 and SDG 10.

• Collaborative Governance: The establishment of the ALV working group unites representatives for environmental safety, equality, and anti-discrimination, ensuring that workplace policies are inclusive and equitable.
• Psychosocial Safety: The program emphasizes the importance of a respectful and inclusive culture where all employees feel seen and valued. This commitment to eliminating discrimination is a cornerstone of SDG 5 and SDG 10.
• Open Communication: By creating a shared language for safety and encouraging open dialogue, the department builds trust and ensures all voices can contribute to a safer work environment.

Strengthening SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)

The program demonstrates that investing in human capital is essential for building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation (SDG 9). By creating effective and accountable systems, it also models the principles of strong institutions (SDG 16).

• Enhancing Innovation: A safe, healthy, and engaged workforce is more productive and innovative. Protecting personnel ultimately strengthens scientific performance and research capacity.
• Building Institutional Capacity: The systematic approach to safety, structured reporting, and collaborative oversight mechanisms create a robust and accountable institutional framework.

Challenges and Recommendations for Sustained Progress

Despite significant progress, the program faces challenges related to institutional support. To ensure long-term success and full alignment with SDG targets, the following actions are recommended:

1. Formalize Safety Roles: Transition safety responsibilities from collateral duties to dedicated, formalized positions to guarantee consistent oversight without compromising research capacity.
2. Enhance Leadership Commitment: Secure greater prioritization of work environment issues on the strategic agenda from departmental leadership.
3. Allocate Sufficient Resources: Ensure that representatives are allocated the necessary time and resources to effectively perform their duties, as mandated by the principles of decent work (SDG 8).

Conclusion: A Replicable Model for Sustainable Science

Umeå University’s initiative provides a valuable blueprint for laboratory managers worldwide. By integrating physical safety, ergonomics, and psychosocial well-being into daily operations, the program creates a resilient and engaged workforce. This holistic model demonstrates that a commitment to employee well-being is not separate from scientific excellence but is a fundamental driver of innovation and a direct contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article on Umeå University’s laboratory safety program connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on creating a safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment, which is fundamental for sustainable development.

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     This goal is relevant as the program’s primary aim is to protect the physical and mental health of laboratory staff. The article discusses managing risks like “ergonomics, stress, and physical hazards” and emphasizes “psychosocial safety” to ensure staff well-being.

   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

     This is the most central SDG addressed. The entire initiative is focused on improving the work environment. The article highlights the promotion of a “comprehensive laboratory safety program that emphasizes prevention, communication, and well-being,” which directly contributes to creating decent work conditions.

   • SDG 5: Gender Equality

     The article touches upon this goal through its emphasis on inclusion and equality. The formation of the “ALV working group,” which unites representatives for “environmental safety, equality, and anti-discrimination,” shows a commitment to creating an inclusive culture where “everyone feels included and seen.”

   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

     This goal is connected because a safe and resilient laboratory is essential infrastructure for scientific research and innovation. The article concludes that protecting people “ultimately strengthens scientific performance and innovation,” linking the safety program directly to the enhancement of research capabilities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   The article’s content points to several specific SDG targets:

   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.

     This target is directly addressed through the university’s systematic approach to workplace safety. The article details efforts to manage “diverse work environment risks,” implement an incident reporting system, conduct “ergonomic assessments,” and promote “psychosocial safety,” all of which are core components of creating a safe and secure working environment.

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

     While not focused on environmental pollution, this target is relevant to the laboratory context where workers handle “chemicals and technical equipment.” The program’s focus on preventing accidents, such as the example of replacing “broken hinges on four –80°C freezers” before an incident occurred, contributes to reducing illnesses and injuries from hazardous materials and conditions in the workplace.

   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

     The establishment of a working group focused on “anti-discrimination” and the stated goal of building “a culture where everyone feels included and seen” align with the principle of ending discrimination in the workplace, which is a key aspect of this target.

   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries…encouraging innovation.

     The article explicitly links the safety program to research outcomes, stating that a safe work environment “strengthens scientific performance and innovation.” By ensuring the well-being of researchers and preventing disruptions from accidents, the program supports the enhancement of scientific research.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to track progress:

   • Indicators for Target 8.8:

     The article explicitly describes the “IA incident reporting system,” a web-based tool used to log “safety deviations, near misses, and accidents.” The number and type of reports filed are direct indicators. The categorization of reports into “Oops” (near misses) and “Ouch” (actual incidents) provides a specific metric to measure the frequency and nature of occupational safety events, aligning with official indicators like the frequency of occupational injuries.

   • Indicators for Target 3.9:

     The number of incident reports related to exposure to chemicals or accidents involving hazardous equipment would serve as a direct indicator. The follow-up and “corrective action to prevent recurrence” on each report is a measure of the system’s effectiveness in reducing health risks.

   • Indicators for Target 5.1:

     An implied indicator is the existence and activity of the “ALV working group” for equality and anti-discrimination. The implementation of policies and initiatives stemming from this group would be a measure of progress toward creating a more inclusive and non-discriminatory workplace.

   • Indicators for Target 9.5:

     The article implies that “research capacity” is a key metric. A potential indicator could be the reduction in lost work time due to accidents or stress, thereby ensuring that research capacity is not diminished. The formalization of safety roles into “dedicated work environment positions” is another indicator of institutional commitment to supporting research infrastructure.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.	Number and type of reports in the “IA incident reporting system.” Classification of incidents as “Oops” (near misses) or “Ouch” (actual incidents). Implementation of ergonomic assessments and workstation improvements.
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and…contamination.	Number of reported incidents involving chemicals and hazardous equipment. Implementation of corrective actions to prevent recurrence of incidents.
   SDG 5: Gender Equality	Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.	Establishment and activities of the working group for equality and anti-discrimination. Policies promoting an inclusive workplace culture.
   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research…encouraging innovation.	Sustained or increased research capacity. Formalization of safety roles into dedicated positions to support research.

Source: labmanager.com