The academic laboratory environment is organizationally diverse; each academic organization has a distinct and evolving approach to organizing its laboratory science and the safety program which supports it. <br/><br/>This situation is partially for technical reasons. For example, risk management strategies related to chemical hazards are significantly different than biohazard management methods. However, even within a specific institution, safety resources and histories vary significantly between laboratory departments. For this reason, the role and responsibilities of a laboratory safety advocate for a specific department is likely to be unique to that department. Despite this diversity, we believe it is possible and important to identify resources and opportunities for lab safety advocates to develop their professional skills related to their safety roles.<br/><br/>Based on personal experiences and conversations with a variety of laboratory workers who have been assigned specific safety responsibilities, we identify 5 key skills that safety advocates need to develop to be effective in this role and specific indicators of the development of these skills.

Pathway for professional development of the lab safety advocate role

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ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.