Occupational Health

Certain health risks are associated with working with animals. In addition to the possibility of accidental injury, a variety of diseases are transmissible between humans and animals. Therefore, the Office for Research Protections has developed an occupational health and safety program for PSU personnel working with animals. This program is conducted in cooperation with the University Health Services, the Animal Resource Program and the Environmental Health and Safety Office. Since federal policies require that all personnel with significant animal contact must be included in a health program, each investigator must insure that employees and students under their supervision who are involved with animal projects are enrolled in the appropriate occupational health program.

Anyone bitten by a laboratory animal should immediately report the incident to the University Health Center and ARP. Do not destroy the animal, since in some instances it may be important for it to be held for a period of observation.