The Department of Environmental Health and Safety Keeps the NYMC Community Safe and in Compliance
The Department’s Responsibilities Focus On The Overall Environmental Safety Of NYMC By Maintaining Proper Protocols
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for a broad range of safety policies and trainings to ensure the safety of the campus community, as well as proper usage of energy and laboratory space at New York Medical College (NYMC). EHS also serves as a hub for members of the NYMC community for information on safety regulations, how to properly dispose of laboratory waste and any other environmental health concerns on campus. Amy Razukiewicz, M.P.H., CPH, RBP, left, director of the EHS, provided an extensive look at the duties of the Department she is responsible for with the help of her team including Joseph Nogay, center, EHS administrator, and Rawlston Crowther, right, senior EHS coordinator.
What are the responsibilities of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety?
EHS provides leadership for campus health and safety programs; establishes and monitors institutional policies and procedures for environmental health and safety; and helps to ensure that all campus members follow regulations, institutional policies and procedures while also providing education and guidance on safety initiatives and clinical compliance. EHS administrates the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) and the Touro College of Dental Medicine Infection Prevention Committee. In addition, the Department provides oversight for the environmental health and safety programs at other Touro University New York campuses.
How would you describe the day-to-day functions of the Department?
Every day holds something different. Most days are filled with a combination of conducting inspections and follow-ups, training development and implementation, research protocol reviews for safety and compliance, occupational health risk assessment reviews, observing and monitoring of work practices, manual and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) development and reviews, work orders as well as data and trend monitoring. Some days also involve incident management and follow-up, site visits from outside regulators, odor assessments, preparing shipments of hazardous materials, drills, industrial hygiene exposure assessments or completion of various permits.
What is the most-asked question from faculty or staff about the Department?
We receive many calls regarding laboratories, non-lab spaces, renovations, IBC protocols and training. One of the most frequently asked questions is about proper disposal of items from laboratories and other campus areas as well as questions about waste pick-up.
What do you find most interesting or most rewarding about working in the Department?
EHS is interesting because it requires knowledge of a wide range of disciplines to execute our duties effectively. As technological advancements and regulations change, there is always something new to consider and challenges that arise.
What is one useful tip you can give about the Department?
We do our best to make sure items are dealt with as soon as possible, so if you find that you need clarification on a guideline or regulation, do not hesitate to contact us at nymc_ehs@nymc.edu or (914) 594-4078.