Work Related Injuries (on-campus: WUSM)

If the exposure involves human blood or body substances, click here.

Exposures to biohazardous materials include the following:

1. Needle-sticks or other percutaneous injuries from a contaminated sharp object.
2. Splashes to mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).
3. Inhalation of aerosolized material (large spill outside of a biosafety cabinet).
4. Contact with open wounds, scratches, or cuts.
5. Bites or scratches from infected animals.

Procedures

• SKIN Exposures: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash the contaminated area with soap and water for 15 minutes.
• EYE Exposures: Immediately flush the eye with water for at least 15 minutes at an eyewash or faucet. Remove contact lenses while flushing the eye. Hold the eye open while flushing.
• Apply a band-aid if the wound is superficial and not bleeding.
• Assess whether animal has been inoculated or exposure to an infectious agent
• Report the exposure to Occupational Health, and PI/Supervisor, no matter how seemingly insignificant the injury may seem. Some post-exposure treatments must be started within 1-2 hours of exposure, so time is critical.
• All WashU faculty, fellows and staff, notify Occupational Health immediately at 314-362-3528
• WashU students, should contact WashU Student Health Services at 314-362-3523 (Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). After hours, on weekends, and on WashU Holidays, WUSM students should contact the after-hours body substance exposure hotline at 877.767.8397
• Contact the WashU Biosafety office 314-393-8060, they will decide if exposure meets the requirement criteria for NIH notification.

1. For any substance in the eye (chemical, infectious, radioactive, blood, body fluid, etc.), immediately flush affected area with water for at least 15 minutes.
   If the exposure involves human blood or body substances, click here.
2. Call Protective Services at 2-HELP: 314-362-4357
   Protective Services will escort the injured employee directly to the BJH Emergency Room.
   
   If able, bring the applicable safety data sheet with you to the treatment facility. If needed, Protective Services will contact the WashU EH&S to provide the safety data sheet to the medical staff.
3. Call the Worker’s Compensation office at 314-935-5627 for authorization to treat.

The employee (or supervisor if the employee is unable) must report the incident via the Report Safety Incident task in Workday.

1. If a hazardous chemical is spilled, leave the lab immediately and call Protective Services at 2-HELP: 314-362-4357. Provide location, chemical information and nature of spill. Do not allow others to enter the space until released by Protective Services or EH&S. If safe to do so, stay nearby so further information can be obtained.
2. In case of known or suspected inhalation of a chemical, get to fresh air immediately. Have someone immediately call Protective Services at 2-HELP: 314-362-4357.
3. For concerns related to an unknown odor (absent of a spill), contact EH&S 314-362-6816. After hours or for emergency, call Protective Services at 314-362-4357.

1. Remove all contaminated clothing and immediately flush affected area continuously with water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Call Protective Services at 2-HELP: 314-362-4357
   Protective Services will escort the injured employee to either BarnesCare or the BJH Emergency Room depending on the severity of the exposure.
3. Call the Worker’s Compensation office at 314-935-5627 for authorization to treat.

If able, bring the applicable safety data sheet with you to the treatment facility.  If needed, Protective Services will contact the WashU EH&S to provide the safety data sheet to the medical staff.

The employee (or supervisor if the employee is unable) must report the incident via the Report Safety Incident task in Workday.

Follow the directions on the posted emergency procedures and call Radiation Safety at 314-362-3476.  After hours call the emergency pager at 314-299-1322 or Protective Services at 314-362-4357.