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Safety at NIH Workplaces

You have the right to a safe workplace. At NIH, the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) ensures the highest degree of safety and health for employees in all activities.   To learn more about the resources available to help keep you safe at work, read below.     
Employee Health and Safety​

 
DOHS is committed to promoting and providing the most comprehensive Employee Occupational Health and Safety  Programs for all NIH employees in order to foster a safe work environment.  Safety and Health Specialists are
available to help you with your occupational health and safety issues.
 
To report an unsafe working condiditon, click here​
Safety in Laboratory Settings​
Many NIH employees work in a laboratory setting, and are therefore exposed to different risks than employees in an office setting. Lab workers are required to take specific training courses and practice safe lab practices and procedures.  For more about safety in a laboratory setting, visit the Lab Safety Resource page.
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What to Do if You Are Injured ​at Work
All work-related injuries, regardless of whether the worker is a Federal employee or a contractor, must be reported to the Occupational Medical Service (OMS).
First Aid Guidance for Potential Exposure to any Biological Safety Guide:

-  Begin first aid immediately.
-  Vigorously scrub contaminated skin and wounds with soap and water while irrigating the site for 15 minutes.
-  Irrigate contaminated eyes and mucous membranes with normal saline or water for 15 minutes.
-  Notify your supervisor, if he or she is readily available.
-  As soon as you have completed the first aid at the workplace, go to your local Occupational Medical Service (OMS) clinic.
 
OMS Clinics
 
Bethesda, MD
Building 10, Room 6C306
Monday – Friday
7:30 am – 5:00 pm
(301) 496-4411
 
Baltimore, MD
251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200
Monday – Friday
7:30 am – 4:00 pm
(443) 740-2309

Frederick, MD
8200 Research Plaza, Room 1B116
Monday – Friday
7:30 am – 4:00 pm
(301) 631-7233

Hamilton, MT
903 South 4th Street, Room 5202
Monday – Friday
7:30 am – 5:00 pm
(406) 375-9755
 
Workers’ Compensation is ultimately handled by the U.S. Department of Labor, but the process starts with NIH staff and instructions on the NIH Workers’ Compensation page.​
 
  
Occupational Medical Services​
The goal of Occupational Medical Services (OMS)  is to enhance the health and safety of the NIH workforce through the provision of a variety of work-related medical and counseling services.
To learn more about the specific services offered by OMS visit the links below. 
 
Note: This service is offered only to Federal employees.  Tickets should be purchased at any R&W store prior to coming to OMS for the test—Lipid Panel/Cholesterol Screens are $16.50; Fasting Glucose Tests are $8.25. 

   OMS provides required immunizations for international travel and reviews requests for premium class travel accommodations.

Cardiopulmonary Resussictation (CPR) and Automated External Difibulators (AED)​
An emergency can take place at any time – even at work.  Knowing how to perform CPR and where to find an AED can save a person’s life.
 
In addition to offering training for medical professionals, NIH offers free CPR/AED trainingfor lay responders.  This class teaches you the critical skills needed to respond to and manage a first aid, choking, or sudden cardiac arrest emergency in the first few minutes until emergency medical services (EMS) arrives.   
 
For the CPR/AED class schedule and to register, click here.
 
For a list of all AED locations, on and off campus, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.
cpr.jpg​
 
Safety Talkback for the Workplace Box
The digital Safety Talkback for the Workplace Box provides NIH employees and contractors an opportunity to submit comments and/or ideas anonymously to DOHS 
 
Submit your comments/ideas here.
Unsafe or Unhealthful Conditions Reporting

.If you believe that an unsafe or unhealthful working condition exists in the workplace you have the right and are encouraged to make a report (oral or written) of the condition to us. If you believe that there is immediate danger to life or health make a report as quickly as possible by calling us at (301) 496-3457 or after hours by calling the Emergency Communication Center at (301) 496-5685. 

To submit a report go here.