One of my favorite comic book story arcs is a mini-series called The Watchmen. In the story, the super heroes get a bit out of control and a common phrase emerges from the people- “Who watches the Watchmen?” The idea makes me think about how safety issues in labs occur and no one- not leadership, not staff, and sometimes not even inspectors- notices or fixes the problems.
As a lab safety officer, I’ve heard it all when it comes to workplace accidents. “I didn’t see that spill,” “The warning sign wasn’t up,” or the most common one: “I’ve done it like this a hundred times, and nothing’s ever happened before!” We know laboratory safety protocols are in place for good reason, but sometimes familiarity breeds complacency. The result? Critical safety hazards slip through the cracks.
In the dynamic environment of a laboratory, there is always the potential for hazards—from chemical spills to biological risks to ergonomic injuries. Vigilance is key to avoiding these risks, and lab workers must train themselves to develop a “sixth sense” for identifying and responding to dangers. Awareness isn’t enough, hopwever. Response is crucial as well. Why spot a fire if you don’t reach for the extinguisher? In the same way, it’s not enough to see a safety hazard; knowing how to act on it is just as important.
The first step in addressing any safety issue is to stay aware. Just as you wouldn’t drive a car without checking your mirrors, you shouldn’t walk into a laboratory without scanning your surroundings. One way to do that is to walk through the lab with a safety checklist. Don’t just wait for inspection day to identify issues—make it part of a weekly routine. Look for obvious hazards like blocked exits or improperly stored chemicals, but also keep an eye out for subtle clues: Are there cracked pipettes in the trash? Are eyewash stations clear and functioning? Is equipment showing signs of wear? Is PPE in use?
The laboratory is full of sensory signals that can alert you to problems before they become serious. Strange odors may indicate a chemical leak. Unusual sounds—like the hum of equipment working harder than usual—can be a warning that something’s not functioning correctly. Discoloration on surfaces may point to contamination. If something seems off, it probably is. Don’t ignore those instinctual red flags. Investigate further or alert the appropriate personnel.
Beyond the physical environment, human behavior is a major source of safety issues. Is someone consistently rushing? Are gloves being worn appropriately? Do you see someone holding open specimens or chemicals without eye protection? Bad habits, shortcuts, and complacency in the lab are often precursors to accidents. Regular safety training and a culture of accountability can help address these behaviors before they lead to incidents.
Once a hazard is spotted, the next critical step is the response. Ignoring a hazard—or even delaying its correction—can lead to serious accidents. For simple fixes, don’t hesitate—act right away. If you notice a small chemical spill, clean it up following your lab’s procedures. If the spill is larger or you’re unsure of the proper cleanup method, call for assistance immediately. Similarly, if you see broken equipment or frayed cords, label them as out of service and notify the proper personnel. Quick action prevents small hazards from becoming big problems.
Not all issues are within your control to fix. Know when to escalate. Chemical leaks, fire hazards, or biological contamination should be reported to your lab manager or safety officer right away. Follow your lab’s protocols to ensure that these issues are addressed efficiently. Sometimes this might mean evacuating a specific area or following other emergency procedures.
Labs that prioritize safety have a culture of open communication and transparency. Encourage your coworkers to speak up when they see an issue, no matter how small it seems. A minor hazard to one person might be a major risk to another. Ensure that your team knows how to report hazards and feels comfortable doing so. Even something as simple as a spill or improperly stored sample should be addressed. Over time, fostering a culture of constant vigilance and communication leads to fewer accidents.
Laboratories are bustling environments, and hazards can arise in a split second, and the consequences can be severe. Staying alert and responding quickly should never be taken lightly. This means reinforcing good habits, sticking to established protocols, and making safety everyone's job.
Safety isn't just a checklist; it's a culture. When everyone is being a “Watchman” - watching out for potential hazards and knows how to respond, it leads to a safer, more productive lab environment. Be the person who watches carefully, responds promptly, and makes safety a priority every single day.