In every laboratory—big or small, clinical or research—the goal is the same: get accurate, timely results while keeping everyone safe. It’s a simple concept, but that simplicity often hides just how important it is to enforce safety practices every day. I’ve seen too many instances where safety was treated like a checklist item—something to be reviewed only after an incident happens. But if we wait for an injury or exposure to make safety a priority, we’re already too late. Enforcing good laboratory safety practices isn’t about punishment or control—it’s about protecting our most valuable resource: the people who work in the lab.
When we talk about safety, we’re talking about behavior. It’s not enough to have a binder full of policies gathering dust on a shelf (or in the electronic document system). Safety must be lived out loud in the lab every day. That means gloves are worn consistently and correctly, eye protection isn’t optional, chemical containers are properly labeled, and the eyewash station isn’t blocked by a stack of cardboard boxes. But here’s the catch: people won’t follow safety rules if they don’t understand why they exist, or if they’ve never been taught what right looks like. That’s why safety orientation and ongoing training are so essential.
Every new lab employee should receive a thorough safety orientation before they touch an analyzer, pipette a sample, or open a reagent. This isn’t the time for a five-minute “sign here” presentation. Orientation should include a walkthrough of the facility, pointing out emergency exits, safety showers, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, spill kits, and first aid supplies. It should include how to handle specimens safely, what to do in the event of a bloodborne pathogen exposure, and how to properly store and dispose of chemicals. It should review proper PPE, explain the purpose of SDS sheets, and demonstrate how to respond to various emergency scenarios. Most importantly, it should convey the message that safety is not just the responsibility of the safety officer—it belongs to everyone.
But orientation is only the beginning. Safety knowledge fades over time. Procedures change. New hazards are introduced. That’s why ongoing safety training and competency assessments are critical. Staff should be reminded of core safety practices regularly, whether through monthly safety topics, refresher training, or mock drills. These efforts reinforce expectations and keep safety at the forefront. A well-written chemical hygiene plan or exposure control plan means little if no one’s ever read it or practiced what’s in it. Competency assessments should go beyond testing someone’s technical skills—they should include whether safety practices are being followed as part of routine tasks. Does the tech disinfect the bench at the start and end of their shift? Do they know where to find the nearest safety data sheet? Can they respond correctly to a chemical splash or sharps injury?
One challenge I see in many labs is inconsistency in enforcement. Leadership may talk about safety, but when it comes time to correct unsafe behavior, they hesitate. Maybe they don’t want to upset a longtime staff member. Maybe they think a single shortcut isn’t a big deal. But when a team sees that safety rules are applied selectively, they stop taking them seriously. That’s when you see an uptick in needle sticks, chemical splashes, and even back injuries from poor ergonomics or improper lifting techniques. If we want staff to take safety seriously, leadership has to model and enforce it consistently.
Creating a culture of safety doesn’t happen overnight, but every effort counts. Celebrate safe behavior. Recognize staff who speak up about hazards. Make safety a standing topic at every staff meeting, not just during Lab Week or when it’s time for inspection. When someone forgets to wear a face shield during a procedure, don’t walk past it—correct it. When a coworker points out a trip hazard, thank them. If someone experiences an injury or exposure, treat it as a learning opportunity, not a chance to assign blame. That’s how you shift the focus from compliance to commitment.
Reducing injuries and exposures isn’t about fear—it’s about mindfulness, training, and enforcement. It’s about creating an environment where safety isn’t something extra—it’s built into the workflow, the culture, and the mindset of every person in the lab. When safety is enforced with consistency, supported by meaningful orientation and ongoing training, labs become places where staff feel protected, empowered, and proud to work. That’s not just good practice—that’s good leadership.