The mission of the Environmental Quality Management Department is firmly rooted in providing timely and professional services which extends across all locations and sectors of the University. Serving the greater University community through consultations, inspections, planning, reporting assistance and spill response.

The mission of the Occupational Health and Safety Department is to provide a safe and healthful campus for employees, students, and visitors to work and study. This requires more than just complying with regulations and guidelines. The programs, audits and activities that the department staff members engage in are all part of an overall system designed to help prevent injuries and illnesses: anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control.

In response to significant growth in research funding and facilities the Division of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) announces the creation of the Department of Research Safety. Research Safety will provide tailored client centered services to the UK research community, expanding and enhancing safety and compliance activities for labs utilizing biological, radiological, or chemical hazards.

This department handles fire prevention and training, fire suppression systems, fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance, life safety audits, emergency evacuation planning, and building code compliance. The University Fire Marshal has the delegated authority for plan review and approval of in-house construction and renovation projects (i.e., non-capital projects which do not exceed a cost of 1,000,000).

All UK employees (and anyone covered under the UK Discount Program) can receive a discoSunt on the purchase of prescription safety eyewear. Participating Lexington providers of prescription safety eyewear include your local LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Target Optical.