Environmental Health and Safety

Environmental Health and Safety

The team from Environmental Health and Safety consisting of:

• Brian Pellam, Senior Safety Specialist
• Eli Mendez, Senior Safety Specialist
• Adolfo Varela, Senior Safety Specialist

The Waste Team of the Environmental Protection Section performed and exceeded expectations over the past year.  They are highly trained and skilled Safety Specialists that have the knowledge and expertise of principal environmental consultants.  Their deft and selfless efforts have supported the mission of the University through exemplary customer service, technical expertise, and shared knowledge to the campus. I consider it noteworthy that they continued to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as essential workers to collect hazardous and biological waste generated from laboratories still in operation under special authorization from the administration. It is the team's goal that by taking the extra time to share knowledge and expertise, that all involved will share the responsibility of reducing risk and preventing injuries or exposures. The change in the safety culture begins with those willing to make and instill it in others so they can leave the University better than they found it. No one from this team complained and they all rotated the work equally and found ways to adapt; in some cases, they became even more productive and efficient.  I am very grateful for their dedication and more proud of the possible attitude and light they bring to the University every day.