January 2019 – July 2022
Lab Director Mike Witherell closely follows COVID-19 case trends in the Bay Area and the state. In this week’s chart, he looks at how the Bay Area counties line up against the Bay Area, state, and U.S. trends. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dRBW9ruprXSmO_EqolX4mGXyC3LtO8iy/view
Employees took up the challenge from the ergonomics team and shared how they constructed a home workspace. Kenneth Kievit from EHS started in the closet to have fewer distractions, but he now has a space to call his own with his family’s help. See the photos of other spaces created by employees. https://ergo.lbl.gov/home/covid-19-resources-from-the-ergo-team
Flu vaccine clinics for employees working onsite only will be available on various dates in September and October at three outside locations. Registration is required to receive a vaccine; no drop-ins will be accepted. Learn more and sign up for a time slot. https://ehs.lbl.gov/2020/09/09/2020-lbnl-flu-clinics/
Part of the Lab’s strategy for minimizing COVID-19 risks is a weekly symptom check and ongoing self-monitoring for COVID symptoms for those coming to a Lab site. More than 26,500 symptom checks have been completed since May 21. Each check is part of the Lab’s story about managing during a pandemic. https://covid.lbl.gov/
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the East Bay Hills through Wednesday, September 9, at 8 a.m. Under these conditions, it is possible for the rapid spread of fire and an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. Exterior Hot Work operations at the Lab is forbidden. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2020/09/07/no-psps-at-lab-red-flag-warning-in-effect-starting-monday-evening/
In the case of wildfires, those working on-site should know the location of the Lab’s 19 SAFE buildings. These buildings — marked with bright blue signs — are built of steel or concrete, have interior sprinkler systems, defensible spaces outside, and ventilation systems set to reduce smoke intake. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qlfTZtSBVxY5xcU3Ps77Z9aS4Fb08RMO/view?usp=sharing
Spending multiple hours on Zoom meetings each day not only cuts into time for other work but can also cause Zoom fatigue. Before scheduling a Zoom session, consider if the information can be shared another way, if the duration can be shortened, and if the right people are invited. https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2020/04/27/zoom
This photo depicts everything a home office should NOT be. Have you found a way to make telework work in your home? Do you have a creative set up in your house that is ergonomically correct? If so, send a photo to the Lab’s EHS Division. The best home office photos will be featured in Elements. https://ehs.lbl.gov/2020/07/31/is-this-your-home-office/
HealthEquity — which manages UC’s Health Savings Account program — is hosting a webinar on August 28 at noon. Register to learn more about using health savings accounts to save on healthcare premiums and accelerate long-term savings. https://calendar.google.com/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=NGM1Z2RicjQ5bGd2NDg2cXRqM21waXJiNTYgbGJsLmdvdl80czRycmcxMmw2ZXFnNm5jbWMya3QwdmNnZ0Bn&tmsrc=lbl.gov_4s4rrg12l6eqg6ncmc2kt0vcgg%40group.calendar.google.com
Lab sites will reopen at 10 a.m. to those who are authorized to work under Pilot 2b. Severe weather forecast for the Bay Area dissipated early and inclement conditions are not expected to occur. If you were scheduled to come on site, talk with your supervisor. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/2020/08/24/lab-opening-at-1000-a-m-today-august-24-for-approved-pilot-2b-personnel/