By Bob Wachter

Launched in 2006-2007, the Be Smart About Safety (BSAS) program is designed to identify opportunities to  systematically improve the health, safety and productivity of all UC campuses.  Funds are still available in 2009 for injury and illness prevention equipment (purchased or fabricated), work station ergonomic changes (chairs, keyboards, document holders, etc.), training and promotion programs, plus proactive injury & illness wellness initiatives.  The UC Office of the President’s BSAS program provides 100% funding for most approved requests. Some project funding is shared between UCOP and the requesting department, and office ergonomic equipment is funded at 50% up to
$500 per employee.

Funding requests only require completion of a one-page form (Occupational Health can assist wth completing this form) and can be submitted by any department with injury/illness prevention needs due to hazard or risk exposures, and for emergency planning by Police, Fire, Housing, Dining and Facilities.

All departments are encouraged to apply for funds for injury and illness prevention and risk reduction. The ‘fund request form’ is available at the Occupational Health website on the Be Smart About Safety page:

http://safetyservices.ucdavis.edu/ occupationalhealthservices/bsas/FundRequest/view.

Call Bob Wachter at 530-297-4605 for any assistance needed with from completion or recommendations on equipment purchases or for an on-site review of hazards and prevention opportunities for funding in your areas. BSAS funds are typically allocated for the following types of injury reduction purposes:

• Correcting safety deficiencies and reducing risks
  
• Providing employee safety training & development
• Purchasing or fabricating safety equipment and supplies
• Funding consultants for safety and injury prevention
• Initiating new safety or wellness programs
• Addressing human and property security concerns
• Correcting deferred maintenance situations that directly impact life safety
• Funding capital improvements directly related to life safety

The BSAS program cannot be used to fund the following:

• Enhancements to academic or vocational instruction
• Supplementing program budgets
• General operating supplies expenses
• Personal protective and safety equipment required by law or regulation
• Travel expenses (with limited exception for train-the-trainer safety education)
• Replacement of stock items for ongoing programs
• Payment of salaries or wages for existing positions

Examples of past approved Be Smart About Safety funding requests are at the following weblink: http://safetyservices.ucdavis.edu/occupational-health-services/bsas/be-smart-aboutsafety-bsas.  Check these weblink headings under this main link for more information:

• EXAMPLES of funding requests approved in 2007-2008
• FUNDING REQUEST IDEAS for 2008-2009
• EQUIPMENT IDEAS FOR 2008-2009

Call or e-mail Bob Wachter at 530-297-4605 or rawachter@ucdavis.edu with any questions on the Be Smart About Safety program.  Also contact Bob if you would like a review of your operations for advice on equipment, training, ergonomic changes or any other opportunities to reduce the risk of injury or illness within your department.