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• 2026 Lab Safety Guidance Documents
• 2026 Lab Safety Bingo Cards
• 2026 Lab Safety Team

• Refrain from feeding wild or feral animals, as this can attract even more wildlife to our campus.
• Remember to close all windows and doors to prevent animals from entering buildings, especially in the evening.

Wild Animal Sighting

• Avoid contact.
• Immediately notify the nearest staff member.
• Call the University Police Department (UPD) non-emergency line at 979-845-2345.
• Contact the Facilities and Energy Services Customer Service Center at 979-845-4311, or use Aggie Works to submit details via the online portal.

Personal Injury from a Wild Animal

What factors contribute to heat stress? Understanding the causes is the first step toward prevention.

• High air temperature
• High humidity
• Limited air movement
• Radiant heat sources
• Direct contact with hot objects
• Strenuous physical activity
• Dehydration
• Consumption of caffeine or alcohol
• Pre-existing health conditions, medications
• Advanced age (65+)
• Clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Inexperience or lack of awareness
• Lower physical condition/lack of regular exercise

How hot is too hot? Now that specific risk factors and individual variability are clear, it’s essential to consider environmental conditions.

• OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool: Download from the Apple or Android app store. Open the app, allow location access, and check real-time heat index readings and hourly forecasts for your area. Review the occupational safety guidance provided in the app.
• NOAA/National Weather Service: Visit the National Weather Service website using your browser, or download their related apps from the Apple or Android store. Enable notifications to receive local weather forecasts and severe weather alerts. To check quickly, add the site or app to your home screen.

Exercising outdoors

Signs of heat-related illness

• What is flu? “The flu” is a common illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms can be mild, like fever and cough, or severe enough to cause hospitalization or death. Anyone can get the flu, regardless of their health status, and serious complications can occur at any age.
• Who is most at risk for serious flu complications? Older adults, pregnant women, and young children face higher risks. Some medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, or cancer, can also increase susceptibility. Most people experience only mild illness, but everyone should try to avoid infection, as the flu spreads easily to those at greater risk of severe complications.
• How does flu spread? Flu likely spreads by droplets when contagious people cough, sneeze, or talk. Vaccination is key to prevention. It reduces illnesses and the risk of serious complications. Good hygiene and handwashing also help prevent its spread. People can be contagious before symptoms appear. Avoid people you know have the flu. Stay home from work or school if you have the flu.
• Should I get vaccinated? The CDC and ACIP recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Use any licensed vaccine that suits your age and health. Vaccines are available from doctors, pharmacies, and other providers. Student Health Services offers free shots to students. Schedule your appointment here.
• Should anyone not get the flu vaccine? Children under 6 months old and people with severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or its components should not receive the flu shot. If you have an allergy to eggs or any ingredients in the vaccine, if you have ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or if you are not feeling well, talk to your health care provider before getting vaccinated.
• When should I get my flu vaccine? The CDC recommends vaccination by the end of October. Some children ages 6 months through 8 years will need 2 doses, so they should receive their first dose as soon as possible to allow the second dose (which must be administered at least 4 weeks later) to be received by the end of October.
• How do they know if the vaccine will work this year? Flu vaccines are updated each year to better match expected viruses in the United States. This year's vaccines have different viral components. The combination depends on which vaccine you receive. More information can be found here. Flu viruses constantly change, so new strains often emerge.
• How soon will the flu vaccine work? It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu infection.
• Can the flu vaccine give me the flu? No, that is a myth. Flu vaccines are made with either inactivated (dead) or attenuated (weakened) viruses, and therefore cannot cause flu illness. You may experience mild side effects, such as soreness, headache, fever, nausea, or muscle aches, which usually go away on their own within a few days.
• Where can I get more information about this year’s flu season and vaccines? The following links will provide additional information from the CDC:

Texas A&M University System Regulation for UAS Operations

Texas A&M University Rule for UAS

Texas A&M University Program for UAS Operations

Texas A&M System UAS Flight Application

The University’s Supervising Authority (SA) Committee convenes monthly to review UAS flight application requests. To ensure compliance, all UAS flight applications must be submitted to the SA Committee at least 15 days before the planned flight operations. The designated University SA grants approvals. Please note that any UAS/UAV flights conducted without prior approval may disrupt university operations and could result in disciplinary action.

For additional information on safe UAS (drone) operations at Texas A&M, please contact Environmental Health & Safety at (979) 845-2132 or email us.

Email EHS

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls: A Call to Action for Safety at Texas A&M University

Slips, trips and falls may sound like minor mishaps, but they are among the most common causes of workplace and campus injuries. In the first half of FY25, 30 slips, trips, or falls have been reported at Texas A&M University. The incident reports reflect that these occur primarily from a different level (47%), although many are from the same level (30%). The incidents affected individuals' knees (27%), ankles (17%), heads (13%), backs (10%), elbows (7%) and multiple other body parts. The cost incurred for these injuries exceeds $150,000.

At Texas A&M University, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and visitors are top priorities. Understanding the risks and adopting preventive measures can help create a safer campus environment.

Maintaining safe workspaces and pathways can prevent slips, trips and falls! Ensure you report any obstructed walkways, spills, unsecured rugs/mats, lighting conditions or uneven surfaces to the Facilities Coordinator who manages the facility where the deficiency has been identified.

• Keep walkways clear: Ensure your office, classroom, lab and any shared space are clutter-free, including boxes, equipment and loose wires. Report any persistent obstructions in common areas.
• Manage spills immediately: Clean up spills promptly and thoroughly. If you encounter a spill you cannot address, clearly mark the area with a sign, caution tape or other means of identifying that a hazard may be present. Report the spill promptly.
• Secure rugs and mats: To prevent tripping, ensure all rugs and mats in your workspace and common areas lie flat and are secured. Report any damaged or unsecured floor coverings.
• Utilize proper lighting: Be aware of lighting conditions in your work areas and along pathways. Report any inadequate or malfunctioning lighting for prompt repair.
• Address uneven surfaces: Be mindful of any uneven flooring, thresholds or transitions between different floor types in your work areas and report any hazardous conditions. Exercise caution in areas with known uneven surfaces.

To Further Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

• Be Intentional about your behavior:
• Wear appropriate footwear: Choose sturdy, supportive shoes with good traction that are suitable for your work environment and the prevailing weather conditions. Avoid wearing footwear that could increase the risk of slips or trips.
• Practice safe lifting techniques: When moving equipment, supplies or materials, use proper lifting techniques to prevent strain and maintain balance. If an item is too heavy or awkward, seek assistance.
• Use handrails on stairs: Always utilize handrails when ascending or descending stairs and take your time. Report any damaged or loose handrails immediately.
• Be aware of environmental conditions: Exercise extra caution during inclement weather. Be mindful of icy outdoor conditions in winter and of wet floors from rain, tracked-in moisture, or cleaning. Report slippery conditions to the Facilities Coordinator.
• Carry manageable loads: Avoid carrying items that obstruct your vision or make it difficult to maintain your balance. Utilize carts or seek assistance when transporting multiple or bulky items.
• Avoid distractions: Put down your phone while walking to stay aware of your surroundings and navigate the path safely.

Lead by Example and Report Hazards

• Model safe behavior: Our commitment to safety influences the behavior of students and colleagues. Consistently practice the safety measures outlined above.
• Proactively report hazards: If you identify any potential slip, trip or fall hazards on campus, such as damaged flooring, inadequate lighting, spills or obstructions, report them promptly to:
  • Your building's Facility Coordinator
  • Texas A&M Facilities Services through this online request or at (979) 845-4311.
  • Environmental Health and Safety via email to ehs@tamu.edu, by a call to (979) 845-2132, or through the online Origami Portal.

Please Note: Timely, proactive reporting is crucial to preventing incidents. Join us in our effort to create a culture of safety on campus and foster an environment where safety is a shared responsibility. Remind colleagues and students to be aware of their surroundings and to report any safety concerns.

By prioritizing these preventative measures, we can all significantly contribute to a safer campus environment for ourselves, our students and visitors. Let's work together to minimize the risk of slips, trips, and falls and ensure a healthy, productive experience for everyone at Texas A&M University.

Important Guidelines for Laboratory Attire and Safety

Even during hot weather, all personnel are required to wear appropriate attire when inside laboratory and shop environments. While summer clothing such as shorts and sandals may be comfortable, they do not provide sufficient coverage, even when worn with suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Proper PPE is essential for preventing exposure to hazards and injuries, and for safeguarding both personal clothing and shared spaces from contamination.

Helpful Tips

• PPE Requirements - Most laboratories on campus mandate specific types of PPE that must be worn when engaging with hazardous materials or as outlined by lab or shop protocols. If you are uncertain about what is required, please consult your Principal Investigator (PI) or supervisor.
• Job-Specific PPE - Always use the PPE that is tailored to your job, ensuring it adequately protects your eyes, face, hands, body, and feet. Essential items may include splash goggles, safety glasses, face shields, respiratory protection, chemical-resistant gloves, cut-resistant gloves, aprons, lab coats, and closed-toe shoes.
• Signage Awareness - Be attentive to PPE requirements indicated on lab or shop doors, as different workspaces may have unique entry protocols.
• PPE Etiquette - Do not wear PPE outside of the laboratory. Please remove gloves, lab coats, goggles, and other protective gear before entering hallways, restrooms, or any public/shared spaces to prevent contamination of surfaces.
• Home Policy - PPE should not be taken home.
• Food and Drink Restrictions - Remember, food and drinks are not permitted in labs at any time.
• Avoiding Hazards - Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing can pose serious risks while working with certain tools and equipment. Secure long hair and avoid wearing dangling accessories.
• Extra Attire - Consider keeping a change of pants or shoes in your workspace. This allows you to dress comfortably for outdoor conditions while still being able to switch to appropriate indoor attire.

For any questions or further clarification, feel free to contact the Lab Safety team.

Email Lab Safety

Before You Leave Your Workspace

• Unplug any space heaters, temporary equipment, and holiday decorations to prevent fire hazards.
• Maintain good housekeeping by disposing of any paper, trash, or combustible decorations.
• Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, and refrain from propping open any entrances as you come and go.

Food Safety Matters

• Wash your hands frequently when preparing and serving food during your holiday gatherings.
• Follow proper cooking and storage temperatures for leftovers. For more food safety tips, consult the CDC's recommendations.

Shopping Smart

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

• Whether dining out or running errands, always be mindful of your environment. Observe the people and vehicles around you for any suspicious behavior.
• If you sense someone is following you on foot, change your pace or direction and head towards a well-lit, populated area. If you feel threatened by a vehicle following you, remain vigilant while in the parking lot and lock your doors if approached. If necessary, drive away to safety.

Financial Safety

• Minimize the amount of cash, valuables, and jewelry you carry. Use credit or debit cards for purchases, as these can be reported lost or stolen.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails and phone calls asking for confidential financial information.

Home Security

• If you plan to be away from home for an extended period, lock all windows and doors.
• Ask a neighbor, family member, or friend to check your home periodically and collect your mail and newspapers.
• Use automatic timers for indoor and outdoor lights to create the illusion that someone is home.