LAB SAFETY OLYMPICS
Description:
This annual one-day event, that promotes and reinforces lab safety and sustainability practices through fun and competitive activities. The event is open to all departments across Penn State’s main campus. Participants test their knowledge and skills while participating in activities that encourage better safety and sustainability habits.
An external speaker is invited to present on lab safety and/or sustainability prior to the games to provide real world experience and impact. Then teams participate in a round robin of games that are created to be fun but also teach lessons. The planning committee consists of individuals from different Penn State colleges and departments and an external vendor (VWR/Avantor). The individuals on the committee create and run the games at the event.
Engagement:
Participants walk away having reinforced their knowledge of safety and sustainability or learned new information. Over the years, the teams have become more excited (and more competitive) attending in matching team shirts and bringing along their lab mates to promote their team spirit. Prizes are awarded in different categories. Trophies are also awarded to the “Top Team” and “Top College”. The trophies’ plaques are updated with the current winners’ names.
Success:
The event is limited to 20 teams but is open to spectators. Many associates from the participants’ labs or departments attend to support their team. The event has consistently reached its capacity of 100 participants/attendees.
Due to the popularity of the Lab Safety Olympics, in 2023 the 5S Competition was added that supports safety. 5S (Sort-Set in Order-Shine-Standardize-Sustain) is a way of organizing and managing the workspace and workflow within a lab by improving efficiency and productivity by eliminating waste and disorganization to create a clean, organized, and safe work environment. The 5S Competition takes place between labs a month prior to the Lab Safety Olympics and the winner is annouced the day of the Olympics. The event is popular and has become very competitive.
5S Competition
Open to all Penn State Labs
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