Northern Illinois University

Environmental Health and Safety

Mission

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is an integral part of the university culture.  As such, this Department is entrusted to minimize exposure of the campus community to harmful agents, and to enhance protection of the environment at large.  In order for the EHS to perform this service, a commitment is made by the university administration to support and finance the policies and procedures resulting from this process.

State and Federal regulations dictate many of the policies, which must be addressed.  In addition, policies and procedures related to safety concerns unique to a campus environment will be addressed.

To accomplish this mission, EHS in conjunction with various academic and nonacademic areas will:

  • develop policies and procedures related to safety
  • manage hazardous and special wastes in a responsible manner
  • provide instruction and training
  • monitor the progress of compliance
  • stay informed on current regulation and trends in pertinent environmental health and safety areas
  • network with those on and off campus in order to fulfill current needs and anticipate future needs
  • provide a variety of resources, (written, video, computer) for the university community pertaining to safety
  • participate in university-wide committees related to health and safety
  • provide timely information relating to severe weather, manage equipment and educational material related to severe weather monitoring.