Pandemic Safety Officers Step Up to Help Out

New volunteers are playing a vital role in the return to campus. As units are tapped by university leadership to begin drafting their plans to return to campus, they must identify their new Pandemic Safety Officer (PSO), a volunteer on staff who will help create that plan, and work with colleagues upon their return to ensure the minimum requirements to return to campus are being met. PSOs will connect with their colleagues, at a distance, of course, helping their co-workers follow physical distancing and hand-washing guidelines, making sure facial coverings are worn correctly, and meetings are held virtually. In-person gatherings or meetings of up to 10 persons are permitted, provided they are in spaces that allow for proper physical distancing. "This is a voluntary role we created similar to a floor marshal - someone who has a strong investment in safety,” said Melanie Lucht, associate vice president for Enterprise Risk Management and chief risk officer. "The PSOs will work with their supervisors and colleagues to make sure they have the information, supplies and resources they need to comply with the minimum return to campus requirements. The Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Department is conducting PSO training sessions on Zoom.