Safety and security at ETH Zurich: New e-learning module
The rollout of the e-learning module “Safety and Security at ETH Zurich” will begin tomorrow. This module teaches the basics of occupational safety and health in everyday life at ETH, as well as how to behave in the event of an incident. The Executive Board strongly recommends that all ETH members complete the module.
What to do in the event of a fire? What to do with old batteries or laboratory waste? Who ensures the safety of employees traveling on business? Answers to these and other practical questions can be found in the new e-learning "Safety and security at ETH Zurich", which will be rolled out gradually from tomorrow.
The Executive Board expressly recommends that all ETH members complete the module. Ulrich Weidmann, Vice President for Infrastructure and Sustainability, emphasises:
“Both in everyday life at ETH and in the event of an incident, it is crucial to act correctly - this is how you protect yourself, your colleagues and ETH Zurich.”Ulrich Weidmann
The e-learning takes around 30 minutes to complete and can be interrupted and continued later if required. There is a short knowledge test at the end.
The link to the module is sent by e-mail (sender: SSHE Info; ). The rollout will take place in three steps: In a first step, all supervisors will be invited to complete the e-learning starting tomorrow. This will be communicated to all other employees at the end of June. Students will also be invited to participate at the start of the autumn semester.
Annette Hofmann, Head of the Safety, Security, Health and Environment department (SSHE), thanks all ETH employees for their participation: "By taking the time to address this important topic, you are making a valuable contribution to a strong safety culture at ETH."
Three questions for Annette Hofmann
Is the time required to complete the module reasonable for all ETH members?
Absolutely. This time is well invested, because together we ensure a safe learning and working environment at ETH. The content is deliberately kept compact and limited to the essentials. It is about basic knowledge that everyone should know - for their own protection and for the protection of others.
What responsibility do supervisors have?
Supervisors play a central role. They know the conditions on site and are responsible for occupational safety and health. They ensure that safety is organised appropriately on a day-to-day basis - for example through clear processes, training or compliance with protective measures in their area of responsibility. I am grateful if supervisors also set a good example regarding the new module, complete the e-learning and motivate their teams to participate.
Have there been any incidents that have made you sweat?
I particularly remember a night-time call from the Emergency Desk: the water protection police had discovered blue-coloured water in a stream - the cause was suspected to be on an ETH site. Fortunately, it turned out that it was not ETH staff activities that had led to this contamination, but that external parties had made an application error when renewing a sports surface. Heavy rain then caused the water to turn blue, which was fortunately harmless. At times like this, quick and level-headed action is required.
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