OSHA Safe + Sound Week: Recognizing the Teams Who Help Keep Downstate Safe
By Office of Communications & Marketing | Aug 10, 2026
Each August, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University proudly recognizes OSHA Safe + Sound Week, a nationwide initiative that highlights the importance of workplace safety and encourages organizations to strengthen their commitment to protecting employees, patients, and visitors.
This week, we extend our sincere appreciation to Downstate’s dedicated Environmental Safety & Regulatory Compliance and Hazardous Material Rapid Response teams. Their expertise and commitment create a safe environment where exceptional patient care, education, and research can thrive.
Behind the scenes, these professionals play a vital role in every aspect of our operations. They ensure regulatory compliance, oversee the safe handling and disposal of hazardous and infectious materials, monitor environmental conditions, conduct safety inspections, provide staff education and training, and respond rapidly to emergencies and potential hazards. Their work directly protects patients from preventable exposure and environmental risks while helping staff avoid injuries, illnesses, and unsafe working conditions. By identifying and addressing hazards before they cause harm, these teams strengthen the safety of every clinical, academic, research, and administrative setting across our campuses.
A safe healthcare environment depends on everyone’s participation. OSHA Safe + Sound Week reminds us that safety is a shared responsibility. Whether reporting potential hazards, following established safety procedures, using personal protective equipment correctly, or participating in required training, each of us contributes to protecting one another and maintaining high standards of care.
To our Environmental Health & Safety professionals, thank you for your vigilance, expertise, and unwavering dedication. Your work often happens behind the scenes, but it directly safeguards the people who provide care and those who entrust their health to Downstate. Because of your commitment, our patients, students, faculty, staff, and visitors can learn, work, and receive care in a safer environment.
Thank you for helping Downstate remain a safe place to heal, learn, and serve our community, and for helping us #KeepCareClose.