Cornell's first president, Andrew Dickson White, presented the university's first statute to Cornell's trustees in 1875. It was entitled " Protection Against Fire," and was probably a response to the common student prank of burning down dormitory outhouses.
More than 120 years later, President Hunter Rawlings III issued the university's first comprehensive health and safety policy statement, restating the university's substantial commitment to fostering a safe, healthful environment for Cornell students, faculty and staff members, and visitors, and outlining the responsibilities of these groups.
The men and women of EH&S - Cornell's Department of Environmental Health and Safety - are dedicated to supporting this policy and preserving the health and safety of the Cornell Community. EH&S tries to bring all of the best attributes (and none of the bureaucracy) of monitoring agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Department of Health to the campus. Working with students, faculty and staff members, and others to reduce injury and illness, increase productivity and morale, and enhance study and research opportunities, EH&S supports Cornell University's mission of excellence by providing and coordinating programs and services that can reduce potential environmental, health, and safety risks to members of the Cornell University community.
EH&S staff members respond more than 2,600 times each year, and investigate everything from fire alarms to radioactive spills, and from job-related injuries to suspicious odors. And when they are not rushing to emergency calls, the men and women of EH&S are consulting, educating, monitoring, and providing other services for the campus community.
EH&S serves as an information resource by maintaining up-to-date reference materials, advisories, and regulations from government agencies, and by working with the Cornell community to interpret and implement them. EH&S also consults with individuals, designated safety representatives, and safety committees to help units develop educational and training programs.
Last Updated : 9.30.99