Safety Star Program: Jessica Hazard

The Safety Star Program recognizes employees who improve safety at UC Davis

The Safety Star Program was implemented to recognize campus employees who are making contributions to improve the safety culture at UC Davis. The award is quarterly, and nominees are eligible for three voting periods (9 months). Winners receive an engraved paper weight and are honored in the DSC Update newsletter and at the DSC quarterly meeting.
 

Safety Star Program: Jessica Hazard

The first Safety Star of 2025 is awarded to Jessica Hazard for her exceptional dedication to making safety both effective and engaging.

Jessica serves as the Lab Manager for Environmental Engineering laboratories and the Safety Coordinator for the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department (CEE). She acts as a liaison between the CEE department, the College of Engineering, EH&S, and other safety and health entities. Her thorough and forward-thinking approach fosters a safe, compliant environment while building strong collaborative relationships. This dedication has made Jessica the go-to resource for all safety and laboratory-related questions in her department.

One of Jessica’s most impactful contributions was her initiative to update the principal investigators’ chemical inventories. She ensured that all chemicals, quantities, and locations were accurately reflected in the online system, UC Chemicals. This critical project improved hazard management, enabled the removal of outdated or unsafe chemicals, and helped labs maintain a safer environment.

Jessica recently took on additional safety responsibilities for laboratories and facilities in Bainer Hall. She collaborated closely with principal investigators, staff, and lab teams to understand their research activities and safety challenges. Working alongside the lab safety professional, Jessica communicated health and safety expectations and ensured that issues were addressed promptly.

Jessica also introduced a uniform process for developing chemical standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all departmental labs. Beyond creating these SOPs, she trained researchers to use them effectively. To ensure accessibility, Jessica made key documents—such as the SOPs, Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Emergency Action Plan (EAP), and Chemical Hygiene Plan—readily available in every lab by using QR codes, web links, and hard copies tailored to each lab’s different needs.

Jessica has made safety engaging and rewarding for her department. She launched a self-inspection program, motivating labs to prioritize safety by offering gift card incentives for completing their inspections. This initiative not only encouraged compliance but also created a sense of community and accountability.

Jessica’s efforts have earned high praise from Steven Dilbert, Director of Safety for the College of Engineering, who shared:

Jessica has a uniquely collaborative relationship with the staff, faculty, and students she supports within Civil and Environmental Engineering. Her expansive job responsibilities afford her insider knowledge of university operations. This knowledge, combined with her lab safety expertise, allows Jessica to empathize with her department and work within existing structures to ensure safety and compliance. In addition, Jessica is a wonderful colleague and friend who is a joy to work with.