1. Safety Matters!
Joseph Schiavone EHS + S
Introduction
Before beginning my internship with the Biogen
EHS+S department, I set a few developmental
goals for myself. Since this is my first experience
working in the field of safety, I wanted to be
exposed to as many health and safety
experiences as possible. I also wanted to grow
professionally by learning to network in a
corporate setting and excel in management
systems. My overarching goal for the summer was
to learn the key elements of a successful safety
program, and grow into a more knowledgeable
safety professional.
Long Term Projects
Conclusions
Acknowledgements
Dates of Research: May 2015 – August 2015
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Project:
Making sure Biogen employees have as much
information as possible on all chemicals they may
handle is crucial for maintaining a safe and
responsible working environment. This information
comes in the form of a SDS, or safety data sheet.
This summer I was responsible for inventorying
many chemicals on site, and working with
manufacturing procurement to get a complete list of
raw materials. I then completed a gap analysis to
ensure that a SDS is available for each chemical
and material on site through Biogen’s online SDS
management database system, 3E. This project
was completed to ensure compliance with OSHA’s
Hazcom standard.
Fixed Ladder Project:
After an injury event at another Biogen location
involving a fixed ladder, the global EHS+S team
created an action item to audit all fixed ladders at
Biogen facilities.
I found and inspected a total of 48 fixed ladders at
the RTP, Biogen facility. Majority of the fixed ladders
inspected were in full compliance and in
accordance with OSHA standards. Approximately
ten ladders were found to have a “L” stock side rail,
which is prohibited due to not providing an
adequate gripping surface. Recommendations from
this project include replacing the “L” stock side rail
with an approved flat or “C” channel stock rail to
provide better grip for employees.
Carolina Star Poster Management Project:
Carolina Star is a partnership between industry,
employees, and the NC Department of Labor to
recognize workplaces with a strong safety culture and
effective safety and health programs. In 2012, the NC
Department of Labor recognized Biogen for an
outstanding safety culture.
This summer I was responsible for project managing
Biogen’s Carolina Star poster session. The poster
session is designed to showcase the safety teams and
culture at Biogen. It will also provide an opportunity for
OSHA auditors to speak with employees during the
Carolina Star Recertification process. In order to
manage this project I completed the following tasks:
• Met with representatives from safety teams and
updated posters collectively
• Ensured all posters were received by deadline
• Responsible for poster ordering and storing logistics
• Coordinated volunteers for the poster session
• Responsible for room set up and refreshment
management
Keith Gibson , CSP, Senior Manager EHS
Michelle Alexander, CIH, Senior Associate EHS
Hanna Gamache, Associate EHS
Projects and Tasks
• Inspections of laboratories, construction areas, and
hazardous waste
• Helped facilitate 2 hour LOTO training
• Swab tests for radiation in radiation lab
• Monthly eyewash tests for eyewash stations
• Monthly gathering of run data for all generators, fire
pumps, and boilers
• Supported emergency response by overseeing
servicing of 10 AED’s and BERT bags
• Organized JHA’s, hot work permits, fire use permits,
confined space permits, and restricted area access
permits
• Followed up with various employee safety concerns
• Met with and walk around with Fire Marshall
• Conducted sound level monitoring for all of
manufacturing areas
• Spent day at OSD and learned of their safety
practices when it comes to small molecule
manufacturing
• Spent day with waste manager learned about
importance of managing hazardous and non
hazardous waste
This past summer I have been able to apply my
knowledge from the classroom into my everyday
tasks here at Biogen. I believe I have grown
immensely professionally, and achieved the
developmental goals I set for myself. I am grateful for
the experience to be a part of a company that
integrates safety into every aspect of the culture, and
exhibits the key elements of a successful safety
program. My time with the Biogen EHS+S department
has motivated me to continue my path as an aspiring
safety professional.