We are in a time when government resources related to research and safety are being reduced. These cuts will directly or indirectly affect safety resources for research across the United States. A contact or program may no longer be available at state and/or federal agencies. The cuts may even cause layoffs of safety-related people and resources where you work. For instance, CNN reported that two-thirds of the staff of the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety—equaling about 870 workers—were cut in a sweeping reduction to federal health agencies. With these cuts, these agencies will be losing a lot of expertise that would have otherwise been disseminated to labs.

What can lab managers, researchers, and those involved with laboratory safety do to maintain access to this critical information?

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They can join a peer-led lab safety community.

These peer-led groups are made up of thousands of researchers, lab managers, and others who have a tremendous amount of knowledge they are willing to share. Here are three such organizations:

• The American Biological Safety Organization (ABSA) International
• The American Chemical Society (ACS)
• The Campus Safety & Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA)

Below are quotes from the leadership of ABSA International, ACS, and CSHEMA that highlight the benefits of being part of a peer-led lab safety organization:

Sherry S. Bohn (PhD, MSL, CBSP), University of Maryland, executive director EHS and president of ABSA International:

“For those new to the profession, we offer numerous educational opportunities designed to build a strong foundation in biosafety and biosecurity. Our mid-career members benefit from extensive networking opportunities and challenging, timely professional development programs that keep them at the forefront of industry advancements. Senior-level professionals find a platform to mentor, consult, and shape the future of the profession, leveraging their expertise to guide the next generation. In a time when government resources for lab safety are declining, ABSA International stands out with peer-led resources that support and enhance laboratory safety practices. Our community-driven approach ensures that members have access to the collective knowledge and experience of their peers, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes excellence in biosafety and biosecurity.”

Rigoberto Hernandez (PhD), Johns Hopkins University professor and ACS president-elect:

“Chemical safety is the one advance that you rarely hear about because when all goes well, it doesn’t make the news. Nevertheless, chemical production and advances in chemistry have relied on a safety culture, where safety is everyone’s responsibility.  Not only does doing so reduce the risk of accidents, it also mitigates their consequences as everyone is prepared to respond. ACS offers many resources to support and foster a safety culture. I encourage you to engage with us through your ACS membership. Doing so is at the heart of peer-led efforts advancing safety.”

Mary Lindstrom, Harvard EHS program manager and CSHEMA vice president:

“CSHEMA, the leading association focused on enhancing safety, health, and environmental management in higher education, serves everyone interested in campus safety. Our Lab Safety Awareness Week, every February, delivers key resources to elevate lab safety practices at participating institutes. We offer professional growth and networking opportunities through an annual symposium and conference, alongside Communities of Practice (CoPs) that connect individuals with shared interests, such as lab safety, through online forums and regular virtual meetings. Institutional membership enables anyone from member institutions to join at no extra cost, regardless of their role, accessing online forums, CoP meetings, discounted events, and webinars focused on the latest industry standards and innovations.”

Join your peers in one or more of these organizations so that you can maintain an appropriate standard of laboratory safety, have access to thousands of your peers who are willing to share their knowledge, as well as improve your skillset in a variety of areas to serve your organization better and enhance your career.

In addition, the Lab Manager Academy offers a full Lab Safety Management Certificate backed by 12 self-paced courses across risk, safety culture, and technical safety topics.

In the words of Marcus Aurelius, “Whenever you have trouble getting up in the morning, remind yourself that you’ve been made by nature for the purpose of working with others.”