Occupational Health Program Overview & Enrollment
The University of Miami Occupational Health Program (OHP) is committed to protecting the health and well-being of its employees. The hazards encountered in the biological and animal research setting are addressed by individual risk assessment and medical monitoring. This can include vaccinations, titer checks, testing, and training.
All personnel with exposure to biological materials or animals must participate in the OHP by submitting the OHP Questionnaire upon hire and annually in February thereafter. Employee Health conducts a risk assessment based on the questionnaire and develops a list of requirements for that employee. All enrollees must complete a set of baseline requirements; these baseline requirements are listed below on this page, and are listed on the OHP Clearance Requirement document. Employees must complete all Employee Health requirements to participate in associated research activities. It is the responsibility of the Principle Investigator (PI) to ensure all co-investigaators, staff and students participate in the OHP. Failure to enroll, complete training and complete annual updates as required by the IACUC / EHS may result in suspension of your ability to work on biological or animal protocols or restrict your access to animal facilities. Employees wishing to decline participation must file a written declaration with the Employee Health Office. These individuals are not allowed to have contact or exposure to laboratory animals.
For inquiries, please email us at ohp@miami.edu.
Forms / Documents
Terms
- DVR – Department of Veterinary Resources
- NHP – Non-Human Primates
Initial Enrollment Requirements
- Complete Occupational Health Acknowledgement form and submit to EHS
- Complete Occupational Health Questionnaire and submit to EHS
- UHealth OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- Or, Aquatics Zoonotic Training offered by IACUC is acceptable
- Employee Health physical exam
- Physical exam on record acceptable
- MMR vaccine or titer
- Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (Tdap)
- Tuberculosis screening
- Tb skin test, Tb blood test, or a chest x-ray acceptable
- Respiratory Fit Test
- For individuals working with respirators, NHPs, or anyone in DVR
- Hepatitis B vaccine or titer
- To include DVR employees and/or NHP researchers
- Varicella vaccine or titer
- To include DVR employees and/or NHP researchers
- Allergy risk assessment
- Assessment and counseling of pregnant employees
- Notify Employee Health Office if pregnant
Annual Enrollment Requirements
- Complete Occupational Health Questionnaire and submit to EHS
- UHealth OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- Or, Aquatics Zoonotic Training offered by IACUC is acceptable
- Respiratory Fit Test
- For individuals working with respirators, NHPs, or anyone in DVR
- Allergy risk assessment
- Bi-annual Tb screening
- For DVR employees and NHP researchers
- Review booster for Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (Tdap)
- Assessment and counseling of pregnant employees
- Notify Employee Health Office if pregnant
Vaccination Information
- All vaccines and titers must be up to date with a written record provided for proof.
- Guests and students who require immunizations or titers may choose to get them with a provider of their choice and provide written proof.
Animal Research Information
Please see the resources below for additional guidance with animal research and the zoonotic hazards associated with animal research.
B Virus Information
Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1, Herpesvirus simiae, or Herpes virus B all refer to the virus colloquially referred to as B virus which is a zoonotic associated with exposure to an infected macaque monkey. While infection is extremely rare, it can lead to brain damage and death if untreated. All non-human primate work, and all work with NHP materials, must be documented with additional guidance provided below.
Non-Human Primate Exposures:
If you sustain an injury or have an exposure incident while working with non-human primates, take the following forms with you to the healthcare provider:
Submitting Samples to National B Virus Resource Center:
Additional Links:
