The Medical College's Office of Life Safety has changed its name and is now the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). "Environmental health and safety" is the prevalent terminology in the field, according to George Meeker, director of risk management for Weill Cornell, who oversees the activities of the new office.
For 20 years, the Office of Life Safety was led by Joseph DeVito, who retired last month as manager. "Joe did an outstanding job in protecting College personnel and property and in making sure that we were in compliance with various government regulatory agencies," said Mr. Meeker. Mr. DeVito's distinguished service was recognized at a retirement reception hosted by the Medical College on Jan. 5 and at another retirement party hosted by the Hospital's Security Department on Jan. 8. "Because of our special responsibilities, security staff and Weill Cornell's life-safety staff often work very closely together at all hours of the day and night," said Security Director Ben Scaglione. "We could always rely on Joe to respond quickly and effectively to any special situation."
"We have launched a search to recruit a director of Environmental Health and Safety, who will succeed Joe," said Mr. Meeker. In the meantime, Philip Hauck, assistant manager of the department, will serve as interim director, assisted by Laboratory Safety Specialist Allan Bobadilla and Fire Safety Specialist Edmund Ortiz.
Weill Cornell's Office of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for students, faculty and staff, as well as the visiting public. It takes the lead role in providing emergency response to situations that may include the handling of hazardous materials and/or exposure to fire scenes. Its jurisdiction includes all Weill Cornell areas in the Medical Center complex. (In Hospital areas, environmental and safety concerns are handled by the Hospital's Safety Department, which is directed by Jerome Mintz.)