Special Event: Lab Director Speaks on Safety Culture Today

Lab Director Steve Chu will address the Berkeley Lab community today from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Building 50 auditorium. Topics will include ongoing safety concerns, an update on the Department of Energy’s HSS review, safety-related policy changes, and signs of progress in creating an enduring safety culture at the Lab. The presentation will be webcast live for those unable to attend in person. Go here at 2 p.m. to access the feed. It will also be available in the Building 66 auditorium and in Perseverance Hall, as well as any location that is registered with ESnet, using access code 85248.

Special Event: Holiday Party at 3 p.m. Today in the Cafeteria

All employees are invited to join together in the cafeteria from 3 to 5 p.m. today to celebrate the holiday season. Food and beverages will be served, and Director Steve Chu will address the gathering at approximately 4 p.m. The Lab is conducting a collection drive for the Alameda County Food Bank, so attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for donation. The barrels will remain in the cafeteria for donations until Jan. 5.

IT Update: NIH Publications Now Accepted In LBNL Reports System

National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant recipients are required by law to provide the institution with a manuscript of all publications. The Lab’s Report Coordination Office, working with the Sponsored Projects Office, has streamlined the process for submitting journal publications by combining them with routine Berkeley Lab report submissions. Checking the box indicating the paper was NIH funded will complete compliance with both NIH manuscript submission requirements and DOE contract requirements, and automatically upload the papers to NIH. More>

Facilities: Save Energy During Break; Get Key Orders in by Today

This year’s holiday shutdown will start at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23 and continue through Thursday, Jan 1. Before leaving for the break, staff are asked to set back thermostats and turn off nonessential lighting and equipment. Those who will be here during the shutdown should be aware that a minimum work force will be on hand to continue essential functions, such as safety, mail, and plant operations. Also, the key shop will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, so orders should be submitted today. More>

Policy: Employees’ Responsibility to Report Improper Conduct

Employees have the right — and the responsibility — to identify and report improper governmental activities and environment, health and safety concerns without fear of reprisal. Employees are encouraged to discuss concerns with their supervisor, or any level of management. In cases where employees are unable to raise issues, or are uncomfortable doing so, alternative mechanisms are available to report concerns and have them evaluated and addressed independent of the normal resolution process. In addition to the employee hotline number (800-403-4744), internal and external resources are available, as listed on this poster displayed throughout the Lab.

Policy: Got a Concern? Here’s How to Resolve Issues

Berkeley Lab has a variety of avenues that employees can follow if they have a concern about something in the workplace. Most can be resolved informally through discussion with a manager or supervisor. If a more formal process is required, there’s the Employee Hotline (800-403-4744), representatives in divisional human resources centers, relevant collective bargaining representatives, the Ombud’s Office (x4130), the Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) office (x7635), and Internal Audit Services (x4472). Safety concerns can be addressed to the Environment, Health and Safety Division here. To read the policies for employee complaint resolution in the Berkeley Lab Regulations and Procedures Manual, go here.