Laboratory Accessibility: Accommodations, Reproductive Health, and Service Animals
Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations
The University is committed to providing equitable access to laboratory environments while maintaining essential safety requirements. Reasonable accommodation shall be considered in accordance with applicable laws and University policies. Accommodation shall be evaluated individually and must not compromise critical safety controls or create unacceptable risk. Accommodation may include:
- Modified work practices or schedules
- Adaptive equipment or assistive technology
- Workstation or laboratory layout adjustments
- Additional time or alternative methods for demonstrating competency
- Service animals where appropriate and safe
Accommodation requests are evaluated through the appropriate University process in coordination with the individual, Faculty/PI, EHS, and applicable institutional offices.
Pregnancy and Reproductive Health
- Individuals who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding may request an individualized assessment of laboratory hazards and reasonable accommodations.
- Potential concerns may include reproductive toxins, biological agents, ionizing radiation, heat, ergonomic stressors, and other hazards.
- Where an activity cannot be performed safely, reasonable alternative assignments or methods may be considered.
Service Animals
- Service animals are permitted in accordance with applicable law. A case-by-case hazard assessment may be required for laboratory environments involving significant chemical, biological, radiation, contamination, or other hazards.
- Where access cannot safely be provided, reasonable alternatives shall be considered.
All individuals receiving accommodation must continue to follow applicable training, PPE, SOPs, and laboratory safety requirements.