The three are engineers and laboratory advisors who work closely with both the line management in their department and local safety representatives, in cross-functional teams. Among other initiatives, Grundt, Jermstad, and Tandberg have changed the training programme for new employees working in the laboratory, ensuring they receive closer and more tailored training.
"It is always nice when someone notices and appreciates what you do," Grundt says of the prize.
Jermstad adds that it is encouraging to receive confirmation that they are moving in the right direction as a team, and that it provides a motivational boost for further work.
For Tandberg, the prize signifies that HSE efforts are being recognised, which she considers exceptionally important.
"With good HSE practices, everyone will always know what to do in the event of an accident, which can prevent greater harm to individuals and the environment both in the short and long term," she states.
Finding solutions and improvements beneficial to the entire institute
The three are based in the Department of Molecular Medicine, the Department of Nutrition, and the Department of Comparative Medicine (KPM-UiO) at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IMB). Nevertheless, they work together in an HSE team where they leverage each other's expertise to discuss solutions and improvements that the whole institute can benefit from.
"We strive to create the best possible 'common solutions' to improve HSE work at the institute, gain better oversight of operations, and, not least, to assist the individual research groups in the best possible way," Grundt explains.
Working extensively with new methods and substances
Tandberg works in UiO's animal facility KPM-UiO, where they emphasise thorough and systematic HSE work. The reason is partly due to the fact that the research environment involves significant work with new methods and substances.
"Many of these methods have not necessarily been thoroughly tested before, and thus we do not always know the consequences of their testing," she explains.
KPM-UiO collaborates with both internal and external research groups with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, and Tandberg notes that they aim to consider everyone.
"Everyone has their own working methods and expectations, which can create HSE-related challenges."
The department works extensively with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which serve as internal guidelines for daily operations.
"We also place great emphasis on radiation protection, chemical handling, and ensuring the safety of those who do not work directly with experiments but move around the area," Tandberg shares.
Open to trying new things
Jermstad remarks that it is very valuable to work with the two others and that they benefit greatly from each other.
All three commend the institute management, noting that they are open to good suggestions and provide them the space to try new things.
"We are fortunate to have institute management that listens to us, values our qualifications, and is willing to implement our suggestions. This makes it easier for us to coordinate our work across departments," Jermstad states.
Prize winners identify new solutions
The management team at IMB was behind the nomination of the team for the prize. They highlighted the prize winners' extensive professional knowledge and their ability to see new solutions. "Our three candidates make an excellent effort in their daily work, consistently addressing ongoing HSE challenges. They take on responsibilities beyond what one might expect given their roles, striving for updates and improvements in procedures, inspections, training, and more," they wrote.
The HSE prize is awarded annually to an individual or group at UiO that has made a significant contribution to the working environment at their unit or at UiO as a whole. The prize winners receive 50,000 Norwegian kroner.
The award was announced at this year's LAMU seminar, which gathers all members of the local working environment committees at UiO.