Health & Construction Workgroup   

• Our Role
• Who We Are
• How We Can Help
• FAQs
• References &
  Resources
• Contacting Us

The UC Berkeley campus has embarked on an ambitious program to renew or replace buildings and infrastructure. The mission of the Health & Construction Workgroup is to help reduce the impact of UC Berkeley facilities construction on faculty, staff and students. Our goal is to foster and advocate for the physical and mental health of the campus community in the planning, design, and construction or renovation of buildings by working with the academic and service departments involved in the projects.

The multi-departmental group meets monthly to discuss issues raised by construction or temporary relocation (surge). Representatives of other relevant units and departments are brought into the group's meetings when their help is needed to solve a problem.

• We have established a protocol for dealing with issues and concerns raised by campus construction.
• We have initiated the development of a campus personnel policy that allows managers the flexibility to grant administrative leave due to construction impacts.

The Health & Construction Workgroup is made up of representatives of campus units with a responsibility in one or more areas related to planning and construction or employee safety and welfare. Each member contributes his or her special expertise to the workgroup.

• We can help you and your supervisor or department chair with problems arising from construction in or near your building.
• If the construction is forcing you to move temporarily (surge), we will help you to resolve any issues related to that.
• We listen to the construction-related problem, discuss, answer questions, provide referrals, and give you a sense of your options.
• Our individual members work within and across their units or departments to help resolve immediate problem.
• We work to change the procedure or practice that caused the problem so neither you nor others will be troubled in the future.
• We act as liaisons with operational departments to promote thoughtful construction planning and implementation, as well as flexible and fair employee policies.

Q: Who can use our services?
A: Any person working on campus and students living and studying here.

Q: Whom shall I call if I have problems related to my office, lab or classroom being moved (surged)?
A: , Facilities Services

Q: Whom should I call if a construction project is affecting my office, classroom, living unit or laboratory?
A: , Facilities Services

Q: Whom should I call if I am bothered by excessive noise or dust caused by construction?
A: , Environment, Health & Safety

Q: If I think my personal heatlh is being affected by construction noise or dust, whom should I call?
A: , Occupational Health

Q: Whom should I call if my building is having problems with lighting or ventilation?
A: , Facilities Services

Q: Whom should I call if I have concerns related to the safety or security of a construction site?
A: , UC Police Department

Q: Whom shall I call if I have questions related to disabled access around a construction site or road or utility work site?
A: , Facilities Services

Q: If I can't work in my current environment, with whom can I consult about my alternatives?
A: , Employee Relations

• Health and Construction Workgroup Progress Report, Spring 2002 (pdf format)
• Surge and Move Manual (pdf format)
• Berkeleyan article
• SAFER Program website
• CCRAB policies and procedures
• New Century Plan and Strategic Academic Plan