Workplace Safety Statement (WSS)
Create a new Workplace Safety Statement
Workplace Safety Statements should be submitted to OESO for review using our new Kuali Build form at the shortcut, Duke.is/wss. Once your program is submitted, you can update the roster as needed via Duke.is/wss-roster.
Kuali Build is a tool designed for higher education that allows users to create online forms and is available to Duke users with a valid NetID. Once you log in to Kuali Build, your user account is provisioned automatically. Detailed instructions on how to navigate Kuali Build can be found on their support site, such as “Where can I see forms I have submitted or saved”?
What is a Workplace Safety Statement?
Duke acknowledges that there are justifiable and productive reasons for the presence of minors or adult non-employees in work areas. Due to potential exposure to biological, chemical, radioactive, and physical hazards – particularly in research laboratories – guidelines are necessary to minimize risks.
If you are planning to host minor(s) or adult non-employee(s) in your lab (including animal areas), makerspace, patient care, or industrial work area – please familiarize yourself with the policies linked below:
Minors in Work Areas Policy (updated 3/2025)
Non-Employees in Work Areas Policy (updated 3/2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need to submit a Workplace Safety Statement for Duke Students?
Maybe. If the Duke Student is ENROLLED, OESO does not need to review a Workplace Safety Statement for their activities. However, during periods when the student is NOT enrolled, a Workplace Safety Statement is needed. This answer applies to Duke Students who are under age 18 as well as those over age 18.
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Do I need to submit a Workplace Safety Statement for NCSSM Students?
YES. The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) has a mentorship program registered through Duke Youth Protection, and they will register “program staff” for the required youth protection training and background check. However, NCSSM is not aware of the specific project you plan to have a student perform, or the hazards associated with that project. It is the responsibility of the PI (or Responsible Employee) and Direct Supervisor to submit the Workplace Safety Statement for OESO review, and to assure that the minor takes the appropriate safety training.
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Do I need to submit a separate Workplace Safety Statement for each individual visitor?
No. Each Workplace Safety Statement can cover multiple adults OR multiple minors who will be supervised by the same Direct Supervisor and Principal Investigator (or Responsible Employee) and who will perform the specific set of activities (using the specific types of hazards) that you list on the form. Once a Workplace Safety Statement is approved by OESO, the PI/Responsible employee and the Direct Supervisor, you can use the roster form (Duke.is/wss-roster) to add additional names. The roster addition form can be used multiple times while the Workplace Safety Statement is valid (up to 3 years from the initial date of OESO approval).
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How often do Workplace Safety Statements need to be renewed?
The Workplace Safety Statement will need to be renewed at least every three years OR if there is a change in the Principal Investigator (or Responsible Employee) or Direct Supervisor, OR if there is a change in the project that introduces additional hazards.
For Help with Workplace Safety Statements
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Workplace Safety Statements, please contact the OESO Lab Safety Division at 919-684-8822.