KU WISE Hosts Spring 2026 Safety Week Focused on Bystander Intervention
Every fall and spring semester, the Wonderful Institute for Sustainable Engineering (WISE) at the University of Kansas hosts Safety Week, organized by the WISE Safety Committee. This dedicated initiative fosters conversations around safety in the lab and strengthens a culture of preparedness across research groups. In addition to coordinating Safety Week, the committee also distributed a survey to collect feedback about safety practices within research groups and to identify relevant safety topics for future programming.
Safety Week programming features in-depth discussions, the department’s monthly safety meeting presentation, and concludes with Safety Day on Friday. Safety Meetings, also organized by the WISE Safety Committee, are hosted every third Wednesday of the month and cover a variety of topics including lab safety, equipment maintenance, handling hazardous materials, as well as everyday safety practices applicable to any environment.
For Spring 2026, Safety Week centered on the importance of bystander intervention. Programming throughout the week encouraged participants to think critically about their role in maintaining a safe and supportive environment, both in and out of the lab.
The April safety meeting featured the presentation “Bystander Intervention: Leading the Flock,” led by Ricky Pulley, Jr. from the KU Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Center. The session highlighted KU's commitment to building a consent culture that includes everyone. As part of this effort, “Leading The Flock” serves as a bystander intervention training that complements the undergraduate program “Jayhawks Give A Flock.” Participants learned how to recognize sexual misconduct, navigate barriers to intervention, and develop safer, more effective strategies for supporting others. The discussion emphasized the importance of community responsibility and encouraged attendees to actively contribute to a safer campus environment.
Safety Week concluded with Safety Day on April 17, 2026, which featured both hands-on learning and dedicated lab time. All research groups participated in cleaning, organizing, and assessing their lab spaces—taking inventory of supplies and ensuring that laboratories remain in optimal condition.
In addition, KU WISE hosted a two-hour training session titled “Be the Help Before Help Arrives,” presented by the Douglas County Emergency Management Board. This free training opportunity provided practical, hands-on skills to help individuals respond effectively in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Participants learned key steps for responding to life-threatening situations, explored common reactions to stress, and gained an understanding of how practice and preparation can improve emergency response outcomes. From calling 9-1-1 to stopping bleeding, positioning the injured, and providing comfort, the session reinforced how preparedness can transform bystanders into active responders during critical moments.
Safety Week was a great success, thanks to the guest speakers for sharing their expertise and to all lab members who contributed their time and effort throughout the week’s activities. WISE remains committed to promoting a proactive and informed approach to safety throughout the year.