Michelle Lau

University Custodian Wins
Governor’s Employee Safety Award

Michelle Lau, a custodian who works in the Science Laboratory Center, will be honored this month as one of the 2006 recipients of the Governor’s Employee Safety Awards, an annual honor recognizing state employees for outstanding contributions to safety.
           
Lau will receive the award during a special Aug. 18 ceremony at Sacramento State University.
           
“Michelle is a significant contributor to safety in our Science Laboratory Center,” said Susan Fisher, campus radiation safety officer, who nominated Lau for the statewide honor. “Her duties are custodial, but she has a trained eye for detecting lab safety problems.”
           
Lau — who earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Cal State Fullerton in 2004 — has worked on campus since 1996, most of that time in the Science Laboratory Center where students and faculty conduct chemical, biochemical, biological and other research studies.
           
“Everyone wants to go home safe,” Lau added. “Because of the research done in this building, we have to be more vigilant … respect the danger.”
           
As examples of Lau’s diligence, Fisher reported two incidents where Lau spotted something amiss and acted appropriately by limiting contact by students and other campus members, while also contacting campus safety personnel to deal with the issue before it became a hazardous situation.                    
           
A self-motivator, Lau is always very conscientious on safety, said Terry Thompson, custodial services manager, adding it was a “good fit” when Lau was assigned to the laboratory building. “She took on the assignment working in this specialized building on campus and made it her own.”
           
“I’m a nosy person,” Lau explained. “I check out what’s going on – construction and repairs, etc. ”
           
Because of where she works, Thompson noted that Lau “has to be aware of the safety procedures for each lab due to its chemicals, experiments, research and specialized equipment, and about her cleaning procedures to accommodate the needs of each separate area.”
           
Because of her creativity, initiative and teamwork efforts, Lau was named a Titan Excellence Award recipient last academic year. The campus award is given to employees who have provided outstanding service to students, faculty, staff and university visitors. In her nomination for the award, Thompson noted that Lau “is often one step ahead of her customers’ and their needs.”
           
“I love working here (in the SLC),” said Lau. “This is my home away from home. There are so many students working and attending classes in this building. They are like my kids.”
           
“I really appreciate Michelle’s efforts,” said Fisher. “It takes everyone involved in the operations of this building to make the educational experience a great one and Michelle really does that.
           
“She is our first line of emergency response, which is so important in stopping hazardous situations from escalating,” Fisher added. “She is a great asset to a highly technical building and is a significant part of the team that keeps labs safe.”