EHSO Profile: On Track with Mike Hartz, Medical Center Safety Officer

On a typical day at UIC Hospital you may notice the patient-physician interaction, the long lines in the cafeteria during lunch, or the occasional blood donor at the door. The bustle of the modern day medical center makes it difficult to notice the finer details of how it operates and who maintains the institution’s safety compliance measures. For the past five years, Mike Hartz has been committed to his role as the Medical Center Safety Officer. It is apparent if you follow Mike around that he symbolizes the dedication and evolution of one of Chicagoland’s finest institutions. Whether he is moving along the hospital corridors ensuring safety protocols are met or perusing the onsite conditions of campus construction projects, he has led the Environmental Health and Safety Office in OSHA training and Construction Safety.
Mike’s background at UIC began twelve years ago as a Physical Plant safety officer where his experience in construction was used to ensure safety in campus construction projects. As his ardent efforts paid off over time, he found himself at a new position as an industrial hygienist at the University’s Health and Safety Office. There his shrewd insights with safety would lead his department’s efforts towards the betterment of a safer campus. While working for the department Mike had experienced many different aspects to campus safety, fire safety, medical center safety, professional IH, and management of chemical facilities. Through this copious amount of gathered experience, Mike gained a strong professional background needed for his current role as the Medical Center Safety Officer.
As Mike retires in the summer of 2007, we tracked down his footprints across campus in order to understand the impact one person can have in such a large academic setting. The day starts early as he arrives like clock-work just before seven or even earlier when duty calls.

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