Santa Fe Standard

The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a health advisory urging workers in the state to be aware of potential occupational hazards related to their jobs. This advisory follows an investigation into chemical storage and handling at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), initiated by the New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB).

The investigation also involves the death of an NMHU employee, with toxicology results still pending from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Officials from NMHealth, the New Mexico Environment Department, and the New Mexico Higher Education Department are collaborating on this issue.

“We are diligently working in tandem with our state partners to ensure all campus facilities at New Mexico Highlands University follow protocols and procedures associated with the storage of chemical, biological and radiological materials,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “A review is underway to ensure that the campus and community will not be put at risk now or in the future. The health and safety of all community members, students, faculty, and staff must be at the forefront of all conversations and decisions at the university.”

“State public health agencies have critical roles to play in investigating occupational health exposures,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer of NMHealth. “Illnesses or injuries from suspected environmentally induced health conditions are listed among the notifiable diseases or conditions required to be reported to our agency by hospitals and medical providers.”

“My department’s sole focus is to ensure the campus community is safe in their residence halls, offices, and classrooms,” said Environment Secretary James Kenney. “If our ongoing investigations find evidence to the contrary, we will take every necessary and legally viable enforcement action to bring New Mexico Highlands University back into compliance with state and federal law.”

Symptoms from exposure to occupational hazards can vary depending on the type of chemical or event involved. Workers experiencing non-life-threatening symptoms should schedule an appointment with their doctor and report it to their employer. Those with acute symptoms should go to an emergency room immediately.

Environmental occupational exposures that occur at work can be reported to the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-796-8773.

For additional information about this press release, contact Robert Nott at (Office). A Spanish version of this press release is available via a provided link.