NMHealth issues health advisory following NMHU investigations

University employees with symptoms encouraged to visit healthcare provider

Source: NM Department of Health

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) urges New Mexican workers to be aware of any occupational hazards or exposures tied to their jobs.

The advisory is being spurred in the wake of an investigation of chemical storage and handling at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) launched by the New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau.

The investigation also encompasses the death of an NMHU employee. The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator is still awaiting toxicology results on the cause of death. Leaders from NMHealth, the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Higher Education Department are working in collaboration on the 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 based on what type of chemical or event you have been exposed to. If you have symptoms that are non-life threatening, set up an appointment with your doctor and report it to your employer. If you have more acute symptoms, go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

You can report environmental occupational exposures that occur at work to the NMHealth Helpline at 1-833-796-8773.

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Levi Gwaltney

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