Just how safe is working in a laboratory?

In a 2012 survey of safety in US academic laboratories commissioned by the University of California Center for Laboratory Safety,
86% of around 2400 researchers who responded said they believed their laboratories were safe places to work.

Similarly, 40% of the researchers claimed not to have received safety training on specific agents or hazards.

Kind of good practice guidance for evaluating and controlling hazards in academic laboratories that already exists for industrial laboratories.

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/2014/05/safety-first

 At the University of Kentucky, incompatible wastes were accidentally mixed resulting in a fire and explosion. It is believed that nitric acid and halogenated organic solvents were involved, but the exact cause may never be known.

The explosion blew glass shrapnel across the laboratory. Students on the other side of the laboratory were hit with glass fragments, including at least one who reported that the glass bounced off his safety goggles.
Thankfully, this student was following the rule you must wear your safety glasses at all times in the laboratory even if you aren't "doing anything."

 http://www.ilpi.com/safety/explosion.html

Chemical Spill and Emergency Response 15/10/2015

"Very clear and precise delivery. Good mix of theory and practical."

"Very useful course, a lot of practical information. I liked the spill scenarios."

"The course was very helpful and I enjoyed the practical exercises."

"Very good mix of theory and practical."

"Good practical knowledge with a good combination of practical demonstration."

"Very good course, well paced. Should be manditory for all lab users."

"Very informative with a good balanced delivery."

Lab Risk Assessment Course 14/10/2015

"Very useful to use a real lab application practical."

"Good explanation of Risk Assessment, what is it and why it is important."

"Very good and I enjoyed the group work."

"The course gives a very good idea of how to properly carry out risk assesments on various lab equipments and chemicals."

"Very useful and practical with a good clear presentation."

"Good course and very relevant to the work being done in Johnstown Castle."

"Very informative. I have a much better understanding of chemical and equipment risk assessment."

"It was a good course for detailing the general reasons for doing risk assessments."

"It gives a good first approach to risk assessment." 

Lab Safety Fundamentals Course 30/9/2015

"Very well presented and informative."

"Very good with good use of case studies."

"Very satisfied with content of the course."

"Very informative and highlighted the procedures if an accident was to happen."

"It's a very useful course that met my expectations."

"Very informative. Made me more aware of potential hazards in general."

"It was a good informative course and good examples of accidents that happen in real life."

"The course was very well explained."