This manual has been prepared by the Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety (RM/EHS) Office to establish basic procedures and provide general rules for the implementation of the risk management, environmental health and safety program for The State University of West Georgia (UWG).
The manual is broad in coverage and is not intended to cover every procedure in depth. Each Department is encouraged to develop additional health and safety regulations applicable to their own specific operations, and to correlate those regulations with this Manual. Assistance in developing such departmental regulations is available from RM/EHS. Departments should provide internal safety policies/guidelines to RM/EHS.
All employees are required to become familiar with the contents of this Manual and are required to sign an annual statement of understanding. It is suggested that one person in each School or Department retain a copy or copies of this Manual and be assigned the responsibility of assuring that every faculty and staff member reviews its contents; and that all future personnel do so shortly after their employment at the University and at least once a year thereafter. This person should also be responsible for posting updated Manual material, informing all departmental personnel of changes as they occur, and maintaining a listing of all annual safety training.
The Manual format is comprised of two major sections:
SECTION I - Program Responsibilities & Administration
SECTION II - Policies & Procedures
University personnel are encouraged to submit suggestions to the Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety Office at any time to improve the University's Safety Program.
The State University of West Georgia is deeply grateful to the University of North Texas, and Auburn University whose Environmental Health and Safety Manuals were used as a guide in the development of this Manual.
The Office of Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety (RM/EHS) is located in 215 Aycock Hall. Our web site is located at:
http://moosh1101.westga.edu/cpf/Overall/EHS/dept_layout_ehs.htm
If you have any questions or comments concerning this manual, please contact us at:
770-838-3277, or email us at safety@westga.edu
1.2 AUTHORIZATION AND PROGRAM ESTABLISHMENT
The requirement for establishing and maintaining standards for risk management and environmental safety is met by compliance with the intent of all appropriate Federal and State legislation relating to the University's Safety Program for the protection of all campus personnel.
The administrative guidelines necessary for the establishment of an effective health and safety program - coupled with regulations as set forth by Federal and State agencies, University Policies and the Board of Regents - provide the scope and structure of the Safety Program at the State University of West Georgia.
The basic considerations in establishing the Safety Program have been founded on the following objectives:
1. To ensure compliance with all provisions and standards of environmental and occupational health and safety laws.
2. To ensure compliance with the safety requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the National Fire Codes and any State of Georgia requirements.
3. To ensure that the special needs of persons with disabilities are met by compliance with the provisions set forth in various government codes that require all facilities be made accessible and safe.
4. To ensure compliance with any other legal requirements set forth by state or federal regulatory body concerned with the injury of anyone on campus.
5. To ensure that the human factors of accident prevention, health and loss control be applied.
This manual is based on policies from the Department of Administrative Services/Risk Management Services (DOAS/RMS), appropriate State & Federal regulations and published standards of nationally recognized safety and health organizations.
With respect to risk management, it is the policy of the State University of West Georgia to protect its assets by identifying loss exposures, providing insurance coverage, promoting loss control, and administering claims.
In the area of safety, it is the policy of the State University of West Georgia to maintain a campus environment free of hazardous conditions for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. No person shall be required to perform any task under unsafe or hazardous conditions.
The responsibility for the administration of the University Risk Management/Safety Program is assigned to the Assistant Director of Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety (RM/EHS) who reports to the Assistant Vice-President of Campus Planning & Facilities. However, the implementation of the safety policy is the responsibility of faculty, staff, students, and other individuals associated with the University.
The University shall endeavor to comply with the intent of all appropriate Federal and State legislation that applies to the University's risk management/safety program. These acts along with supporting rules and regulations issued by the RM/EHS Office will provide the necessary standards under which the University will conduct its program.