The ultimate responsibility for establishing and maintaining the Risk Management/Environmental Heath and Safety program on the UWG campus rests with the University President. Basic policies, which govern the activities and limitations of the Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety program, are thereby established under the final authority of the President.
However, the primary responsibility for providing and maintaining a healthy and safe campus environment on a day-to-day basis lies at the department level. In this way, the University effectively fulfills the basic requirement of all applicable laws and regulations associated with risk management and environmental safety.
Because of the wide diversity of operations within the University and the necessary differences in organizational structure within the various departments, it is recognized that certain responsibilities and expressed procedures in this program cannot be equally applied. There are, therefore, some details, which might be impossible or impractical for one department head to implement as directed, while another would have no difficulty in applying every one. Departments will, therefore, have some latitude in formulating and implementing alternate methods when necessary as long as the total Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety program's objectives are not compromised.
Every individual who in involved with the University, at any level, has the responsibility to actively participate in helping to create a safe campus environment. Specific responsibilities of all faculty and staff are directly proportional to their operational authority.
2.2 DEANS, DEPARTMENT CHAIRS, ADMINISTRATORS
It is the responsibility of all Deans, Department Chairs, and Administrators to maintain healthy and safe working conditions within their jurisdictions, to monitor and exercise control over their assigned areas, and to:
1. Observe and comply with all campus health and safety regulations established by this Manual. Comply with Federal and State environmental and safety laws.
2. Identify facilities and equipment that present a health or safety hazard. Prioritize purchases and improvements that will that will enhance a safe working environment.
3. Conduct, or have conducted periodic safety inspection of the department and correct any deficiencies that might exist. Departments having hazardous operations are required to make frequent inspections. The RM/EHS office is available for assistance and advice regarding any corrective measure to be taken, but the authority for implementing the necessary action(s) is the responsibility of the respective department. In addition, RM/EHS will conduct safety and fire inspections of all University buildings on a periodic basis. A written report will be forwarded to the concerned department after each inspection. Deficiencies that are beyond the scope of the department's capabilities will be handled by RM/EHS upon request. The department will be kept informed on all aspects of the project.
4. Ensure that all personnel are familiar with department safety procedures and policies, and verify that these procedures are being carried out.
5. Provide necessary safety equipment and protective devices for each job. Make sure this equipment is stored and maintained in satisfactory condition. RM/EHS is available for assistance in determining what protective or safety equipment is required for a particular task.
6. Seek prompt medical treatment for all faculty, staff, students or visitors that are injured and comply with the reporting procedures in accordance with Section I, Chapter 4. If the respective department has a first aid kit, be sure all employees know the location and proper use. It is recommended that some of your staff receive First Aid Training and CPR.
7. Investigate and review all injuries, illnesses, or accidents occurring within the department that may result in any degree of loss or potential loss.
8. Require all faculty and staff members to become familiar with the emergency procedures as published in Section I, Chapter 6 of this Manual.
2.2 DEANS, DEPARTMENT CHAIRS, ADMINISTRATORS (continued)
9. Actively solicit suggestions that contribute to the improving a healthy work environment.
10. Take immediate action to correct any unsafe behavior and remediate any unsafe condition.
All Supervisors are responsible for instructing all personnel under their direction in exercising proper operational procedures, and seeing that all facilities and equipment under their jurisdiction are maintained in safe operating condition at all times.
Supervisors will provide initial training to newly assigned personnel and annual training for all employees. This training will include Chemical Hazard Right-To-Know, proper safety procedures, operation of equipment, and wear and maintenance of safety equipment. Supervisors shall document such training and maintain a record of training for each individual. Supervisors may obtain assistance from RM/EHS in providing this training or obtaining training material.
In addition, supervisors shall:
1. Explain clearly to employees under their supervision all University safety regulations that are relevant to specific work duties, and enforce compliance with published standards in this Manual. If necessary, for complete understanding by all personnel, make arrangements for explanations in a foreign language.
2. Conduct training sessions for all employees to guarantee safe operation and performance of all new or seldom used equipment.
3. Provide personnel with needed personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment, devices, and clothing. Demonstrate proper use of PPE prior to operation of equipment or performance of hazardous tasks.
4. Inspect all work areas for hazardous conditions or unsafe practices and initiate prompt corrective action(s) to eliminate causes of potential accidents.
5. Maintain good housekeeping practices in all work areas as specified in Section II of this Manual.
6. Report all unsafe conditions, equipment, unnecessary accumulation of hazardous wastes and work practices observed by yourself or workers on campus to the Department or RM/EHS within 24 hours. Encourage employees to watch for and report such incidents immediately.
7. Investigate all accidents promptly and complete all necessary forms to fully record such incidents.
8. Seek prompt medical treatment for employees that are injured.
9. Notify the Department of any employee who may be physically or emotionally incapable of performing duties in a safe manner.
2.3 SUPERVISORS (continued)
10. Submit and encourage recommendations from employees to the Department for improving the safety and efficiency of the Department.
11. Commend and recognize employees who maintain a safe environment and accident-free work record, or who develop unique safety devices or practices for their work area.
12. Report any hazardous substance spill immediately to RM/EHS, and as applicable, ensure compliance with the Georgia Public Employee Hazardous Chemical Protection and Right to Know Act in Supplement III of this Manual. RM/EHS personnel are available to assist with compliance of any applicable law or regulation.
2.4 FACULTY AND TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Each faculty member and teaching assistant is responsible for disseminating information regarding safety to all students and employees under their academic jurisdiction. Faculty and teaching assistants shall:
1. Explain to students all campus safety regulations and procedures that are pertinent to their specific academic tasks and/or activities.
2. Ensure the proper use of equipment and apparatus by demonstrating the correct operation, providing initial training and instruction, and maintaining periodic surveillance of individual users. Document this training and retain this information.
3. Equip students with adequate personal protective devices and clothing as needed. Make sure that this equipment is in good repair.
4. Inspect instructional areas frequently for identification of unsafe practices and conditions; and remediate hazards. Advice and assistance is available from the RM/EHS office.
5. Seek prompt medical treatment for all injured students and employees.
All University employees and students are subject to departmental procedures and the campus health and safety regulations established in the Safety Manual, which shall take precedence over any conflicting instructions except where lawful and applicable government regulations may be contrary to these rules.
Students and employees shall:
1. Not perform any function or operation that is considered hazardous, before requesting advice or consulting with their Supervisor or Instructor. Health and safety problems not settled at the supervisory, instructor or department level may be appealed, following established University grievance procedures.
2. Understand and comply with all University and departmental safety instructions, whether written or oral, when performing assigned duties.
3. Use only tools and equipment approved or provided by the Supervisor or Instructor.
4. Always use appropriate safety equipment and guards, and work within established safety procedures, giving precedence to correct methods over expediency or shortcuts.
5. Report all unsafe conditions, practices or equipment to the Supervisor or Instructor.
6. Report all injuries or accidents immediately to the Supervisor or Instructor. Assist injured persons in obtaining prompt medical treatment when necessary.
7. Become familiar of his/her rights as an employee under the "Georgia Public Employee Hazardous Chemical Protection and Right to Know Act".
University organizations and operations located off the main campus are required to follow the same health and safety responsibilities as on-campus departments. In addition, satellite groups will develop, publish and implement specialized safety instructions, as necessary for their particular activities and needs after consultation with the Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety Office.