The University Risk Management/Environmental Health & Safety office (RM/EHS) coordinates the overall administration of the Safety & Loss Control program at the State University of West Georgia. The RM/EHS Office is the primary campus resource for technical and administrative procedures needed to coordinate the Safety & Loss Control program objectives. The role of the RM/EHS Office includes five salient features: 1.) Surveillance; 2.) Consultation; 3.) Compliance; 4.) Education; 5.) Program Management
The RM/EHS Assistant Director has the University President’s authority to plan, establish and manage priorities for the implementation of program objectives. This office reports directly to the Assistant Vice President of Campus Planning and Facilities.
The RM/EHS Office is responsible for planning, implementing and administering the University's Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety program, and for providing supportive technical consultation, training, investigation, and inspection to assure compliance with the Safety & Loss Control program established by this Manual. The RM/EHS Office also formulates and adopts appropriate new policies and procedures based on analysis and interpretation of pertinent state and federal health and safety laws.
A primary administrative function of RM/EHS is to assist University Deans, Department Chairs, and Administrators in meeting their assigned health and safety responsibilities outlined in Section I, Chapter 2 of this Manual. To accomplish this, RM/EHS works with all campus Administrators, academic departments, and specialized committees to provide technical and administrative policy and program direction in the programs designed to prevent and reduce accidents and to identify and eliminate environmental hazards and conditions.
RM/EHS has the authority to request that Deans, Department Chairs, Administrators, Supervisors and other individuals abate unsafe conditions or practices when, in the professional opinion of the RM/EHS Assistant Director, the condition or operation constitutes an imminent hazard to life and property. Other practices that violate published standards, but do not constitute an immediate hazard, will be recommended for correction through appropriate channels.
Administrative duties of RM/EHS shall include, but not be limited to, the following program areas:
1. Environmental inspections. Promote safe and sanitary conditions of all campus buildings and grounds by conducting periodic health and safety inspections of all campus facilities. Investigate complaints to identify unsafe conditions, practices and procedures, violations of campus regulations and/or applicable state and federal laws. Report the results of inspections to the responsible Dean, Department Chair or Administrator for correction.
2. Liaison with governmental agencies. Develop and maintain good working relationships with governmental agencies over matters affecting the health and safety of University employees, students and visitors.
3. Procurement of machinery and equipment. Assist departments in the design, purchase, and use of hazardous or potentially hazardous equipment. Verify that all such items are in conformance with safe operating standards.
3.2 RM/EHS (continued)
4. Review of research projects. Assist in the review of academic research proposals and contracts to certify that pertinent health and safety factors are incorporated in grants and projects submitted by and/or awarded to University personnel or departments.
5. Emergency preparedness. Assist in the development and implementation of University emergency procedures and the procurement of needed equipment. Provide technical consultation to campus emergency personnel.
6. Campus public events. Monitor all campus public events to guarantee proper consideration is given to environmental health and safety factors.
7. Machinery guarding. Ensure that campus machinery, equipment and powered tools are properly guarded in conformance with the standards contained in this Manual.
8. Electrical safety. Make sure that all electrical hazards are identified and eliminated.
9. Fire protection. Inspect, or effect inspections of University buildings, facilities, fire detection and fire suppression equipment at regular intervals. Monitor the use of flammable liquids and materials.
10. Industrial hygiene. Monitor exposures to corrosive or toxic materials, fumes, gases, dusts, and biological or infectious agents in labs, shops, or other campus areas.
11. Fetal risk Monitor the risks from job duties and potential exposures to hazards that may cause harm to fetuses.
12. Ventilation control. Verify laboratory fume hoods and general room ventilation meet accepted flow rate standards.
13. Waste disposal. Provide for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and toxic liquid and solid waste. Maintain surveillance of waste disposal and investigate and evaluate complaints regarding general refuse collection and sewage for all campus buildings and areas.
14. Environmental sanitation. Make sure that maintenance of the campus environment is consistent with accepted standards of sanitation for buildings and grounds, water supply and distribution, and swimming pool and athletic facilities.
3.2 RM/EHS (continued)
15. Food sanitation. Ensure that campus food services are operated and maintained in compliance with the University's Food Sanitation Policies.
16. Animal control. Monitor the University community for exposure to unsafe and potentially infectious animals, and effect controls if necessary.
17. Vector control and pesticide use. Direct the safe use, storage, and handling of pesticides. Monitor the adequate control of insects and rodents to prevent or eliminate campus infestation.
18. Personal protective equipment. Assist in the availability and correct use of personal protective equipment for all employees and students on campus.
19. Safety training. Provide for and promote education and training of campus personnel in health and safety practices.
20. Building construction and space modification. Identify asbestos-containing building materials prior to construction, demolition, and renovation projects. Advise on applicable safety codes and practices in such projects. Review construction plans as required by the Office’s of Facilities and Campus Planning & Development.
21. Services for disabled persons. Provide advice and assistance on health and safety matters relating to the needs of impaired persons on campus.
22. Accident and injury investigations. Conduct appropriate investigation of campus accidents reported to RM/EHS that may involve University liability under Georgia Tort Claims Act. Obtain the necessary photographs, evidence, and witness interviews, when necessary or directed. Remediate the causes of all accidents when feasible
23. Accident statistics. Compile and analyze all University accident and injury statistics and cost data (when available). Prepare and distribute periodic reports to Administrators and appropriate committees.
24. The "Right to Know Act". Notify all personnel of annual Right-to-Know training requirement.
25. Asbestos Program. Verify University compliance with Federal and State regulations regarding asbestos. Inspect condition of known asbestos-containing materials on campus and operate maintenance permit program.
3.3 UNIVERSITY SAFETY COMMITTEE
The University Safety Committee administers controls or advises specialized activities. The RM/EHS Assistant Director, or his/her designee, will serve as an ex-officio member of this committee; and shall receive copies of any scheduled meeting minutes. The RM/EHS Assistant Director shall also appoint the chair to this committee. Department heads appoint or approve individuals to the University Safety.
The University Safety Committee shall convene at least four times per year, preferable at the beginning and end of each semester.
The University Safety Committee shall:
1. Develop and recommend University policy relating to safety matters.
2. Support the campus in the implementation of the various safety and health programs.
3. Provide the President and the Assistant Director of Risk Management/ Environmental Health and Safety with the information on safety and health activities.
4. Develop and maintain information on safety and health as an educational resource for the University.
5. Act as a forum for discussing campus hazards and accident reviews.
A list of the current members, meeting minutes and agendas are available at http://moosh1101.westga.edu/cpf/Overall/EHS/safety_committee/safety_committee.htm
Campus and department committees often discuss safety, environmental, and liability issues. The Office of Risk Management/Environmental Health and Safety is available for information and advice to these committees.
Inter- or intradepartmental committees on campus shall:
1. Evaluate the safety of individuals, as well as the liability to the University, before implementing any new policy or procedure.
2. Forward copies of minutes and agendas of meetings that deal with safety, environmental, or liability issues to the RM/EHS office.