V308.01.02 University Health & Safety Policy

Valley City State University is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its employees, students, and visitors and to managing the university in an environmentally sensitive and responsible manner. We further recognize an obligation to demonstrate safety and environmental leadership by maintaining the highest standards and by serving as an example to our students and to the community at large.

Objectives

The University will strive to improve our safety and environmental performance continuously by adhering to the following objectives:
1. Management is responsible for providing a workplace free of recognized hazards and supporting a Risk Management Program.
2. Developing and improving programs and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
3. Ensuring that personnel are properly trained and provided with appropriate safety and emergency equipment.
4. Taking appropriate action to minimize hazards or change conditions that endanger health, safety, or the environment.
5. Supervisors must require employees to follow VCSU safety rules and procedures and support the accident prevention program established by management.
6. Considering safety and environmental factors in all operating decisions, including those related to planning and acquisition.
7. Engaging in sound reuse and recycling practices and exploring feasible opportunities to minimize the amount and toxicity of waste generated.
8. Using energy efficiently throughout our operations.
9. Encouraging personal accountability and emphasizing compliance with standards and conformity with University policies and best practices during employee training and in performance reviews.
  1. Supervisors must assist management in the training and retraining of employees.
10. Communicating our desire to improve our performance continuously and fostering the expectation that every employee, student, and contractor on University premises will follow this policy and report and environmental, health, or safety concern to University Management.
11. Monitoring our progress through periodic evaluations.

Responsibilities

University President - The University President is committed to the implementation of the University’s Safety Policy at all facilities under the University control.
Vice Presidents & Deans - Vice Presidents and Deans are committed to the implementation of Safety Policy in all facilities under their control.
University Loss Control Committee - The University has established the Loss Control Committee as a committee with the authority to oversee University compliance with the Safety Program.
Directors, Department Heads, Department Chairs, Supervisors
- Report all incidents, work-related illnesses, and work site injuries to the Safety Office within 24 hours.
- Determine whether safety needs for unit/departments are met (i.e. training, personal protective equipment, and corrective measures including non-mandated items identified in safety audits).
- Incorporate workplace safety requirements and responsibilities into position description and responsibility review. Workplace expectations should be communicated to each employee annually and at time of hire.
- Conduct periodic safety self-audits of work areas and/or facilities using the Office Safety Checklist.
- Communicate emergency action plans to all personnel to provide familiarity and coordination between facility personnel and emergency responders.
- Ensure use of all flammables, microwaves, refrigerators, small appliances, heaters, etc. in the workplace will be in compliance with Facilities Services guidelines. For recommendations, contact the Facilities Services Office.
- Direct faculty, staff, and students under their supervision to attend, and comply with:
  - Defensive Driving Training (for those who drive State Fleet vehicles)
  - Substance Abuse Policy & required elements.
  - Annual Notice of Policies and Designated Medical Provider
  - All institutional department and protocol specific training
  - All grant specific training
  - All state and federal required training
- Maintain workplaces and equipment under their control in safe, well-kept condition.
- Properly dispose of waste in accordance with University, state and federal requirements.
All Employees
- Comply with this policy and all other University safety programs.
- Attend and comply with::
  - Defensive Driving Training (for those who drive State Fleet vehicles)
  - Substance Abuse Policy & required elements.
  - Annual Notice of Policies and Designated Medical Provider
  - All institutional department and protocol specific training
  - All grant specific training
  - All state and federal required training
- Inform a supervisor of any safety or health hazards in the workplace or VCSU property.
- Report all incidents, work-related illnesses, and work-site injuries to the Safety Office immediately or within 24 hours.
- Comply with all State Fleet, leased, and rented vehicle rules and regulations. Report all accidents immediately. The driver is responsible for completing the VCSU Initial Incident Report.
Safety Office
- Advise the Campus community of its responsibilities regarding this Safety Policy.
- Provide guidelines for programs to assist with individual and University compliance as it relates to relevant environmental, health, and safety laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
- Recommend programs and actions for compliance.
- Provide guidance and assistance in identifying, evaluating, and correcting safety and health hazards.
- Conduct investigations and analyses of occupational incidents, injuries, and illnesses.
- Identify non-compliant situations and recommend improvements for those who are responsible for departments, laboratories, units, and work areas.
- Provide guidance for proper disposal of hazardous materials and dispose of properly when accepted.
- Execute responsibilities involving inspections and enforcement delegated by any standing University safety committee.
Safety Resources- The following links to VCSU safety procedures provide the campus community with updated and accurate information.
- Safe Operating Procedures (https://onestop.vcsu.edu/support/solutions/articles/10000032429-safe-operating-procedures)
- Emergency Procedures ( https://onestop.vcsu.edu/support/solutions/articles/10000032557-vcsu-emergency-manuals)
- Ergonomics (https://onestop.vcsu.edu/support/solutions/articles/10000032429-safe-operating-procedures)
- General Health & Safety Information (https://onestop.vcsu.edu/support/solutions/articles/10000025192)

Sponsor: VCSU Safety Office
Effective May 2014

Revised: March 2020