Chapter 18. Occupational Safety and Health Services (OSHS)

18.2. Responsibilities

Faculty, staff, and students of the University must take responsibility for safety, health, and environmental protection relative to their activities as follows:

• The director of Occupational Safety and Health Services (OSHS)


The director of OSHS is responsible for planning and organizing an effective safety and health, and environmental protection program for the University and maintaining the University Safety Manual. OSHS assists departments in their safety efforts by providing technical assistance, education and training for supervisors, chemical waste disposal, regulatory interpretations, and safety inspections.


• Deans


Deans are responsible for ensuring that University safety, health and environmental protection policies are implemented at all levels under their administration.


• Directors and Department Chairs


Directors and department chairs are responsible for implementing the University safety, health, and environmental policies and procedures in their department; including allocation of sufficient budget and staff and for creation of department-specific safety, health, and environmental procedures as needed. When requested by OSHS, directors and department chairs are also responsible for submitting an annual Department Safety Report form, available from OSHS, by June 30th each year.


• Faculty and Supervisors


Faculty and supervisors are responsible for protecting the safety and health of those they supervise, including students and visitors to their areas, as well as compliance with environmental regulations. They are also responsible for the following:


1. Correcting hazardous conditions that have been detected or reported.
   
   
2. Providing safety training for each employee or student, as needed, including an initial orientation training for all new employees.



3. Investigating and reporting all student and employee injuries or property damage as well as events having the potential for serious injury or property damage.



4. Enforcing all University safety, health, and environmental protection policies and procedures.




• Students and Employees


Students and employees are responsible for:


1. Learning and following the University's health and safety policies and procedures.



2. Reporting all unsafe conditions and injuries to their supervisor or instructor as soon as possible.



3. Using all personal protective equipment as instructed and assigned.



4. Ensuring that all machine and equipment guards are in place and operating properly.



5. Knowing how to report and respond to emergencies in their work area.