1.1 The goal of Lamar University's Safety Policy is to develop positive attitudes regarding accident prevention for all employees of our University. All supervisors are to be cognizant of the safety needs of their employees and the general public. They are charged with the responsibility of initiating necessary preventive measures to control safety hazards. It is essential that all supervisors recognize and accept this responsibility for the safety of all employees. Safety shall be incorporated as an integral part of all University programs. All employees are responsible for taking reasonable and prudent action to prevent involvement in an accident.
1.2 The responsibility for the administration and implementation of the University's Safety Program is assigned to the Director of EHS & Risk Management. The Director of EHS & Risk Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate safety policies are promulgated and disseminated and for reviewing overall safety records with a view to identifying areas of concern. The EHS Specialist is responsible for detecting unsafe conditions and unsafe acts and reviewing inspection reports from all areas periodically to ensure the safety of the University's working environment. The Risk Management & Occupational Safety Coordinator is empowered to stop work functions whenever imminent danger can result in serious injury. All discrepancies noted or detected will continue to be remedied either by work order or by the responsible supervisor. 2.
2. POLICY
This policy statement establishes a Safety Policy for the conservation and protection of human and material resources and for the maintenance of healthful and controlled environments. The Safety Policy will be brought to the attention of all personnel, included in all appropriate manuals, and identified to all new employees during their initial orientation and training.
3. OBJECTIVES
To provide information as to where specialized safety information can be found.
To address safety items generally applicable across Lamar University campus.
To reinforce the idea that all employees are responsible for safety compliance.
To advocate the responsibility of managers and supervisors to support occupational safety through safety meetings and individual counseling.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES
Office of EHS & Risk Management, through the Chief Operations Officer, acts as the Authority having jurisdiction in matters concerning safety.
Chief Operations Officer
To serve as the final authority having jurisdiction in matters concerning safety and fire and life safety issues.
To hold directors accountable for acts and conditions within their areas of responsibility and control.
To monitor the Health & Safety Plan.
To promote safety and health considerations as integral components in the planning and decision-making process at all levels of the organization.
To hold managers/supervisors/employees accountable for acts and conditions within their areas of responsibility and control.
To coordinate with the Director of EHS & Risk Management on safety-related issues.
Director EHS & Risk Management
To develop and implement the Health & Safety Manual.
To assist management and supervisors in establishing reasonable and measurable safety goals and objectives and provide performance feedback in obtaining the established goals and objectives.
To review biennially and update as necessary the Health & Safety Manual.
To promote safety awareness through the distribution of educational materials such as posters, flyers, brochures, and safety articles.
To assist management and supervisors with safety related issues and topics to be presented and discussed at scheduled staff meetings.
To encourage management and supervisors to conduct and document periodic safety inspections of assigned work areas.
To perform timely analyses of Workers’ Compensation injury losses, and at least annually prepare a summary report for the Chief Operations Officer.
Risk Management & Occupational Safety Coordinator
To assist on, advise of, and guide the operation of the Health & Safety Manual.
To prepare information to be presented to all new employees concerning the Plan.
To conduct and document at least an annual safety inspection of the entire campus.
To assist management and supervisors with accident and incident investigation to ensure all mishaps are investigated in a timely and thorough appropriate corrective actions taken.
To maintain a record of all jobs-related injuries or illnesses and coordinate proper reporting with the University claims coordinator.
Building & Lab Safety Coordinator
To annually inspect all campus laboratories and report deficiencies to appropriate lab managers or principal investigators.
To manage the University's hazardous waste disposal process.
To periodically update the Hazard Communication Plan, Hazardous Waste Program, Radiation Safety Manual, the Biological Safety Plan, and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
To serve on campus committees as needed.
EHS Specialist
To inspect campus fire extinguishers, AED's, and first aid kits and assure any issues are corrected.
To assist with annual fire and life safety inspections of campus buildings.
Managers & Supervisors
To minimize job-related injuries and illnesses through implementation of the Health & Safety Plan in areas of operation.
To accept responsibility for the Health & Safety Plan.
To observe employees’ work practices and take immediate action whether to reinforce safe behavior or correct unsafe behavior or work conditions.
To include discussions and training on safety-related issues on topics on a regular basis during staff meetings.
To ensure procedures are in place to investigate and report in a timely manner accidents and incidents in the assigned work areas.
Employees
To account for personal safety to the maximum extent possible.
To attend and participate in training and discussions concerning safety-related issues and concerns.
To report to supervisor or manager any safety hazard that cannot be immediately corrected.
To report to work in the physical condition that allows safe accomplishment of the job.
To attempt to correct, if possible, any observed condition or practice that has caused, or has the potential to cause, an injury or damage to property. The circumstances and as much fact as possible should be reported to the supervisor immediately.
To seek training opportunities regarding safe work practices and safe operating procedures.