SCOPE: FACULTY AND STAFF

Issued: 4/1/00

Revised: 5/01/02

1. Policy: The goal of Lamar University's Safety Policy is to heighten awareness and develop positive attitudes regarding accident prevention for all employees of our University. All management personnel 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 management personnel 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 expected to familiarize themselves with and comply with the Lamar University Comprehensive Safety Plan, and all safety instructions and manuals applicable to their specific work assignments.

2. Procedures:

2.1 Authority for implementation: The responsibility for the administration of the University's Safety Program is assigned to the Director of Risk Management.

2.1.1 The Risk Management Department is responsible for detecting unsafe conditions and unsafe acts.

2.1.2 The Risk Management Department performs inspections and reviews inspection reports from all areas periodically to ensure the safety of the University’s work environment.

2.1.3 The Director is empowered to stop work functions whenever imminent danger, resulting in injury, is noted.

2.1.4 All discrepancies noted or detected by Risk Management personnel will be addressed either by recommendation that a work order be initiated or by the responsible supervisor.

3. Health and Safety Committee: Lamar University will continue to appoint a University Health and Safety Committee. The Committee is charged with making recommendations to accomplish the following objectives.

3.1 Develop and maintain the awareness of directors, superintendents, middle management and front-line supervisors and keep them informed on safety matters;

3.2 Stimulate and maintain employee interest in safety issues and show them that their cooperation is needed in order to minimize accidents;

3.3 Make safety activities a function of the University’s everyday operation and an integral part of operating procedures and methods;

3.4 Provide formal opportunities for free discussion of occupational hazards or potential problems and preventive measures;

3.5 Help operating managers evaluate safety suggestions, and

3.6 Maintain the full support of management so that it may perform its purpose efficiently.

The minutes of the Safety Committee meetings will be posted on the Lamar University website. These postings will not include medical information for identifiable or potentially identifiable employees, students or members of the general public. The Committee reports to the Vice President of Finance and Operations. Documentation will be maintained on file in support of our Accident Prevention Program. In the interest of employee safety and accident prevention, total participation and continued cooperation of all employees is essential.