Safety Training for Supervisors
Office of Safety and Risk Management
As managers we sometimes forget that we
can get into substantial trouble for not
doing something. We spend so much
energy focused on what we are doing that
we overlook the consequences of what
we’re not doing. Unfortunately, those
consequences can be serious…
Example
Suppose you send an untrained employee
to make a minor repair, and he or she
electrocutes themselves.
Or say an employee threatens a co-worker,
but you decide you will deal with it when
you “have time.”
How will you explain yourself if the
employee makes good on their threat
before you “found the time” to deal with it?
Consequences
This situation is an example of negligent
supervision:
– the failure to meet accepted standards of care,
resulting in harm to employees or the public.
The law recognizes that supervision is
serious business – lives may be at stake.
Consequences
Consequently, you can be held liable for
damage that occurs because of negligent
supervision. If you are held liable, the
penalties can be substantial. But they are
nothing compared to living with the
knowledge that you could have prevented a
tragedy.
Understand the risks. Be vigilant. Take action.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Policy #44 Safe and Healthful Working Conditions
It is the policy of Western Carolina University to
provide safe and healthful working conditions for its
employees. The University Safety and Health
Program is intended to:
– serve that policy objective
– achieve compliance with statutory mandates which impose
standards related to occupational safety and environmental
health.
Policy #44
The program’s effectiveness depends
upon the awareness and active
participation of all employees on campus:
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Faculty members
Staff employees
Administrators
Student employees
Policy #44
The workplace cannot always be risk free. However,
through work planning and management, the safety
hazards associated with jobs can usually be
identified, and safety measures can be applied to
eliminate those that are controllable.
It is a basic responsibility of unit supervisors to know the
safety and health procedures that are required:
– instruct their employees
– provide equipment to do the job safely
– monitor compliance
Employees have an obligation to follow safety
procedures and to use safety equipment.
Policy #44
The University Safety and Health Program
Manual contains:
– Organizational structure
– Policies
– Procedures
Deans, directors, and department heads should familiarize
themselves with this manual and work closely with the campus
Safety and Risk Management Office on specific safety and health
matters to ensure that compliance is achieved and maintained.
Initially approved May 1, 1991
Administering Office: Safety and Risk Management (Facilities Management)
SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
TRAINING FOR SUPERVISORS
This program briefly
summarizes the contents of
the Safety and Health Program
Manual (SHM). When
applicable, the sections of the
*SHM is referenced in the
bottom left corner. The SHM
will provide a more detailed
explanation.
Where to find them…
SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT
http://www.wcu.edu/11808.asp
PHONE NUMBER: 227-7443
Facilities Management Building
3476 Old Cullowhee Road
Cullowhee NC, 28723
The Safety and Risk Management office is responsible for
assessing the risk exposures associated with university
facilities and establishing programs to control the risk of
accidents, fires, environmental, health exposures, financial
losses, and comply with safety and environmental regulations.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES
• Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA)
• Environmental Protection Procedures
(EPA)
• Safety Procedures / Policies
• Building Fire Safety
• Risk Management
• Insurance Administration
• Workers Compensation
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
• Know the University Safety & Health Procedures
that apply to your work unit.
• Make sure proper equipment is available for tasks.
• Train workers in applicable safety procedures.
• Enforce safety rules.
• Report & Investigate Complaints and Accidents.
• Know the safety risks of processes within your
responsibility.
• The Safety and Health Program is the
responsibility of each employee, supervisor, and
administrator.
*SHM 01 and 02
EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
• Place safety and health requirements as the first
importance of your work duties.
• Follow safety rules as instructed by the
supervisor.
• Report a violation or deficiency in safe and
healthful working conditions, and for
recommending corrective measures, if possible.
• Report all injuries and accidents to the
immediate supervisor.
*SHM 01 and 02
Safety should fall under the
category/expectation of Judgment on the
Employee Performance Evaluation.
Use this category to cover
Safety Performance
EMPLOYEE REPORTING OF SAFETY CONCERNS
• Employees are encouraged to seek resolution of hazardous
conditions through the Safety and Risk Management Office.
• Employees have the right to request an inspection from N.C.
Department of Labor (OSHA) by giving notice to them of a
violation of a safety or health standard that threatens
physical harm or constitutes immediate danger.
• Employees may request confidentiality and are protected by
law from retaliation.
• The Safety Office will give notice of findings to the employee
and department.
• Examples of Concerns:
• Unsafe Work Practices
• Environmental Hazards
• Unsafe Conditions or Equipment
• Fire Hazards
*SHM 03
REPORTING ACCIDENTS
• Report accidents to Safety and Risk Management as soon as
possible.
• Report suspected occupational illness whenever you are
informed by physician report or employee.
• Report close calls even if there is no injury or damage.
• Safety Office will follow up with an investigation.
• Report time lost from work because of an accident or illness
or unexplained absences from work.
• Immediate supervisor of the employee are responsible for
determining the cause of the accident and forwarding the
Employee Statement form to the Safety Office.
• Supervisors in charge of daily work activities are expected to
know what happened, why it happened, and how it
happened.
• Do not discuss fault or promise to pay for expenses.
*SHM 04 and 05
You are an “agent” of the University,
so “Official Notification” takes place
whenever You are told about an
accident or unsafe condition.
SAFETY INSPECTIONS
• The Safety and Risk Management Office conducts an
annual internal inspection.
• Any employee who has a direct personal involvement has the
right to accompany the inspector.
• The Department of Insurance conducts an annual fire
safety inspection.
• OSHA / EPA will also conduct an inspection as the result
of a serious accident or may conduct a routine
inspection.
Reports of discrepancies are forwarded to the building
coordinator or responsible department.
*SHM 06
PURCHASING SAFETY RELATED
EQUIPMENT AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
• To assure proper safety, features
are included in equipment and for
hazardous materials.
• Coordinate with the Safety Office
when purchasing certain items.
Example Purchase of:
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*SHM 08
Safety Equipment
Acutely Hazardous Chemicals
Shop Machinery
Construction-type Equipment
A complete list is in the SHM
procedure #8
EMPLOYEE SAFETY TRAINING
• New employees must be instructed in safety procedures and
concerns that apply to their jobs.
Examples:
- Emergency procedures
- Chemical hygiene and hazards
- Ergonomics
• Human Resource’s Orientation does not cover specific job
safety training.
• A few subjects also require annual refresher training
- Example: Bloodborne Pathogens
• Document training and keep records.
• The Safety Office provides training support if needed.
*SHM 09
FIRE SAFETY
• No aisle, exit access, or stairway in any place of occupancy
shall be obstructed with tables, show cases, or other
obstructions so as to reduce its require width as an exit.
• Storage of materials on stairs, landings, or under stairs is
strictly forbidden.
• Do not prop open stairwell doors.
• Contact Safety and Risk Management for approval of extra
portable seating in classrooms and assemblies.
• Departmental sponsors of large public assemblies (more than
100 persons) are responsible for emergency planning and
supervision of the event.
• Contact Safety & Risk Management for ceremonies using
open flame or pyrotechnics.
*SHM 11 and 13
FIRE SAFETY (continued)
• Maintain good housekeeping.
• Do not use Mechanical Rooms or
hallways for storage.
• Coordinate the use of live
Christmas trees with Safety and
Risk Management.
• Unplug or turn off all appliances at
the end of the day.
• Do not use excessive extension
cords as permanent wiring.
• Space heaters are prohibited.
• Use of volatile chemicals require
special handling and storage
procedures.
*SHM 11 and 14
ERGONOMICS
• Plan job duties to minimize repetitive body motion.
• Arrange storage and furniture to avoid excessive
lifting and carrying.
• Ergonomics of extended computer use:
– Frequent breaks to stretch
– Wrist/Arms at 90º and supported
– Back Support and feet on the floor
– Reduce screen glare
– Keep screen 18” from eyes and directly in front of you
• Diversify jobs to minimize repetition and vibration.
• Report complaints of Musculoskeletal Pain.
*SHM 20
SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR EMPLOYEES
• Eye protection is required in jobs with exposure
to flying objects, chemical splash, welding etc.
• Prescription safety glasses for frequent users,
goggles over glasses for occasional users.
• Face shields do not meet eye protection
standards and are only for face protection.
• Safety shoes for:
– occupations that lift and carry items greater than 15 lbs
– construction jobs
• Respiratory protection for jobs with a possible
inhalation hazard:
– Medical evaluation required
– Fit test required
– Training required
*SHM 21 thru 23
CHEMICAL USE
• Maintain labels and material Safety Data
Sheets for all substances.
• Know the basic hazards.
• Know safe handling practices.
• Instruct employees in hazards.
• Provide protective equipment (gloves,
eyewear, etc.).
• Maintain adequate ventilation.
Do not use a material if you are not
absolutely sure of what it is!
*SHM 24 thru 25
REGULATED HAZARDOUS WASTE
Chemicals (solid or liquid) that are:
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Ignitable
Corrosive
Reactive
Toxic
These Chemicals should not be poured down a
drain or placed in ordinary trash. They should be
collected by Safety and Risk Management.
If in doubt call the Safety and Risk
Management Office.
*SHM 26
EXAMPLES:
• Oil Base Paint
• Wood Finisher
and Paint Thinner
• Glue (Commercial
Quantity)
• Inks
• Concentrated
Cleaners in Bulk
• Pesticides
*SHM 26
TOXIC “LEACHERS”
• Some common items which are not ordinarily
thought of as harmful when handled are hazardous
waste because they leach small quantities of toxic
materials over time in a landfill.
Examples:
– Batteries
– Circuit Boards
– Thermostats
– Scrap Metals
– TV’s and Electronics
These items require special handling and should be
recycled.
*SHM 26
ASBESTOS
• Asbestos is a mineral based composed of small
thin fibers.
• Common mineral found in rocks.
• Is a proven human carcinogen.
• Very durable, heat, water, and chemical resistive
• Common in floor tile and pipe insulation found in
older structures.
– Buildings built before 1980 (List in the SHM)
– Only hazardous if disturbed
Report suspected hazards and leave it alone
until it is evaluated!
*SHM 27
SHOP SAFETY
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Maintain Machine Guards
Provide First Aid Kits
Provide Eye Protection
Electrical Safety
Ventilate Excessive Dust
Coatings can be a Health Hazard
Keep Gas Cylinders Secure
Dust Control
Flammable coatings, adhesives,
and paints
• Tool Safety
*SHM 28
EMERGENCY PLANS
Emergency #911 or Campus ext. 8-911
• Provide name, location, and nature of emergency.
• Pull fire alarm to alert building of a emergency (if needed).
• Secure appliances, close door.
• Use stairs never elevators
• Help people with disabilities.
• When fire alarm signals are activated occupants are to
evacuate the building until instructed to re-enter.
• Person(s) knowledgeable in the area where the emergency
occurs should meet the responding emergency personnel.
• Once outside the building, report to designated locations in
accordance with department plans.
Workers Compensation
• WCU is self-insured for all Worker’s Compensation costs. This means
WCU is responsible for paying for the medical costs, and in some cases
weekly benefits associated with each work-related injury.
• A third party administrator (TPA) contracted by the State of North
Carolina, handles the individual worker’s compensation cases for the
University System. The current TPA is Corvel Corporation located in
Charlotte, NC.
• The TPA is responsible for accepting or denying liability for the State and
is responsible for the management of and processing of claims.
• All WCU employees are covered under the State Worker’s Compensation
program, including full-time faculty, staff, senior administrative officers,
part-time employees, student employees, and temporary employees.
*SHM 05
Worker’s Compensation Benefit Overview
• The program provides two thirds (2/3) of wages as long as unable to
work, first seven (7) days sick/vacation leave, can supplement workers
compensation with two (2) hours sick/vacation leave a week.
• Continue to accumulate sick/vacation leave while on Worker’s
Compensation leave.
• Health Insurance coverage under the State’s Health Insurance program
continues.
• No retirement service credits while on Worker’s Compensation leave.
Employee can purchase credits for the period missed.
• Pays medical cost and disability benefits for work related injuries,
Occupational Illnesses.
• The treating physician must be approved through Corvel.
Workers Compensation (continued)
Supervisor Responsibilities:
• Report all work related injuries to the Safety Office as soon as you’re
notified by the employee.
• Refer employee to University Health Center for initial treatment of nonlife threatening injuries. If University Health Center is closed, refer
employee to MedWest Urgent Care (Next to Walmart in Sylva). Call
911 for life threatening employee injuries.
• Notify the Safety Office immediately if the employee begins missing
time from work. Forward all work notes to the Safety Office.
• Have employee and supervisor statement forms completed and returned
to Safety Office in a timely manner.
• Assist the Safety Office with identifying modified duty work for
employees who are able to return to work with restrictions.
• After return to work, ensure time taken for approved medical treatment
and rehabilitation is not charged to leave.
*SHM 26
Worker’s Compensation Contact
Jamie Hilton
Safety & Risk Management
227-7443
Email: JLHILTON@email.wcu.edu
*Contact for initial injury reports, or questions regarding
Worker’s Compensation.
FIRE INSURANCE
• All buildings and contents
have fire, lighting and
extended coverage
(windstorm and hail)
coverage.
• “All Risk” and other special
coverage can be purchased
for special conditions or
highly valuable contents.
This will cover everything
including theft with a $5,000
deductible.
• All Risk insurance requires a
list of property covered. The
cost of all risk is charged to
the department.
VEHICLE INSURANCE
• Vehicle liability insurance is
provided for all State owned
vehicles through Travelers
Insurance.
• The amount is $1,000,000 per
claim, $10,000,000 aggregate.
• Travelers also provides
comprehensive and collision.
This is optional at the
Department’s expense.
• All department owned vehicles
including carts will be covered
with the policy.
• Safety Office must be notified
to add coverage for any
vehicle or cart.
VEHICLE INSURANCE continued
• The accountable officer decides who is authorized
to drive department vehicles, which is generally
any State employee with a valid drivers license.
• Those who drive 15 passenger vans are required
to attend Van Driver Safety training. Contact
Safety and Risk Management Office to schedule
training.
• Short term (<30 days) leased vehicles are covered
by the leasing company’s insurance. Collision
damage coverage is provided by the State policy.
• Traveling Abroad? - Call Safety and Risk
Management Office for information.
OTHER INSURANCE PROGRAMS
• Health and accident insurance for individuals
participating in summer camps
• Health and accident insurance for students who
study abroad
• Excess liability to protect state employees while
performing their jobs
• Loaned artwork and exhibits insurance
• Liability for student interns
• Outfitters and guides liability for fieldtrips
• Athletic Accident Insurance
Congratulations! You have reached the
end of this presentation.
Should you have any additional questions
regarding the information presented here,
please call the Office of Safety and Risk
Management at 227-7443.