Employee Safety Policy
Revised: November 2014
It is the policy of Houghton College (“the College”) to provide a safe workplace for all
employees. Therefore, the College solicits the cooperation of all employees in utilizing
proper health and safety practices to prevent on-the-job accidents. Use of safety devices
and equipment provided by the College for your protection is required. Hazardous or
unsafe conditions should be reported to the Human Resources Department or to a
member of the Employee Safety Committee (“the Committee”).
The workers’ compensation program of the College conforms with the Workers’
Compensation Laws of New York State. The College has joined together with other New
York colleges and universities to form the New York College and University Risk
Management Group. Since this is a self-insured fund, the College’s cost for worker’s
compensation coverage is directly related to our own accident experience.
The following procedures should be followed in case of an accident or work-related
injury or illness, even if it may seem insignificant at the time:

If the accident is serious and requires immediate medical attention, please call
911.

The College Health Center may also provide medical assistance if required.

All workplace accidents, injuries or work related illnesses will be reported by the
employee and/or their supervisor to the H.R. Office using the form designated by
the H.R. Office. Reports should be made within 24 hours of the accident or such
time the employee becomes aware of an injury or illness. Even if an accident
seems minor, we encourage you to report it in case medical problems develop in
the future.

A thorough investigation of all reported accidents or illnesses will be conducted
by the Employee Safety Director (or designee) within 24 hours of the
accident/injury or as soon as practical thereafter.

An Employee Safety Committee will be established and will have the following
responsibilities:
o Meet as needed to address workplace safety concerns. Committee will be
at the call of the Chair but normally will meet at least twice per year.
o Review any lost time accidents and other worker’s compensation claims as
requested by the Employee Safety Director with the goal of preventing
similar accidents in the future. (Note: due to confidentiality reasons,
names will not be used when reviewing this information).
o Recommend policies/procedures to address safety concerns.
o Receive and address safety concerns from employees
Members of Safety Committee
o
o
o
o
o
Executive Director of H.R. (Employee Safety Director)
H.R. Administrator
Director of Safety and Security (or designee)
Lead Custodian
Director of Facilities
(Note: others may be requested to meet with the committee as resource
people)

Unless otherwise specified, the Executive Director of Human Resources will
serve as the Employee Safety Director and will have the following
responsibilities:
o Serve as liaison to President’s Staff in regards to safety issues
o Ensure that all workers’ compensation claims are thoroughly investigated
to determine root cause.
o Call meetings of Safety Committee
o Ensure recommended policies are referred to appropriate personnel for
approval
o Ensure approved policies are communicated and implemented.
o Serve as primary interface to loss control representatives at Worker’s
Compensation Consultants