SECTION:  GENERAL INDEX: A-6

SUBJECT:  CAMPUS SAFETY POLICY

POLICY

This document establishes a campus safety policy with the primary goal of creating, promoting and maintaining a safe, secure and healthful work and learning environment for students, employees and visitors.  In furtherance of these objectives,

• The university will comply with all applicable safety, health and environmental regulations, including System Administrative Policy 01.C.07, Safety Administration;
• No employment or research objective will be pursued at the expense of safety;
• An on-line Campus Safety Manual shall be available for use as a resource for all employees and students;
• Each employee and student bears some responsibility for their individual safety and are asked to promptly report any existing or potential safety hazards, security issues, suspicious behavior or criminal activity;
• A standing Safety & Risk Advisory Committee shall meet quarterly, distributing minutes of proceedings and addressing safety and risk-related issues affecting UHV, UHS at Sugar Land and UHS at Cinco Ranch.  Membership shall include student and employees representing a cross-section of management and operations;
• Safety training will be a functional part of this program and employees will be actively encouraged to participate;
• The campus Safety and Risk Manager is responsible for the implementation of this policy.

Procedures

Specific Responsibilities

Campus Safety and Risk Manager Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for implementation of the Campus Safety policy.  Sets goal, objectives and strategies to determine the effectiveness of the program;
• Works with the University of Houston Department of Public Safety (UHDPS) and local civil authorities to promote a safe and secure environment;
• Develops and maintains an occupational and physical safety plan;
• Monitors federal and state rules and regulations for compliance with safety standards;
• Provides a general safety brochure including references to this policy to each student and employee annually by October 1^st and to each new employee during orientation.  This brochure may be distributed electronically. (e.g. Clery Act Campus Crime and Security Report);
• Maintains the on-line Campus Safety Manual, reviewing annually;
• Prepares and submits reports as required by federal and state agencies and System policy. (e.g. Incident Reports of campus accidents and injuries, Annual Trend Analysis reports, Clery Act Annual Campus Crime Report, Tier 2 Hazardous Chemical Inventory Report, annual SORM 200 Report, Campus Physical Vulnerability Report (as required), Biennial Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Program review and report (biennially, even numbered years). Reports to be reviewed by the Vice President of Administration and Finance and the Director of Business Services as appropriate.
• Develops and coordinates annual safety training as a functional part of the safety program, with a minimum of six training sessions annually on various topics related to the program;
• Conducts an annual inspection of all facilities and grounds owned or managed by the University including UHS at Sugar Land and UHS at Cinco Ranch; Monitors required tests/inspections of fire and smoke alarm and detection systems, sprinkler systems, emergency generators, exit lights, fire pumps, elevators, boilers and fire extinguishers to insure they are conducted by the responsible department and any deficiencies corrected.
• Meets with department heads, principal investigators and/or administrators to help ensure timely follow and correction of safety/security hazards by responsible party;
• Provides for the maintenance of a Campus Security and Incident Log meeting Federal requirements;
• Assists in coordinating efforts during emergencies with local fire departments, police and other emergency teams (e.g. FEMA) and UHS officials. Serves as a member of the university Emergency Response Team (ERT), the Institutional Compliance committee and the Victoria County Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC);
• Provides direction for the review and updating of Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) directories annually by September 1st. Maintains primary online MSDS links within the Campus Safety Manual. Coordinates manual hard copy backup and ensures backup system meets OSHA requirements.  Arranges MSDS training as required; and
• Serves as the standing Chair of the Safety and Risk Advisory Committee.

Administration and Supervisory Employee Responsibilities

• Actively support and reinforcement of  the campus safety policy within the department and office work unit;
• Communicate periodically the importance of safe work practices and habits to departmental employees;
• Ensures compliance with safety inspection audit findings and recommendations in a timely manner.  Immediate compliance when life or property is endangered;
• Encourage departmental employees to report unsafe situations immediately;
• Encourage departmental employees, faculty and staff,  to participate in two safety related training sessions each academic year;
• Allow departmental employees time to attend quarterly safety meetings if they have an interest to do so; 
• Provide departmental employees with the proper tools, safety equipment, personal protective equipment, office furnishings or other devices to accomplish work in a safe and healthful manner;
• Regularly include Safety Topic agenda items in all staff and faculty meetings (e.g. evacuation, fire safety, reporting unsafe conditions, short films on various topics or other subject within the Campus Safety Manual.)

Director of Business Services Responsibilities

• Serves as the alternate Campus Safety and Risk Manager;
• Collaborates with the Safety and Risk Manager in the development and implementation of the campus safety program providing assistance and support as required.

Faculty and Staff Employee Responsibilities

·     Assume primary responsibility for own personal safety;

• Report safety concerns and potential hazards promptly either by work order or directly to the Campus Safety and Risk Manager;
• Follow directions of supervisors, practice the principles taught in safety training and observe policies and procedures;
• Attend at least two safety related training sessions each fiscal year. (More may be required depending on individual position duties);
• Stay informed by reviewing the monthly campus incident reports and quarterly Safety & Risk Advisory Committee minutes;
• Attend and/or participate in quarterly Safety & Risk Advisory Committee meetings and discuss any safety issues or suggestions with the Campus Safety and Risk Advisory Committee.
• Become familiar with the Campus Safety Manual, using it as a general campus safety resource;

The Student’s Responsibilities

·     Assume primary responsibility for own personal safety;

• Report safety concerns or potential hazards promptly to either the instructor or directly to the Campus Safety and Risk Manager;
• If participating in laboratory activities, receive the appropriate lab safety training prior to lab participation and use appropriate required personal protective equipment and safety instruments and tools;
• Check university assigned student e-mail accounts at least once weekly to stay informed of security and safety incidents that may be affecting the university community;
• Attend or request safety related training that you believe is needed;
• Attend and/or participate in quarterly Safety & Risk Advisory Committee meetings and discuss any safety issues or suggestions with the Campus Safety and Risk Advisory Committee.

Approved by: 

Signature obtained             03/23/07
Tim Hudson. Ph.D.            Date