Template for Departments Injury and Illness Preven Essay Example
Template for Departments Injury and Illness Preven Essay Example

Template for Departments Injury and Illness Preven Essay Example

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  • Pages: 10 (2618 words)
  • Published: August 3, 2018
  • Type: Case Study
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This template, obtained from the Office of Environment, Health & Safety at the University of California, Berkeley (http://ehs.berkeley.edu/), is available for use by UC Berkeley departments to create a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that fulfills state law mandates. Each department must have its own IIPP to ensure workplace safety and health for employees. To utilize this template, substitute any italicized text with your department's specific information. Submit a copy to EH at 317 University Hall #1150 or email it as an attachment to [email protected] for legal review purposes. Proper implementation is crucial for realizing the benefits of an IIPP.

I. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

The University of California, Berkeley strives to establish a secure work environment for all employees, including students and contract workers while adhering to occupational health and safety regulations. The purpose of the (Department Name) Injury and Illness Preventi

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on Program (IIPP) is to identify and address workplace hazards within the department while satisfying formal, written IIPP requirements. The primary authority and responsibility for implementing the IIPP in the department rest with (Department Head's title and name).The responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of the department's faculty, staff, and students is held by the (Department Name) Safety Committee. The Berkeley campus places importance on health and safety, which includes analyzing work procedures, conducting workplace inspections, providing training, and promoting employee reporting of concerns without fear of retaliation. This committee is responsible for maintaining and updating the IIPP (Injury and Illness Prevention Program). It assesses departmental compliance, evaluates reports of unsafe conditions, and coordinates corrective actions as necessary. Representatives from all major subunits within the department regularly meet with the committee. Each employe

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has a designated representative on the committee. The membership on this periodically alternated committee is currently led by a chairperson whose list can be found below. If there are unsafe conditions that cannot be immediately addressed, employees or their supervisors should fill out an "Report of Unsafe Condition or Hazard" form (IIPP Form 1) and submit it to either the Department Safety Coordinator or any member of the Safety Committee.The Safety Committee oversees the timely correction of workplace hazards by assessing reports on unsafe conditions, conducting workplace inspections, and reviewing injury reports. They have various responsibilities such as examining inspection results, identifying necessary safety procedures or programs, tracking corrective actions, and evaluating accident investigations conducted by supervisors to ensure all causes have been addressed and corrected. If hazardous conditions are brought to their attention, they determine appropriate corrective actions, assign responsible parties, and set deadlines for correction. In some cases, the committee may also conduct their own investigations. Furthermore, they provide recommendations to department management for evaluating employee safety suggestions. To maintain transparency, minutes of committee meetings are prepared and posted in a prominent location using IIPP Form 2 or a similar form. These minutes must be retained for at least one year. Additionally, if needed to address hazards, the Safety Committee has the authority to request assistance from other departments such as the Office of Environment Health & Safety. The university provides specific resources for different safety concerns. For campus health and safety issues, individuals can approach the EH department while ergonomic and workers' compensation matters are handled by University Health Services (UHS).Any personal security concerns should be reported to the University of California

Police Department (UCPD). Additionally, radiation and laser beam issues can be brought up with the Office of Radiation Safety (ORS) in Section X. To ensure that all accidents and hazards are taken into account during discussions and decision-making in meetings, the Department Safety Coordinator informs the Safety Committee about any incidents or hazardous situations that have occurred since their last meeting. The Safety Coordinator collaborates with the Building Coordinator to address safety concerns related to facilities, coordinate necessary health and safety training, act as a liaison with EH&S and other campus safety resources, and maintain safety records. When needed, assistance from other department members may be sought by the Safety Coordinator. The implementation of the department's IIPP is crucial and falls on supervisors such as Management Services Officers, Senior Research Associates, Department Chairs, Principal Investigators, and others. Effective communication regarding health and safety to staff and students is emphasized in this text. Regular inspections of workspaces should be conducted by those in authority to promptly address hazards and set an example by practicing safe work practices. They should also provide safety training, ensure availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and take proactive measures to control workplace hazards.The safety of employees is a top priority at Berkeley campus. It is essential that all faculty and staff comply with health and safety regulations, policies, and work practices. Employees should be familiar with signs, posters, warning signals, directions, and the building emergency plan to ensure their well-being. They must also educate themselves about potential hazards related to their tasks and work areas. Participation in health and safety training is mandatory for all employees.

To maintain a safe working environment,

it is crucial to follow safe operating procedures, take necessary precautions, and use appropriate personal protective equipment. It is encouraged for employees to inform their coworkers about defective equipment or other hazards they may encounter.

Employees are urged to promptly report unsafe conditions to their supervisor, especially if there is an immediate hazard present. Workplace safety inspections are expected throughout the department with active participation from all employees. Regular inspections must be conducted to identify any workplace hazards.

When adopting the IIPP (Injury and Illness Prevention Program), as required by law, the first inspection should take place in the department. These inspections need to be documented on IIPP Form 3 or similar paperwork which should be kept by the department for at least one year.In addition, if new substances, processes, procedures, or equipment that present new safety risks are introduced at the workplace or if supervisors become aware of hazards that were not previously recognized, additional inspections should be conducted. Supervisors are responsible for identifying and addressing hazards faced by their staff and students. They should conduct annual inspections of the work areas they oversee to ensure safety. During these visits, supervisors should also check for safe work practices and provide verbal feedback if they observe any hazards. If an issue is discovered during an inspection that the supervisor cannot immediately resolve, they should complete "Report of Unsafe Condition" Form 1 and submit it to the Safety Committee. This form can be filled out anonymously and turned in at a convenient location. It is the duty of supervisors to effectively communicate safety and health concerns to all workers in a manner that is easily understood. Department personnel

are encouraged to share any safety concerns with their supervisor without fear of repercussions. The Safety Committee serves as another communication channel for department employees regarding health and safety matters. Each employee has a representative on the committee who keeps them informed about hazard corrections and committee activities.
Safety-related information is easily accessible to employees in a high traffic area. Employees are notified about safety matters through various means such as email, voicemail, written memoranda, or articles in the internal department newsletter if applicable. The Safety Committee sometimes arranges seminars or invites speakers to further communicate health and safety issues. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees can access relevant hazard information related to their work assignments.

There are multiple sources available for obtaining information on health and safety hazards associated with tasks performed by department staff. These sources include Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), equipment operating manuals, the Department Safety Coordinator, EH, campus libraries, container labels, and work area postings.

MSDSs contain information about potential hazards of products or chemicals and can be obtained physically from a convenient location within the department or through a written request to the manufacturer. They can also be accessed online from the EH website. EH provides additional guidance on using MSDSs and offers videos and training on reading and understanding the information provided on an MSDS.

Equipment should be operated according to the instructions specified in the manufacturer's operating manual.It is important to keep copies of operating manuals with each piece of equipment and ensure that individuals who are unfamiliar with the equipment read them before use. Receiving training from an experienced operator or supervisor is also advisable. The supervisor responsible for

the work area or the department's supervisor should address any hazards found during inspections or regular operations, promptly correcting unsafe conditions based on the severity of the hazard. Specific procedures for correcting hazards include tagging equipment as "Do Not Use Until Repaired" and providing alternative options for employees until it is fixed. Before resuming work, it is crucial to stop unsafe practices and provide retraining on proper procedures, while emphasizing the importance of wearing personal protective equipment and ensuring its availability. Areas with chemical spills or other hazards must be barricaded, with supervisors or Building Coordinators informed. Utilizing the "Hazard Correction Report" (IIPP Form 4) is recommended for documenting corrective actions, including projected and actual completion dates. If assistance is needed, supervisors can request help from the Safety Committee by submitting a "Report of Unsafe Condition." Immediate contact should be made with resources such as EH;S, PP-CS, or UCPD if additional resources are required. In case of an imminent hazard, work in that area should immediately stop and notify the appropriate supervisor.If immediate action cannot be taken to fix a hazard, all personnel, except those who are qualified and necessary for handling the situation, must leave the area. These qualified individuals will receive appropriate safeguards before addressing the issue. In case of work-related injuries, employees must promptly inform their supervisor. Non-employee students who sustain injuries or are involved in accidents should report it to their instructor. If immediate medical treatment beyond basic first aid is needed, dial 9-911. The injured person will be transported to the appropriate hospital or medical center. For non-emergency medical treatment of work-related injuries or illnesses, contact either Tang Center's Occupational

Health Clinic (2-6891) or Urgent Care Clinic (2-3188). The supervisor of the injured employee should collaborate with designated department personnel to ensure that both the "Employer's Report of Occupational Injury or Illness" and a "Workers' Compensation Claim Form" are properly completed and submitted to the Workers' Compensation Office located in Tang Center Suite 2100. If the injured employee has seen a physician, it is important for the supervisor to obtain a medical release form before allowing them to return to work. Before resuming full duties, the healthcare provider may specify certain tasks or work conditions that should be avoided or modified.The supervisor or instructor is responsible for investigating and addressing any incidents that occurIn order to investigate workplace accidents and exposure to hazardous substances, it is necessary to follow specific procedures. These procedures involve conducting interviews with injured personnel and witnesses, examining the employee's workstation, reviewing records of procedures and training, identifying all factors contributing to the incident, implementing corrective actions, and documenting both findings and actions taken. The supervisor must use the "Occupational Accident, Injury or Illness Investigation Report" (IIPP Form 5) to document their findings and corrective actions for review by the Safety Committee. If determining the cause or appropriate corrective actions proves challenging, additional resources such as the department's Safety Committee, EH, or other campus safety organizations should be consulted. The Safety Committee will thoroughly review each accident or injury report to ensure a comprehensive investigation has been conducted and proper corrective measures have been implemented. Any incomplete investigations or actions will be returned to the supervisor along with recommendations from the committee. If timely implementation of corrective actions does not occur,

the Department Safety Coordinator will inform the department head. Employee health and safety training is provided free of charge during regular working hours. This training can be delivered by a knowledgeable supervisor, other department staff members, or representatives from relevant campus departments.Regardless of the trainer, it is important to document all training using the "Safety Training Attendance Record" (IIPP Form 6) or a similar record. This documentation should be kept by the department for at least one year. During the initial stages of implementing the IIPP, all department personnel will receive training on its structure, individual responsibilities, and how to access program materials. They will also learn about reporting unsafe conditions, accessing the Safety Committee, and obtaining information on workplace safety issues. New hires will receive orientation on these topics as soon as possible from either the Safety Coordinator or their supervisor.

The department must keep a record of these individual training sessions using IIPP Form 7, "New Employee Safety Training Record," or an equivalent document. This record should be maintained for at least one year. Supervisors have the responsibility to ensure that their personnel receive appropriate training on specific hazards related to their work and necessary precautions for protection.

Supervisors themselves need to undergo training regarding specific hazards in order to understand and enforce protective measures for employees. This training is crucial not only for new employees but also when new hazards are introduced in the workplace such as equipment, materials, or procedures.Health and Safety training is required in two situations: when employees are given new tasks without prior training, or when a supervisor identifies a new hazard. The training is customized for each department and

covers topics such as fire prevention, using fire extinguishers, emergency medical assistance, first aid, disaster preparedness and response (including building evacuation procedures), computer user health and safety, proper lifting techniques and back care, hazard communication (including MSDSs - Material Safety Data Sheets - chemical hazards, and container labeling), proper housekeeping practices, and reporting chemical spills.

In addition to this mandatory training program, EH also provides a personalized training program that includes workplace safety videos. These videos can be borrowed by individuals who want more information on maintaining a safe working environment. The EH website at http://ehs.berkeley.edu offers various videos covering topics like hazard communication, chemical safety, and physical hazards. Detailed descriptions of these videos can be found under the "Videos" section of the "Publications" heading.

While videos can be a valuable supplement to safety training, they should not replace face-to-face instruction. Trainees may have questions that require the guidance of an experienced instructor. It is the responsibility of all department personnel to adhere to safe work practices which include following regulations, policies, and procedures.Performance evaluations should assess overall adherence to maintaining a safe work environment. If employees engage in unsafe actions that lead to work-related injuries, it will impact their performance evaluations. Failure to comply with regulations, policies, and procedures may result in disciplinary measures outlined in relevant personnel policy or labor contracts. Faculty members engaging in unsafe practices will face disciplinary action according to the Faculty Code of Conduct, while non-University students exhibiting unsafe behavior will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct. All personnel will receive instructions on how to correct unsafe behavior and will have an opportunity to do so. Failing or

intentionally refusing to comply may lead to disciplinary measures, including termination.

The IIPP documents are securely stored for easy access. Department-related documents related to the IIPP must be retained for at least one year as required by law. These records include workplace inspection records, employee safety training records, and other documents pertaining to the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), such as reports on unsafe conditions or hazards, documentation of safety committee meetings, reports on hazard corrections, and accident or injury investigations.

Additionally, there are programs and service organizations on campus dedicated solely to ensuring a safe work environment for the campus community.Please consult the Campus Telephone Directory for up-to-date telephone numbers.

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