University of Washington Administrative Policy Statements
Rev/Oct 1998
10.3.2
Table of Contents
Occupational Safety and Health Programs: General
Requirements for WISHA Compliance
(Approved by the President by authority of Executive Order No. 1)
2. Compliance Responsibility
a. Management
WISHA requires that management establish, supervise,
and effectively enforce the following practices:
A safe and healthful working environment.
An accident prevention program as required by the standard.
Training programs to improve the skill and competency
of all employees in the field of occupational safety and
health.
Accident investigation procedures for accidents that cause
serious injuries and have immediate symptoms.
Procedures for reporting fatalities or multiple hospitalization
accidents to L&I within 24 hours.
A system for maintaining and recording employee injury/illness
experience.
Posting of required employee job safety and health notices.
For the purposes of compliance with WISHA standards
and to provide a safe and healthful working environment for employees,
the University has assigned responsibility for occupational health
and safety as follows:
1)
Vice Presidents
and Deans—These individuals are responsible
for directing all units within their respective areas
to establish and administer occupational safety and
health programs. Assistance in the grouping of work
areas into organizational units for the purpose of
establishing safety programs is provided by the Environmental
Health and Safety Department (EH&S).
2)
Deans,
Directors, Chairs, and Supervisors—Each
of these individuals is responsible for safety
performance in their respective units (as referenced
in the University
Handbook,
Volume 4, Part VI, Chapter 4).
3)
Department
Heads—These individuals are advised to designate
one person, plus an alternate, to act as a department
coordinator for health and safety. This individual
is to be responsible for implementing department safety
and health programs and for acting as liaison between
the department and EH&S.
4)
Assistant
Vice President for Facilities Services—Under
the authority of the Executive Vice President, this
individual is responsible for ensuring that structures,
associated utilities, and grounds meet applicable
standards.
b. Employees
University safety policy states that faculty and staff
are responsible for using required safety equipment, for following
safe work practices, and for the safety of other employees
and students under their supervision.
WISHA standards require that employees:
Coordinate and cooperate with all other employees in an
attempt to eliminate accidents.
Study and observe all safe practices governing their work.
Offer safety suggestions which may contribute to a safer
work environment.
Apply the principles of accident prevention in their daily
work and use proper safety devices and protective equipment
as required by their employment or employer.
Properly care for all personal protective equipment.
Promptly report to their immediate supervisor each work-related
injury or illness, regardless of the degree of severity.
c. The Environmental Health and Safety Department
EH&S assists departments in identifying safety hazards,
developing occupational safety and health programs, reporting
fatalities and multiple injuries to L&I, conducting safety
inspections and accident investigations, and correcting conditions
of noncompliance. It also advises employee groups as to their
responsibilities and rights under WISHA. EH&S has been designated
as the University's representative in dealing with L&I on
matters concerning the act. Questions concerning the act or
its implementation should be directed to EH&S, 206–543–7262.
See AdministrativePolicy
Statement 10.1, for a description of EH&S services.
