University of Washington Policy Directory

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*Formerly part of the University Handbook
Administrative Policy Statement
10.3.2

Occupational Safety and Health Programs: General Requirements for WISHA Compliance

(Approved by the Executive Director of Health Sciences Administration 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 Executive Order No. 55).
  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 Administrative Policy Statement 10.1, for a description of EH&S services.