WSU Tri-Cities has a number of established programs intended to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses by controlling exposure to hazards. Development of complete health & safety programs requires the combined efforts of each department, Environmental Health & Safety, and all employees.
The WSU Safety Policies and Procedures Manual provides a reference for all departments and employees.
INDIVIDUAL’S ROLE
Each employee must be aware of their surroundings, their responsibilities, and the hazards of their workplace, and each employee has the right to training to ensure that they are familiar with hazards they may encounter in the workplace. All employees have the right to refuse to perform tasks that are unsafe, or which they have not been adequately trained or equipped to perform. If an employee is aware of a hazard, or observes unsafe conditions, they must report it to their supervisor or EHS immediately. Concerns or hazards can be reported to EHS at 372-7163, ehs@tricity.wsu.edu, or online through the Safety Concern Report Form.
DEPARTMENTS’ ROLE
Each department must develop and implement an Accident Prevention Program, which acts as the “umbrella” plan, describing procedures which apply to all employees within the department and identifying additional Work Specific Safety and Health Programs which might be necessary based on the activities performed by employees within the department. Departments must provide training to each employee regarding the elements of these plans, the hazards to which each employee may be exposed, and measures that must be taken to protect employees from those hazards.
SAFETY COMMITTEE’S ROLE
Safety Committees are composed of employee representatives, and provide a forum for communicating and evaluating employee safety concerns. Each Safety Committee promotes and supports their department’s safety and health programs, coordinates annual department inspections, discusses solutions to campus safety concerns, and makes recommendations to administration regarding serious safety issues when necessary.
WSU Tri-Cities has adopted a three-tiered system of Safety Committees. More detailed information on their functions can be found on the Safety Committee page.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY’S ROLE
EHS’s primary role is to assist departments, employees, and the safety committee in development and implementation of safety & health programs, promoting and supports the University’s overall safety and health program.
