THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

I.          Policy Statement

            The University of Connecticut is committed to providing a healthful and safe environment for all activities under the jurisdiction of the University.  Accordingly, the University has developed the following policy statement:

The health and safety of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors shall be a principal consideration in the planning and conduct of all University activities and programs, and in the design, construction, modification, or renovation of all University buildings and facilities.

            This broad policy requires that health and safety standards of federal and state authorities, and the consensus standards of recognized organizations, are met.

II.          Administrative Oversight

The Chief Operating Officer, the Associate Vice President for Public and Environmental Safety, and the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) review and approve health and safety policies for the University on behalf of the President and Board of Trustees.

The Chief Operating Officer and the Associate Vice President for Public and Environmental Safety oversee the implementation of these policies by EH&S.

Each dean/director/department head is charged with maintaining a healthful and safe environment for all departmental personnel.

The Associate Vice President for Public and Environmental Safety requests annual updates to the Emergency Coordinator listing to ensure the timely and effective communication of information to departmental contacts within each building, regarding emergencies, incidents, projects, and other activities that may impact building occupants.

III.         The Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)

The Department of Environmental Health and Safety is charged with implementing all University health and safety policies and procedures* in the Biological, Chemical, Occupational, and Radiation safety fields.  It is responsible for maintaining a comprehensive program that combines the elements of training, consultation, control, and inspection to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff in their University?sanctioned activities.  EH&S' staff of safety professionals measure, evaluate, and respond to hazards to which the University community may be exposed.

The Department's goals are:

1.      To recognize, evaluate, and control health and safety hazards within the University environment, and determine regulatory compliance status;

2.      To control potentially hazardous situations so that only those persons who have been trained and are knowledgeable about the hazards, and appropriate health and safety precautions, are permitted in these areas;

3.      To minimize or eliminate hazards in areas where untrained people must be present;

4.      Through consultation and training, to make individuals aware of any potential hazards, and of the precautions to be taken to protect their health and physical well-being.

IV.        Environmental Health and Safety Committee (EHSC)

The Environmental Health and Safety Committee has a diverse membership appointed by the Associate Vice President for Public and Environmental Safety.  Members represent the Administration, campus unions, and students.  The Committee shall meet quarterly, as mandated by CT General Statute 31-40v, "Establishment of Safety and Health Committees by Certain Employers," to fulfill its functions and responsibilities.  It is charged with:

1.      Recommending to the Administration the establishment of appropriate health and safety committees,   and reviewing their activities to assure effectiveness;

2.      Monitoring the effectiveness of the University's health and safety program by reviewing accident and incident reports, policies, and other health and safety activities, as appropriate;

3.      Advising the Chief Operating Officer, through the Associate Vice President for Public and Environmental Safety, on health and safety matters requiring major risk acceptance in University operations;

4.      Adjudicating any differences that arise between faculty and staff and the staff of EH&S;

5.      Meeting at least quarterly to fulfill the Workers' Compensation Commission requirement for a Safety and Health Committee to promote a safe and healthful environment for the entire campus community;

6.      Apprising the Associate Vice President for Public and Environmental Safety of all Committee issues under discussion.

EHSC Membership

The following departments shall have representatives on the Committee and shall serve a term of three years, which can be renewed for multiple terms: representatives of each collective bargaining unit, Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities Operations, Architectural and Engineering Services, Fire/Emergency Response, and the Graduate Student Senate.  Representatives from other departments shall be appointed as deemed necessary.  The Chair of the Committee shall be a voting member.  Representatives serving in an ex officio capacity shall include Environmental Health and Safety and Labor Relations.

*Matters pertaining to the protection of the environment should be directed to the Office of Environmental Policy.  Matters pertaining to fire safety and building code compliance should be directed to the Office of the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector.