Human Resources Management Policy

Occupational Safety and Health

Policy 2

NOTE: THIS POLICY, LIKE ALL OTHER MUSC HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES, IS NOT A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS SUCH. THIS POLICY MAY BE CHANGED AT ANY TIME BY THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

  1. POLICY
    1. The Medical University places a high priority on the safety and health of patients, employees, students and visitors.
    2. MUSC’s Occupational Safety and Health Division exists to prevent injury, the loss of life and property by identifying and eliminating hazards, establishing safety procedures and monitoring compliance with procedures and regulations.
    3. It is mandatory that supervisors initiate disciplinary action for violation of MUSC Safety Policies and Procedures when they become aware of the violation. The Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Division is authorized to initiate disciplinary action through proper administrative channels in those cases where the supervisor has failed to act.
  2. INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES
    1. MUSC’s Safety and Health Programs comply with the basic concepts embodied in the National Fire Codes, South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry, Southern Standard Building Code and other recognized codes and standards.
    2. The Safety and Health Programs are extensively outlined in the Medical University of South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Manual. They address a variety of safety issues including: Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan, fire safety, asbestos management, air and noise monitoring, laboratory inspections, infectious and biological wastes, electrical safety, protective clothing and devices, hazardous waste disposal, construction safety and spill clean up.
    3. The Occupational Safety and Health Division offers training and assistance to safety committees, faculty, staff and students to meet their safety responsibilities.
    1. Safety is not the exclusive responsibility of the Occupational Safety and Health Division. All employees of the Medical University are responsible for their own safety, and supervisors are also responsible for the safety of subordinate staff.
    2. Reports of hazards, potential hazards or complaints may be made to the Occupational Safety and Health Division. No one will be censured or reprimanded for reporting a hazardous situation. Anonymity is guaranteed.
    3. Individuals should not hesitate to ask questions about machinery, equipment, chemicals or any aspect of assigned tasks if they are in doubt or unfamiliar with methods and procedures.
  3. PROCEDURES
    1. It is imperative that all employees adhere to the safety and health practices necessary for carrying out the responsibilities of their jobs and that supervisors take appropriate disciplinary measures when necessary.
    2. Failure to comply with safety and health regulations will result in disciplinary actions, including but not limited to the following:
      1. Improper disposal of hazardous waste by introducing it to drains, sewer systems or storm drains.
        2. FIRST OFFENSE
        Dismissal with possible civil penalties.
      2. Violations of University Safety Policies and Procedures as described in the Medical University of South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Manual.
        3. FIRST OFFENSE SECOND OFFENSE THIRD OFFENSE
        Written Reprimand to Dismissal Suspension to Dismissal Dismissal

        (Depending on the severity of the violation.)

      3. Failure to wear prescribed/required personal protective clothing or equipment.
        4. FIRST OFFENSE SECOND OFFENSE THIRD OFFENSE
        Written Reprimand Suspension Dismissal
      4. Endangering the health, life or safety of a fellow employee, staff member or visitor.
        5. FIRST OFFENSE
        Suspension to Dismissal

Refer to the Human Resources Management Policy Number 45 (Disciplinary Action) for additional information on progressive discipline.

Approved by:

Information Contact

Revised

Robert C. Gallager

Vice President for Finance & Administration

Occupational Safety and Health Division

University Risk Management

November 2001