CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
A. References
B. Purpose
WSU Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture’s (VCEA) Accident Prevention Program (APP) establishes College policies and procedures intended to prevent workplace accidents, illnesses and injuries through effective policy. These policies support the systematic identification, evaluation/assessment, elimination and/or control of workplace hazards. To implement effective hazard controls, this policy clearly defines safety responsibilities, identifies resources for correcting or controlling hazards and outlines training requirements for personnel potentially exposed to workplace hazards.
C. Scope
This APP establishes workplace safety requirements for WSU VCEA supervisors and employees. The APP chapters contained herein provide guidance for VCEA personnel engaged in specific Departmental activities where hazards are present or may be encountered. VCEA Supervisors and Employees are engaged in preparing each chapter. Washington Department of Safety and Health (DOSH) rules and WSU’s Safety Policy and Procedures Manual (SPPM) are referenced for adherence to State rules and WSU policy.
This APP is not a static document, but is subject to regular review and revision when improvements to policies and procedures are identified. All VCEA employees are responsible for a safe workplace and recommending improvements to existing policy. Employees are expected to hold themselves and their peers accountable for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Any employee who does not comply with the applicable safety policies and procedures, or who is negligent in his or her responsibilities will be subject to corrective and/or disciplinary action.
VCEA employees have the authority to halt any departmental work activity which they believe may be an imminent threat to life, health, property, or equipment.
This APP does not establish safety requirements for activities that are not identified in the following chapters. VCEA personnel required to engage in activities not covered by this APP must contact their supervisor to develop applicable procedures and receive training and additional approvals as required.
D. Procedures
This APP establishes WSU VCEA safety policy, these policies, in some instances, extend to task specific safety procedural requirements. Documentation demonstrating procedural requirements may also be required as referenced in the following chapters. Program Managers and Supervisors are expected to integrate these procedures into the appropriate work activities and employees are expected to apply them on the job.
E. Dissemination
This document is available to all VCEA employees on the VCEA Shared Drive and may be printed in its entirety or individual sections as desired.
F. Update Procedure
Individual sections within this document will be systematically reviewed no less frequently than every 3 years to ensure they remain current. Any VCEA employee may also petition the VCEA Safety Committee for consideration of early review. The VECA Safety Committee will decide whether the petition warrants early review. The VCEA Director of Facility, Operations, and Safety Services will be responsible for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted; a minimum of three chapters must be reviewed per semester (i.e. spring, summer, fall). Reviews must be announced to all VCEA employees and be open to comment from the same. Editorial responsibility for the individual section reviews will be assigned with consultation with the VCEA Safety Council. Significant disagreements in the comments or changes from existing procedure shall be brought to attention for full review by the VCEA Safety Council.