| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 46.13 |
| Liaison | Traci Knabenshue |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2021 |
West Virginia University
PA-15: Workplace Health and Safety
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.92 / 2.00 |
John
Principe Executive Director Environmental Health and Safety |
Does the institution have an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS)?:
Does the system use a nationally or internationally recognized standard or guideline?:
The nationally or internationally recognized OHSMS standard or guideline used:
A brief description of the key components of the custom OHSMS:
WVU is in the process of implementing a full safety management system utilizing OSHA’s guidelines. We have already implemented, or are in the process of implementing, several core elements of these guidelines.
Management Leadership:
-WVU has a Safety and Health Policy signed by the President of WVU. This policy is communicated to staff, faculty and students.
-Management creates formal safety and health goals/objectives for units on campus.
-Performance evaluations include safety as a rating factor.
Worker Participation:
-Employees from all levels of the organization are involved with reviewing safety and health programs at the university before they are implemented. They are also included in designing the programs, where possible.
-WVU utilizes a contractor safety program. The program is communicated to contractors that are hired by WVU.
-There are several safety committees throughout campus.
-The university uses several methods for employee feedback. Our staff has individual email accounts. There is a main account that can also be used for employees to communicate issues. Finally, we have a Request for Services form that can be submitted online. This can be submitted anonymously if the employee wishes.
Hazard ID and Assessment:
-We have annual inspections from the WVU State Fire Marshal and Board of Risk and Insurance Management (BRIM).
-Internally, our staff is available to assist in hazard inspection of campus areas when requested.
-Our public health areas (pools, food service, day care centers) are inspected at least twice per year. Both internally and by outside agencies.
-Weekly inspections are conducted on our hazardous waste accumulation areas.
-Other equipment such as emergency eye wash/showers, fume hoods and fire control systems are inspected to regulatory standards.
-WVU has an incident reporting system in place. Additionally, we have a team comprised of EHS, Risk Management, Medical Management and our insurance carrier that review incidents/claims and works to develop proactive measures for prevention.
Hazard Prevention and Control:
-EHS Management and staff work in conjunction to deal with EHS programs and solutions.
-WVU has implemented many specific EHS Programs throughout the university’s campuses.
-WVU is in the process of implementing a formal root cause investigation into incidents.
-We have occupational medical providers that we not only refer employees to in the event of an injury but work with on proactive measures.
Education and Training:
WVU utilizes the following EHS training platforms:
-New employee orientation.
-Job/task specific training classes.
-Supervisor toolbox talks.
-Multimedia platform guidance and training (i.e. social media, Enews, digital info boards, etc.)
-We are currently implementing online training programs.
Program Evaluation and Implementation:
-Staff review programs and update them as necessary.
-We take input from staff on areas where programs need changed or improved.
Annual number of recordable incidents of work-related injury or ill health:
Full-time equivalent of employees:
Full-time equivalent of workers who are not employees, but whose work and/or workplace is controlled by the institution:
A brief description of the methodology used to track and calculate the number of recordable incidents of work-related injury or ill health :
All safety related data is captured in a safety management software suite called “Compliance Suite”
A Recordable incident is defined as:
-Any work-related fatality.
-Any work-related injury or illness that results in loss of consciousness, days away from work, restricted work, or transfer to another job.
-Any work-related injury or illness requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
-Any work-related diagnosed case of cancer, chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones or teeth, and punctured eardrums.
There are also special recording criteria for work-related cases involving: needlesticks and sharps injuries; medical removal; hearing loss; and tuberculosis.
Supervisors are to report injury and incidents within 24 hours for needed review and advisement from Environmental Health and Safety and Medical Management.
https://www.ehs.wvu.edu/files/d/b0f9d501-7e8b-4743-bdfe-51b51a0a3fd0/wvu-safe-brochure.pdf
Annual number of recordable incidents of work-related injury or ill health per 100 FTE employees:
Website URL where information about the occupational health and safety program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.