INTRODUCTION

The mission of the University’s Environment, Health and Safety program is to provide a safe and healthful environment for all persons associated with the University, including faculty, staff, students, visitors, and members of the Chapel Hill community. In 1992, the North Carolina General Assembly adopted new workplace safety standards which, among other things, provided for the establishment of workplace safety committees to provide opportunities for employees to address workplace safety concerns. The University responded to this opportunity by establishing committees based on the various "work environments" characteristic of the UNC-CH campus. The following goals and objectives have been developed through committee input and constitute the work plan for the Environment, Health and Safety Office.

GENERAL

1. Support UNC Environment, Health and Safety Committees for five work environments to assist in compliance with workplace safety requirements
2. Conduct a self-inspection program to provide an annual inspection of each workplace and to supplement inspections performed by committee members and Environment, Health and Safety Office staff
3. Initiate a strategic planning process within the Environment, Health and Safety Office to identify means of improving customer service
4. Evaluate options for disposal of long-lived radioactive wastes and promote reduction of waste generation
5. Identify and train Emergency Coordinators for each department/building to assist in emergency situations requiring evacuation of a building

CLINIC ENVIRONMENT

1. Review the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan and the TB Control Plan. Provide recommended modifications to PUSPC.
2. Review and assess on-line clinic safety training modules. Define and standardize clinic safety training curriculum based on accrediting agency requirements.
3. Update clinic employee work unit database.
4. Oversee clinic safety inspections. Review annual self inspection checklists.
5. Continue to develop and improve the following:
   1. Develop a uniform adverse occurrence reporting system.
   2. Develop and promote clinic safety materials.
   3. Define and measure specific indicators of a safe and functional environment of care reflecting standards of clinic employee health.
   4. Evaluate reports of training for consistency with training policies.

LABORATORY ENVIRONMENT

1. Review Laboratory Safety Manual and make recommendations for revisions of the manual.
2. Review Laboratory Safety Training and make recommendations for improvements.
3. Implement a self-inspection program in which all laboratories inspect their own facilities and practices for compliance with OSHA regulations and consensus standards.
4. Review environment, health and safety policies and procedure and recommend changes to the Pan University Safety Policy Committee (PUSPC).
5. Review employee complaints and incidents involving work-related fatalities, injuries, and illnesses.

INDUSTRIAL, MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENT

1. Develop work safety methods that can be used as models for each shop to adapt to meet their unique needs. Conduct appropriate safety inspections to use as a basis for development of the methods.
2. Develop for each shop represented applicable records to document training as required for safe job conduct and/or by OSHA
3. Develop a model safety incentive program that would provide recognition and tangible rewards for safety achievements in the workplace
4. Assist maintenance and construction work units in completing Safety Plans for using hazardous materials and equipment and disposal of hazardous wastes.
5. Assist maintenance and construction work units in preparing Job Safety Analyses (JSA) for tasks having the greatest potential for injury or illness

SUPPORT SERVICES ENVIRONMENT

1. Establish a material handling training program that covers lifting techniques and the use of assistant devices. Create a material handling brochures that can be used as a reference and posters to be placed in the work site to increase safety awareness.
2. Establish a defensive driving training program for all employees who use state vehicles daily, such as P2P, Campus Police, Moving Crew, etc. Create a defensive driving brochure that will be placed in every state vehicle.
3. Prepare news articles for the EHS Newsletter.

OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

1. In coordination with Environment, Health and Safety training, develop a training program to educate Human Resources Facilitators in how to conduct ergonomic evaluations of computer workstations.
2. Provide diagrams or pictures to demonstrate the exercises described in "Ergonomics: Posturing for Safety" brochure. These will be placed on the Environment, Health and Safety home page also.