Safety

To assist in providing a safe and healthful work environment for employees, customers, and visitors, WTRI has established a workplace safety program. This program is a top priority for WTRI. The Researcher-In-Charge has responsibility for implementing, administering, monitoring, and evaluating the safety program. Its success depends on the alertness and personal commitment of all.

WTRI provides information to employees about workplace safety and health issues through regular internal communication channels such as supervisor-employee meetings, bulletin board postings, memos, or other written communications. A labor-management safety committee, composed of representatives from throughout the organization, has been established to help monitor WTRI's safety program and to facilitate effective communication between employees and management about workplace safety and health issues.

When working off-site (at client location) all safety regulations must be strictly adhered to. Any violations of the location(s) safety rules which may cause hazadous or dangerous situations may subject an employee to immediate termination.

Employees and supervisors receive periodic workplace safety training. The training covers potential safety and health hazards and safe work practices and procedures to eliminate or minimize hazards.

Some of the best safety improvement ideas come from employees. Those with ideas, concerns, or suggestions for improved safety in the workplace are encouraged to raise them with their supervisor, or with another supervisor or manager, or bring them to the attention of a member of the labor-management safety committee. Reports and concerns about workplace safety issues may be made anonymously if the employee wishes. All reports can be made without fear of reprisal.

Each employee is expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all work activities. Employees must immediately report any unsafe condition to the appropriate supervisor. Employees who violate safety standards, who cause hazardous or dangerous situations, or who fail to report or, where appropriate, remedy such situations, may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

In the case of accidents that result in injury, regardless of how insignificant the injury may appear, employees should immediately notify the Researcher-In-Charge or the appropriate supervisor. Such reports are necessary to comply with laws and initiate insurance and workers' compensation benefits procedures.

Policy No.  501  Issued  11/1/1996  Applicable  9/18/1998