Safety and Health Plan 2001 Pg. 3

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of North Carolina provides that employees may request an inspection of evaluation of conditions which they believe may constitute a health of safety hazard. College employees are encouraged to report such conditions to the Director of Safety and Security and to request a special investigation into the need for corrective action. The Director and his staff conduct periodic inspections and will respond to any request or complaint. College employees who are aware of a health hazard or unsafe condition should notify the Director of Safety and Security.

Employee Rights

Employees are encouraged to seek resolution of hazardous conditions through the Director of Safety and Security, but under Section II(d)1 of the North Carolina OSHA, an employee is guaranteed the right to request an inspection from the State Department of Labor by giving notice to them of a violation of a safety or health standard the he believes threatens physical harm or constitutes immediate danger.

Confidentiality

Persons requesting an inspection by the Director of Safety and Security o Department of Labor may request confidentiality, and by law their name will not appear on any record published, released, or made available to the public or to their immediate supervisor or department head.

Notification of Findings

If the Director of Safety and Security or the Department of Labor determines that there are reasonable grounds for believing that a violation or danger exists, it will notify the employees or representative of the employees in writing of such determination.

Results of Special Investigation

After the Director of Safety and Security has concluded his investigation, the results will be communicated to the party requesting the investigation and to other appropriate College personnel with due consideration of request for anonymity. All actions called for as the result of the investigation shall be reported to the proper departments with recommendations for immediate compliance.

Conditions That Should be Reported

The types of hazardous conditions that may be reported include but are not limited to the following:

Unsafe work practices
Suspected health hazards
Failure to wear required safety equipment
Failure to guard machines and cutting instruments
Improper storage of chemicals, supplies, and other excess materials
Presence of irritating or noxious odors
Fire hazards
Interference with safe egress.

Avoid OSHA Problems

Coordinate with the Director of Safety and Security whenever

An accident occurs within your area
You have a safety-related complaint
An employee misses work because of an on-the-job accident
You want to put something in the hall
You want to lock an exit door
You want to add seats to an assembly room
A fire extinguisher is missing or has been discharged
You want to use an open flame (such as candles in a ceremony or production)
You want to order safety glasses, respirators, or other protective equipment
You want to order an unusually dangerous substance
(i.e. highly toxic, explosive, flammable, carcinogen, biohazard, radioactive, etc.)
You want to dispose of a hazardous chemical
Your chemical fume hood does not work
You have questions or concerns about worker safety.

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