Welcome

Happy Spring, and welcome to Spotlight on Safety, a new quarterly newsletter for safety and loss prevention issues at the University of North Dakota. Through the use of Spotlight on Safety, we hope to keep members of the University community abreast of important safety information and news. Safety at UND is a shared responsibility among all members of the campus community. We truly hope that the information available through this newsletter will help you complete your day-to-day activities as safely and efficiently as possible.
Jason Uhlir, Safety and Environmental Health

Report all Incidents and Accidents

Whenever a hazardous or potentially hazardous incident occurs on campus, an "Incident Report" form must be filled out by the affected/injured person immediately following the incident.

If the accident victim is an employee, this form is then given to the employees' supervisor for their signature. For every "Employee Incident Reporting" form submitted, the supervisor must complete an "Incident Investigation" form. Departments should inform the Safety Office of the incident by phone (777-3341), or fax (777-4132) within 24 hours. Hard copies of the reports should follow in the mail (PO Box 9031). Any additional documents with details of the incident, and/or corrective action that may have been taken or needed, should be attached.

If a work injury results in medical attention, the accident victim may fill out a ND Workers Compensation form. These forms are to be picked up and submitted through the UND Payroll Office.

A separate incident reporting form exists for students or visitors. This form is filled out for all incidents involving non-employees. Note: Student employees are on the University payroll and, therefore, are employees covered under Workers Compensation.

Continue Walking Carefully, Construction Hazards will Replace Ice

As with every winter in North Dakota, the majority of the incidents reported to the Safety and Environmental Health Office were slips and falls. Now that the temperatures have increased and the snow has melted, one would think that the threat of slipping or falling would be gone. The truth is, spring also has its fair share of slip and fall hazards...especially this spring. With the construction on UND's steam distribution system beginning, the campus community will have to adjust to many potential inconveniences. As with inclement weather, the construction on campus will require individuals to pay extra close attention when walking. Irregularities in the walking surfaces, mud or trenches will become a frequent sight until the steam distribution system is finished. The Safety Office and Facilities will work diligently to mark these hazards and redirect traffic, but your cooperation and caution is essential.

Defensive Driving Training

North Dakota State Fleet Services requires that all persons who operate a State vehicle on a regular basis (at least once per month) attend a Defensive Driving Course (DDC). This course must be taken at least once every five years, but can be taken as often as every two years contingent on supervisors approval or the use of vacation leave. Employees who have been involved in an accident with a State vehicle, must additionally have proof of DDC completion within the year of their accident To help the University meet this requirement, several staff members from various areas of the campus have been trained by the North Dakota Safety Council as DDC instructors.

By registering for a DDC, employees help put UND in compliance with State Fleet requirements, and also receive some personal benefits. Proof of DDC attendance may reduce auto insurance premiums, or take points away from your driving record. The course is free of charge to all employees, and you are encouraged to enroll a family member (spouse, child, etc.) to attend with you. Courses are typically scheduled twice a month, please call the Safety Office to register at 777-3341.

Portable Ladder Safety

Portable ladders are one of the most common and simplest types of equipment. Ladders are used for many purposes ranging from reaching overhead office supplies to accessing elevated work surfaces. Although ladders are commonly used, they are often taken for granted. The most frequent problems encountered when using ladders can be easily predicted and prevented. Prevention involves appropriate ladder selection, safe use, proper storage, inspection and maintenance, and training.

Ladder Selection - When selecting the appropriate ladder, a person needs to consider the type of access and work to be performed. In general, there are two kinds of portable ladders: step ladders and straight ladders. Ladders are typically constructed of three types of materials: wood, metal and fiberglass. The most important ladder safety rule is to select the appropriate ladder (kind, height and material) for the job and to use it according to manufacturer's specifications.

Safe Use - The working area around the base of a ladder should provide a level and stable support - do not place ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height. The working area should also be protected from pedestrian and vehicular traffic. If the ladder is to be placed at a doorway, the door is to be blocked open or locked closed. When using a step ladder, be sure to lock the spreaders and do not stand above the second-to-the-top tread. The top cap should never be used as a step. When using a straight ladder, be sure to place the foot of the ladder so the distance between it and the wall is equal to 1/4 the working length of the ladder. Straight ladders used to get onto a roof or elevated surface should extend at least three feet above the roof or surface line. When working from a straight ladder, be sure to secure it at the top and bottom. Regardless of the type of ladder used, always keep your body centered between the side rails and do not over reach from side-to-side. To climb a ladder safely, face the ladder and use both hands - do not hand carry tools and supplies. Tools and supplies should be carried by a tool belt/vest or hoisted by rope to the working position.

Storage, Inspection and Maintenance - Ladders should be stored so they do not create a trip or bump hazard and to prevent ladder damage. Ladders should also be periodically inspected for cracked, decayed, loose, defective, worn and missing components. Ladder rungs are to be free from oil, grease and dirt. Deficient ladders should be tagged and removed from service and repaired, or destroyed. Ladders should be repaired according to the manufacturer's specifications. One should never make improvised ladder repairs.

Training - Employees should be informed and trained on how to select, safely use and inspect ladders. The Safety & Environmental Health office has access to information and videos regarding ladder safety.

New Chemical Hygiene Plan Implementation

At their December 17, 1998 meeting, the University's Radiation Safety and Hazardous Materials Committee approved a model Chemical Hygiene Plan for use by all University laboratories. Chemical Hygiene Plans are required for all laboratories by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories standard. As Chemical Hygiene Plans must be specific to a particular lab or department, the approved plan represents the core information in a model format. This model can be easily modified by departments to fit their need.

Staff members of the Safety and Environmental Health Office will be coordinating with the laboratory departments of the University to assist them with the implementation of the plan. The target implementation date set at the Dec. 17 meeting was July 1, 1999. The Chemical Hygiene Plan is available by contacting the Safety Office, or by visiting Safety's web site at: http://www.safety.und.edu/policy/programs/chemical/undchp.html

For More Information:







University of North Dakota
Box 9031
Grand Forks, ND 58202
Phone: (701)777-3341
Fax: (701)777-4132