Environmental, and Workplace Health and Safety: 

The Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) division of the Risk Management Department is responsible for managing the Environmental, Health and Safety programs for the University of Houston-Clear Lake. The overall objective is to maximize the safety and health of employees, students and visitors throughout the University while protecting the environment. Programs and services provided include the following:

• Monitor and provide guidance to achieve compliance with all federal, state and UHS regulations and standards pertaining to EH&S 
• Develop policies and/or procedures to reflect applicable regulations and standards
• Investigate and address safety and health concerns
• Disseminate information concerning safety, health and environmental issues
• Submit reports and other required documentation to pertinent State agencies
• Inspect facilities for deficiencies, such as buildings, laboratories, grounds, etc.
• Inspect/test safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and fume hoods
• Report results of inspections, evaluations, tests, etc., along with recommended corrective action measures to appropriate personnel 
• Dispose of hazardous waste, including chemical waste, mercury containing lamps, PCB and Asbestos materials, etc. 
• Review construction plans for compliance with Site Safety Plan provisions, and ensure ADA and NFPA standards are addressed in renovations 
• Assist departments in planning ADA compliance
• Respond to local small emergencies such as fires or chemical spills (beyond that which can easily be cleaned up by the user)
• Investigate and address Indoor Air Quality concerns including asbestos, mold, etc. 
• Monitor and refine safe operating procedures, confined space entry, hot work, etc.
• Monitor environmental parameters such as vapors or noise as necessary
• Provide safety and environmental training for employees 
• Evaluate injury reports for accident trends and perform investigations as needed
• Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets as an information resource on hazardous materials
• Assist with emergency preparedness planning for major disasters and coordinate University plans with the local community
• Develop and maintain Emergency Evacuation Plans
• Participate in campus and community safety committees and task forces
• Maintain a library of safety audiovisual programs and relevant safety and environmental regulations as well as nationally recognized safety codes and standards 
   

RESPONSIBILITIES

 All University employees and students are responsible and accountable for safety
 performance and environmental protection on UHCL property.

Administration

      UHCL Administration is responsible for the following:

• Providing facilities and equipment required for a safe work environment
• Reviewing and approving health and safety policies and procedures
• Correcting safety deficiencies by establishing priorities and committing resources, as appropriate
• Establishing methods to disseminate safety information and policies
• Establishing criteria to implement safety policies and procedures
• Establishing a system for safety accountability

Supervisors, Department Heads, and Directors

      Supervisors, Department Heads, and Directors are responsible for the following:

• Promoting safety and loss prevention with their employees
• Controlling or eliminating occupational hazards
• Periodically conducting safety and loss control evaluations
• Ensuring that employees are adequately trained in safety policies and procedures
• Ensuring that employees are provided with appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment for safe job performance

Faculty, Staff, and Students

      Faculty, staff, and students are responsible for the following:

• Performing their jobs/assignments in the safest prescribed manner
• Reporting and/or Eliminating workplace hazards
• Reporting accidents, incidents, and unsafe practices or conditions to supervisors
• Complying with Environmental Safety and Health policies and procedures

[Note:  Reference UH System Administrative Memorandum 01.C.07 –

Safety Administration - http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/sam/1GenAdmin/1C7.pdf