Policy and Procedure: Health and Safety

FOREWORD

A Presidential Task Force established in 1978 to review University safety made specific recommendations for the development of a formal safety program. These recommendations included the development of safety policies and programs for the University in the form of the Safety Handbook. In 1985, a Safety Coordinator position responsible for the Fredericton and Saint John campuses was created and a Joint Health & Safety Committee (J.H.S.C.), was formed on each campus representing all employer and employee groups. In 1992, a Manager of Safety & Security position was created on the Saint John Campus.

The University of New Brunswick Safety Handbook has been prepared and distributed to all Chairs, Deans, Directors and administrative Heads of departments. The handbook contains the safety organizational structure, a general policy statement on University safety, and specific policies and procedures relating to University operations. Pages will be updated as required.

Environmental Health & Safety at the University of New Brunswick

Reference Number 7800
Authorized by: R. L. Armstrong, President Effective Date: October 1, 1991
Revised: September 2001
General Policy
PDF version

INTENT: To outline a general statement of policy for the health and safety of any person, faculty, staff, student or visitor, having access to University facilities or property.

SCOPE: All University employees, students and visiting members of the public.

STATEMENT OF POLICY:

The University of New Brunswick is required to comply with all regulations pursuant to both Federal and Provincial Government health and safety legislation. The University must provide an example to the students, as well as the visiting public, for maintaining the highest degree of safety for all, and for demonstrating a high level of responsibility to the environment.

The University of New Brunswick is committed to taking every reasonable precaution to ensure the provision of a safe and healthy work environment, and requires all faculty, staff, and students to comply with the laws and statutes that have been enacted by the federal and provincial governments, and with the policies and guidelines that have been established by the University in cooperation with the University Joint Health & Safety Committees.

Responsibility for safety at the University exists at three different levels - individual, supervisory or instructional, and organizational or institutional. The division of responsibility must be clearly assigned and accepted; steps should be taken to ensure responsibilities are exercised; and the assignments reassessed if unexpected problems arise.

Deans of faculties, heads or chairs of departments and directors or managers of administrative departments are responsible for the environmental health and safety of their respective faculties or departments and their members, including students.

The individual (student or employee) has a responsibility to learn the health and safety hazards of the materials or equipment he or she may be using or producing; the hazards which may occur from the equipment or techniques employed; and for following appropriate safety measures. The person acting in a supervisory capacity has responsibility for ensuring that those supervised observe normal safety precautions and, as well, has a responsibility for preventing accidental injuries from occurring. Any accident which occurs must be reported, recording the apparent causes and measures which may be required to prevent occurrence of similar accidents.

The University has a fundamental responsibility to provide the facilities, equipment and maintenance to ensure a safe working environment, and an organized program to make the improvements necessary for such an environment.

The EHS Office will act as a resource department, in an advisory capacity, assisting in the development of policies and procedures, in the handling of environmental health and safety matters, and in safety education and training.
To assist in the implementation of this general policy, and to comply with provincial legislation, the University has constituted Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees on each campus. Health and safety matters which cannot be resolved at departmental or Faculty levels may be referred to those committees.

All faculty, staff and students are expected to take individual responsibility for safe working practices and procedures so as to safeguard their own health and well-being, as well as that of their colleagues, and visitors to the campus.

First Aid

UNB Reference Number: 7822
Authorized by: J. M. Anderson, President,
Effective Date: December 1, 1978
Revised: September 2001
PDF version

INTENT: To outline the requirements for First Aid.

SCOPE: All supervisory personnel.

POLICY: a) Each University department shall provide First Aid kits:

i) in each building or area of a building:

- where there are fewer than ten persons, a N.B. No. 1 Kit, as detailed in N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations.

- where there are 10 to 100 persons, a N.B. No. 2 Kit, as detailed in N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations.

ii) in each University vehicle or other vehicle being used on behalf of the University on a regular basis, of a size prescribed for the number in the work force it serves (see (i) above).

iii) as recommended by the Safety Office.

b) Arrangements can be made through the EHS Office for first aid training to ensure sufficient qualified employees are trained in each area of the University, as per the N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations.

c) Inspection and re-stocking of First Aid kits at intervals of not more than 3 months is a departmental responsibility.

d) It is recommended that at each First Aid kit a sign be posted indicating the names of FA/CPR trained employees. Signs are provided by the EHS Office.

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Smoking - UNBF

UNB Reference Number: 7832
Authorized by: R. L. Armstrong, President,
Effective Date: (Original Policy Oct. 20/87)
Revised: May 1, 2004
PDF version

INTENT: Acknowledging that cigarette smoke continues to be reported as a major contributing factor in the development of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer and recognizing that exposure to secondhand smoke poses a significant health hazard to non-smokers, the University of New Brunswick has taken another step in the continuing evolution of its policy on smoking, in concert with other wellness initiatives, to ensure a healthier smoke-free environment for all those who live, work and visit the UNB campuses.

SCOPE: This policy applies to the Fredericton and Saint John campuses.

POLICY: The University has approved the following steps toward reducing smoking on the campuses:

ENFORCEMENT: The success of this policy will depend upon the consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. All faculty, staff, students and visitors share in the responsibility for adhering to this policy. The right of the non-smoker to protect his/her health and safety will take precedence over another's desire to smoke. The Dean, Department Chairperson, or Director will be responsible for enforcement of this policy.

Assault and Rape

UNB Reference Number: 7837
Authorized by: Thomas J. Condon, Acting President,
Effective Date: July 1, 1980
PDF version

INTENT: To outline the University procedures for prevention and handling of assault and rape on campus.

SCOPE: All persons.

PROCEDURE 1: Prevention

a) Do NOT walk around alone after dark.
b) Use escort services when available.
c) Carry a simple protective device (keys, swinging purse, umbrella, pepper, etc.).
d) Walk confidently; cross the road to check who is behind you and avoid continual checking over your shoulder.
e) Never hitch-hike.
f) Never pick up hitch-hikers in your car.
g) Keep car doors locked and check it before entering if it has been parked.
h) Look out of your windows if you hear a commotion at night and call for assistance if necessary.
i) Be prepared so as to avoid panic. Never think you are not vulnerable because of size or strength.

PROCEDURE 2: In Case of Assault or Rape

a) If you are the victim:
i) If attacker is armed, remember that your life is your first priority.
ii) Make as much noise as possible. Run, scream, shout "help" (not "rape"). Go to any lighted building.
iii) If attacker is unarmed, attempt to harm by throwing pepper aimed at the eyes, kicking in vulnerable places, stamping on their feet.
iv) If an attack occurs, get help as soon as possible and notify the police.

b) If you are the person giving assistance:
i) Take the victim to hospital.
ii) Call the police and provide as much assistance as possible, including a description of the attacker if it can be obtained.
iii) Check whether the victim wants anyone else notified.
iv) If on campus, call Security Office.
v) The victim's wishes should be of paramount importance and must be respected by all concerned.

NOTE: Rape Crisis Service is available in Fredericton at 454-0437.

Working Alone

UNB Reference Number: 7839
Authorized by: E. Parr Johnston, President,
Effective Date: November 2001
PDF version

INTENT: To ensure procedures are developed, in so far as are reasonably practicable, to ensure the health and safety of employees and students who perform work alone in a potentially hazardous environment or with hazardous materials or equipment.

SCOPE: All faculty, staff and students who perform work on University premises. This policy does not apply to office environments or to employees or students in a non-employment situation.

DEFINITION: Working alone is defined as the performance of any work by an individual
who is not directly supervised by another person, nor within audible or visual range of another individual.

REGULATIONS:

1. The University department responsible shall develop and implement written procedures to ensure the health and safety of individuals required to work alone in hazardous environments or with hazardous materials or equipment. The department shall assess the requirement for emergency equipment, emergency aid and practical means of obtaining assistance based upon the nature and degree of exposure to the hazard.

2. Employees and students shall work only under conditions where the availability of emergency aid is compatible with the nature of the hazard and the degree of exposure to the hazard. Whenever doubt exists, the supervisor shall review the work assignment and define the emergency aid compatible with that work assignment.

3. Where a probability exists for exposure to a potentially hazardous material or piece of equipment, and individuals are required to work alone, or after regular working hours,

i) a second employee (provided the second employee is not required to be called in on overtime) or student shall be in the area to provide immediate aid or to summon additional emergency assistance; OR

ii) the Security office shall be notified prior to beginning any work involving hazards and again upon its completion; OR

iii) an alternate means of communication shall be provided (eg. as with use of portable radios in the Physical Plant and Security departments ).

(N.B. Occupational Health & Safety Regulations)