Safety on the Job

The college is committed to protecting the health and safety of all employees. Specifically, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), it is the responsibility of the college to ensure that the workplace is free of unnecessary hazards and is environmentally safe for employees and students, and that employees follow safety procedures and wear protective equipment as required.

Safety Practices

As part of the OSHA Hazard Communication Program, the college provides information about hazardous chemicals and training and safety practices to staff working in laboratories and other designated work sites. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) which describe the specific hazards of any chemicals used in the workplace are available for review upon request. Technical advice about safety issues is available from the Health and Safety Coordinator.

Department heads and supervisors are accountable for the safety of those working under their supervision and are expected to conduct their operations in a safe manner at all times. You are expected to follow all safety procedures, to take an active part in protecting yourself and your co-workers, and to promptly report to your supervisor hazardous conditions and practices.

Employees in designated positions are required to wear appropriate protective equipment during work hours. Violations of safety rules and procedures may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Reporting of Accidents

If you are injured at work, you must immediately report the injury to your supervisor or department head. Accidents, no matter how minor, must be reported promptly and a First Report of Job-Related Accident form submitted to protect your rights to benefits or coverage under the college's Workers' Compensation Insurance. Accident report forms are available from your supervisor, your department office, or the Office of Human Resources. Your section of the accident report should be completed as soon as possible. The report should be detailed and should note the date and time of the accident, the sequence of events, and factors that may have contributed to the accident.

First Report of Job-Related Accident

Supervisors are responsible for completing the remainder of the form and returning it to the Office of Human Resources as soon as possible. Prompt reporting of all accidents is essential; the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents fines employers for each accident that is not reported to that agency promptly.

Treatment for Job-Related Accidents

Supervisors are responsible for arranging appropriate medical treatment for employees injured on the job. The seriousness of the injury determines the department to be contacted.

• Call campus safety at extension 5555 if a severe injury requires immediate first aid and/or an ambulance.
• Call the Office of Human Resources to report injuries that may require medical tests and treatment. Injured employees will be referred to a local physician retained by the college, who specializes in occupational medicine.
• Call Work Connection at Holyoke Medical Center 413-534-2546 to arrange immediate first aid treatment for minor injuries.

All payments to hospitals and private physicians are subject to acceptance by the college's Workers' Compensation Insurance carrier. For information on reimbursement for treatment, see Workers' Compensation Benefits.