Policy VII-2.80-GC UMGC Policy on Employee Accident Prevention for Staff and Faculty Employees

(Approved by UMGC President on July 1, 2017; Updated May 26, 2022)

1. PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
   The purpose of this policy is to implement and actively support the provisions of the Maryland State Employee Risk Management Program, Federal and State requirements, national and local safety standards to provide University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) employees with a safe and healthful work environment.  This policy applies to all staff employees on regular and contingent statuses, faculty, and student workers.  Nonexempt staff employees who are included in the representation of the collective bargaining unit are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and applicable UMGC HR Policies; where there is a conflict between the two, the MOU will prevail.
2. DEFINITIONS
   1. UMGC work location – A UMGC owned and/or operated physical facility or location or where UMGC employees operate on U.S. military locations.  A remote or hybrid employee’s remote location is not considered a UMGC work location for the purpose of this policy.
   2. Employee(s) - All staff employees on regular and contingent statuses, faculty, and student workers.
3. ADMINISTRATION
   
   1. The Office of Human Resources will investigate accidental injuries and preventive measures may be implemented to guard against their reoccurrence.
   2. Remote and hybrid employees are expected to maintain safe conditions within their remote work locations.
   3. The prevention of occupationally induced injuries and illnesses shall take precedence over operating productivity.  To the greatest degree possible, UMGC shall provide the mechanical and physical facilities required for personal safety and health at a UMGC work location.
   4. The Risk Management Coordinator and Chair of the Risk Management Committee shall develop safety protocols and act on recommendations of the Health and Safety Committee to ensure a safe work environment.
   5. Safety and Health Program
      1. UMGC shall maintain a safety and health program.  The program requires cooperation in safety and health matters for the best interest of all employees.
      2. The safety and health program objective is to prevent injuries and illness.  UMGC's safety and health program shall include:
         1. Safety and health inspections to identify and eliminate unsafe working conditions or practices in UMGC work locations; to control health hazards; and to comply fully with the safety and health standards; 
         2. Training employees on safety and health best practices; 
         3. Providing necessary personal protective equipment and instructions for its use and care; 
         4. Developing and enforcing safety and health rules as appropriate and requiring that employees cooperate as a condition of their employment; and
         5. Investigating workplace accidents promptly and thoroughly. 
   6. Safety and Health Program Roles and Responsibilities
      1. UMGC is responsible for leading the safety and health program for its effectiveness and improvement, and for providing the safeguards required to ensure safe working conditions at UMGC work locations.  
      2. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees are aware of applicable health and safety laws and regulations (i.e., Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)).
      3. Employees are responsible for complying with all health and safety rules and regulations, and to continuously practice safe behaviors in the performance of their duties.

IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES

The UMGC President has designated the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to administer this policy; to develop procedures as necessary to implement this policy; to communicate this policy to the UMGC community; and to post the policy and any applicable procedures on the UMGC website.

Replacement for:

UMGC 450.00 - Employee Accident Prevention Policy