Safety

Office of Risk Management (ORM)

To protect people, property, the community and the environment and to enhance the well being of students, faculty, and staff through the development and implementation of cost effective, efficient business operations and compliant risk control and risk financing techniques for UT System Administration and the fifteen institutions.To learn more about the Office of Risk Management visit our website at http://www.utsystem.edu/orm/

Workers Compensation Insurance (WCI)

What Should I do if I am Injured at Work?

• Immediately inform your supervisor of the injury or disease. You must provide your supervisor with the following information:

  Your name, current address, and current telephone number The date, time, and place the injury occurred The names of any witnesses, if any The name of the doctor who has treated you for the injury, if any Failure to report the injury within 30 day s of the occurrence of the injury (or manifestation of the occupational disease) may result in the denial of a claim.

How do I get Medical Treatment?

• Choose one treating doctor to coordinate your care
• Tell your treating doctor that any bills for your work-related injury should be sent directly to the UT System WCI Office at:
• 114 W 7th Street, Suite 600
  Austin, Texas 78701
  (512) 499-4655
  (512) 499-4671 (fax)

What are my responsibilities to my employer if I am unable to work because of an on-the-job injury?

• Provide a written note from your treating doctor indicating you are unable to work
• Communicate with your supervisor throughout any period of disability
• Return to work as soon as you are physically able

For more information about WCI

• Contact  Rob Fields at (512) 499-4645 or toll-free at 888.396.6844
• To view entire WCI web site: http://www.utsystem.edu/orm/wci/wci.htm

Department Safety Liaison (DSL)

Each department or floor has a DSL who serves as an extension of the Risk Management Department. DSLs and Alternate DSLs aid ORM in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. DSLs are essential for disseminating safety information to their departments. To learn more about DSLs Responsibilities: http://www.utsystem.edu/orm/riskcontrol/rcdsl.htm

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is one of our most common risks!

Risk Factors:

• Repetition
• Awkward postures (especially when lifting)
• Static postures (sitting to long)

Warning Signs:

• Pain (all types, burning, aching, throbbing, etc.)
• Numbness
• Tingling

For a free personalized ergonomic evaluation of your work station ask your DSL to request one using the SOS System.

ORM can provide several types of ergonomic accessories free of charge.

Electrical Safety

• Do not "daisy-chain" plug strips
• Contact Facilities Management at 322-3760 if you do not have enough outlets

Space heaters

OK to use as long as:

• UL Approved Listing
• Good Condition
• Tip-Over protected

Space Heathers are high power demand appliances and are great ignition sources. Always use common sense when using space heaters. Maintain adequate clearance and always turn heaters off when you leave the area.

Trip Hazards

	Slips, trips and falls are some of our most common and serious risks! Don't just walk away from a near miss! Report it!!! Tape down cords in walkways or use cord-covers
Common Trip Hazard
Secure cords with duct tape...	or use cord covers.

Hazard Communication Program

• The intent of the University of Texas System Administration's Hazard Communication Program is to prevent injuries, illnesses and accidents resulting from exposure to hazardous chemicals. Additionally, these guidelines will provide staff and emergency planning organizations access to information to ensure compliance with the Texas Hazard Communication Act (THCA), Public Employer Community Right-To-Know Act (PCRA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA).
• If you work with hazardous chemicals, your employer is required to inform you of the hazards of working with those chemicals.
• Contact ORM for more information about Hazard Communication.

Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan

• Your DSL has a copy of System Complex Emergency Response Plan
  • Contact your DSL to go over the plan in detail
• An overview should be posted in your work area

Emergency Phone Numbers

• 9-911 from System Complex phones (cell phone users should still use 911)
• All other emergency phone numbers are on the back of your badge

Fire Evacuation

If you discover fire or smoke, immediately evacuate the building and make sure to pull the fire alarm pull station on your way out. This will sound the alarm to the entire building and notify emergency responders.

• Know your primary and secondary means of egress
• Know the location of the nearest fire alarm pull station
• Know your building's assigned assembly area
• Close the doors as you evacuate to prevent the spread of smoke and fire
• Call 911 once safely at your assembly area

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are located throughout the System Complex and are meant for use on small contained fires by trained employees. Do not try to use a fire extinguisher if the fire is large, spreading quickly, or if you do not feel comfortable. When in doubt... always evacuate.

Always contact ORM after a fire extinguisher has been discharged or needs to be serviced.

Tornado or Severe Weather

Severe weather updates will be communicated through your DSL or the building PA system. Designated shelter areas are indicated on evacuation maps located next to each elevator.

Medical Emergency

What to do in case of a Medical Emergency

• Call 9-911 from System Complex phones (cell phone users should still use 911)
• Call the Safety Office at (512) 499-4661 or the Guard kiosk in your building
• Employees trained in First Aid and the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are located throughout the complex

Your Responsibilities

• Know what to do in an emergency
• Correct safety hazards when you see them
• Report accidents (including near misses)
• Review your evacuation routes
• Take time to meet your DSL
• Know where fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations are located
• Know when to evacuate
• Know your designated evacuation meeting location

Safety Training Offered

• Fire Extinguisher Training
• CPR / AED Training
• First Aid Training

To find out more and register for these training courses visit: http://www.utsystem.edu/orm/riskcontrol/rctraining.htm

Questions?