Facilities Management

General Information

Section 1-1: Policy

Accidents result in injury, economic loss, psychological issues, and to the extreme death. Individuals of every race, age, and sex have experienced the problems associated with accidents. An accident is an unplanned occurrence, so accident prevention measures are carefully looked at. Thus safety awareness and accident prevention efforts are an integral part of an effective overall safety program.

An individual’s ultimate responsibility is for their own safety. An individual’s safety attitude towards health and safety is affected by his or her knowledge, attitudes, environment, and physical structure. One person will consciously work at accident prevention, while another will give little thought to safety procedures until an accident occurs.

Accident prevention and a positive safety attitude and behavior is more than an individual concern, however because people live in “community”, the dynamics of safety take on corporate dimensions. Today’s society employs many organizations and methods to reduce accident statistics, and as we’re in the new century, more will be done to preserve the health and safety of all people.

Western Illinois University and the Physical Plant are dedicated to providing as safe and healthy work environment as possible. Positive health and safety awareness and prevention will be employed so to ensure the health and safety and well-being of all employees.

The purpose of this safety manual is a step in the overall safety awareness and accident prevention measures to prepare employees with the knowledge to safely engage in their duties. Reading this manual and implementing these safe duty practices is an important step in having a safe experience on the job.

If all safety measures are followed, then the accident rate will go down and everyone will benefit. A total team effort is key to create a safety awareness that will benefit and create a healthy and safe work environment for all.

Section 1-2: General Safety Rules

Each employee is responsible for his / her own personal safety and the general safety of co-workers. THINK SAFETY, ACT SAFELY!

The following General Safety Rules have been established for the benefit of all Operations and Maintenance employees. Please review and observe all of these rules, as well as any specific Job Safety Rules provided by your supervisor. Working safely, most accidents can be avoided. If you notice something that appears unsafe, inform your supervisor immediately. Ask questions if  you do not understand how to perform a job safely or how to operate tools or equipment safely. Please keep this copy in a convenient location. You may need to refer to it from time to time.

Pedestrians and Traffic
  1. Enter and leave work areas by regular, established roadways and walkways; do not take shortcuts.
  2. Do not assume that the surface you are walking on is secure and / or free from slip, trip, and fall hazards. Walk carefully and watch out for any potential hazards (such as slippery floors or walkways). Running on the job, except emergencies, is prohibited.
  3. Observe and obey all danger and warning signs and devices. Make sure they are properly selected and placed at your job site.
  4. Be observant of your surroundings. Watch out for protruding objects, steps, offsets, recessed areas, or slick spots.
  5. Obtained permission prior to entering any restricted areas.
Machinery and Tools
  1. Do not operate or ride on moving equipment unless it is part of your job and you have received proper instructions and training from your supervisor or a qualified instructor.
  2. Use only those machines and tools which you have been authorized and taught how to operate.
  3. Make sure all safety guards are in place before any machine is operated.
  4. Never operate a machine, switch, or valve that has a “warning” tag on it.
  5. Never attempt to repair electrical equipment unless you have been authorized and trained to do so. Report any malfunctions or damaged electrical cords to your supervisor.
  6. Compressed air should be used on designated jobs only. Do not use an air hose to blow dirt off your clothing unless it is equipped with a safety outlet. Never blow compressed air at or on a fellow employee.
  7. Keep all hands tools and portable power tools in good repair. Use the proper tool for the job and use it correctly. Be aware of loose attachments (chuck keys, drill bits, etc.) Keep them in a safe location.
  8. Do not disturb or distract someone who is operating tools or equipment.
  9. Do not wear loose clothing while operating equipment.
  10. The wearing of rings, wristwatches, neck chains, and other jewelry when working with or around equipment is unsafe.
  11. All ladders and scaffolding shall be properly used. Do not store ladders or scaffolding directly on the ground.
Housekeeping
  1. Good housekeeping means having a place for everything, and having everything in its place. Do not store materials, tools or other objects on stairways. Do not block aisles or passage ways.        
  2. A clean and orderly work space is necessary for safety. Keep your work area clean.
  3. Protruding nails and staples are dangerous. Remove or bend down all nails and staples in used lumber, boxes, and containers.
  4. Keep all fuels, solvents, cleaners, etc., in clearly marked safety containers and stored in their proper places.
Employee Personal Safety
  1. Smoke only in designated smoking areas for your safety and the safety of others.
  2. Only clothes, footwear, and gloves in good repair should be worn on the job.
  3. Do not attempt to lift an object that is too heavy. Test the load first. If it is too heavy, get assistance or (if possible) divide the load into smaller, lighter loads.
Protective Equipment
  1. Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields must be worn where eye hazards are present. Job Safety Rules (established for your work group) spell out the type of jobs on which eye protection is mandatory.
  2. Where foot and toe hazards are present, safety shoes should be worn. Job Safety Rules indicate certain jobs where safety shoes shall be worn.
  3. In high noise areas, hearing protection should be worn. See your supervisor for availability of hearing protection.
  4. Appropriate protective breathing masks, particulate masks, supplied air hoods, or self contained breathing apparatus will be worn where dust, mist, or vapors are present. See your supervisor for proper equipment and instructions.
  5. Other types of personal protective equipment (such as hard hats, special suits and gloves, etc.) will be designated by Job Safety Rules for use on certain types of work.

Section 1-3: Reporting Injuries

  1. If you are injured on the job (no matter how small), notify your supervisor immediately, who will secure basic first aid.
  2. Never attempt to remove anything from your own or a co-worker’s eye. Notify your supervisor immediately and call 9-11.
  3. In extreme cases of illness or injury (such as excessive bleeding, unconsciousness, severe pain) call OPS Office of Public Safety at (309) 298-1949.
  4. Never attempt to transport an accident victim. Severe injuries will be taken directly to McDonough District Hospital (309) 833-4101.
  5. After each injury is reported to MDH, the “Injury Report” form must be completed by the injured employee and given to the foreman or supervisor.
  6. Before returning to work after treatment for an on-the-job injury, you must obtain a “Return to Work” permit from your doctor and present it to you foreman or supervisor.

Section 1-4: Workers' Compensation

Workers’ Compensation is backed by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act , which states each employee has a right to  medical care from an accident or exposure on the job. It is the injured employee’s responsibility to notify his/her supervisor to establish “report of accident” within 45 days of occurrence and to follow up with the appropriate paperwork.