§ 4.24. Employee safety policy.

(1)

Intent. It is the County's policy to support the development, implementation and administration of a proactive Safety and Health Program. The purpose of this program is to improve and assure the safety and health of employees. A proactive program integrating safety and health practices will provide financial savings while improving the morale of employees and provide a safer work environment.

(2)

Responsibilities. It is critical to the success of an effective Safety and Health Program to have the involvement of administration and management. Their participation and support of the program demonstrates clearly that the County Board takes safety and health seriously. The objective of this policy is to assign responsibility and control for safety and health. The commitment and success of a Safety and Health Program is a shared responsibility of all employees.

(a)

County administrator's responsibilities :

1.

Prioritizing and delegating specific responsibility for safety/health to Department Heads.

2.

Allocating funding to successfully implement and maintain a Safety/Health Program.

3.

Reviewing and evaluating the safety program.

(b)

Department heads' and supervisors' responsibilities :

1.

Setting the standard for safety by example.

2.

Implementing a safety policy/program.

3.

Considering safety issues in all contracts and special programs.

4.

Being accountable for departmental safety issues.

5.

Establishing performance standards.

6.

Provide access to appropriate safety and health training for employees.

(c)

Employees' responsibilities

1.

Comply with safety rules.

2.

Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor.

3.

Use required personal protective equipment.

4.

Participate in safety and health training.

5.

Report all accidents and injuries to supervisors.

(3)

Benefits. The benefits of this Policy are:

(a)

Meet federal and State laws and administrative rules.

(b)

Prevent accidents and injuries.

(c)

Create better labor management relations.

(d)

Better protect citizens and environment.

(e)

Reduce absenteeism.

(f)

Reduce Workers' Compensation and other insurance costs.

(g)

Reduce liability exposures.

(R-50-94)