3.1 A safe and secure environment is a fundamental prerequisite for fulfilling the University System of New Hampshire's mission of teaching, research and public service. Every employee is a member of the University System community and an integral participant in the mission of teaching and research. As such, each staff member is expected to exhibit a high degree of professionalism and personal integrity at all times. The role of prevention is to be proactive so employees feel safe. Various components of prevention include hiring practices, interpersonal relations, safety training, and training in issues and recognition of safety, workplace violence, effective policies and disciplinary procedures. (See USY V.C.8.2 and USY V.C.9.11.1). Employees have a right to work in safe surroundings, and the institutions of the University System of New Hampshire are strongly committed to providing a safe work environment. Institutional responsibilities include the following:
3.1.1 Communicate safety policy, programs and reporting structure to all employees.
3.1.2 Encourage employee awareness of safety and health risks.
3.1.3 Encourage employees to report observed hazards, violations of policy or risks of potential workplace violence they observe.
3.1.4 Comply with N.H. Workers' Compensation Law, RSA 281-A.
3.1.5 Comply with N.H. Public Employee Health and Safety Regulations RSA 277.
3.2 Toxic Substances. In accordance with RSA 277-A, the Worker's Right-to-Know Act, employees have the right to know details concerning any toxic substance to which they are exposed in the workplace, and the USNH has the duty to keep on file and make available material safety data sheets for each toxic substance to which its employees may be exposed. If such information is not made available within five working days from the date of request, an employee who has requested information about toxic substances may refuse to work with or in proximity to that substance. Until the information is available the employee's supervisor will assign other duties.
3.2.1 The component institutions have the responsibilities to post notices warning employees of the toxic substances to which they may be exposed and referencing the availability of material safety data sheets. RSA 277-A also requires the USNH to conduct education and training for all employees routinely exposed to toxic substances.
3.2.2 No employee, prospective employee, or employee representative may be disciplined or discriminated against for filing a complaint or instituting any proceedings relating to his/her rights under the Worker's Right-to-Know Act. Any employee who perceives that such action has been taken may use the grievance procedure (USY V.D.12) to seek redress and/or file a complaint with the NH Commission of Labor.
3.3 Occupational Accidents/Injuries/Illness
3.3.1 Employment Related. Faculty/staff members who are injured or develop an occupational related illness in the course of employment with the University System must report the incident and should be examined and/or treated by a health care facility unless immediate hospitalization is required. It is the responsibility of the faculty/staff member's department head to see that such examinations and/or treatment take place. An Employer's First Report of Injury/Illness form must be completed and filed with the proper campus department responsible for Workers' Compensation. See the Workers' Compensation policy USY V.A.16.
3.3.1.1 The component institutions of the University System will designate a department or individual to develop, implement and maintain policies and procedures to ensure compliance with this policy and other applicable federal and state statutes.
3.3.1.2 Reporting. Within 24 hours the department head, supervisor or campus official specifically designated to investigate the cause and extent of an accident/illness must make a written report to the campus office responsible for Workers' Compensation. Written statements by any witnesses are also required.
3.3.1.3 Medical Attention. Any faculty/staff member consulting an outside physician or entering a hospital for treatment of a condition resulting from an injury/illness received while doing work for the University System must notify in writing the designated campus official responsible for complying with the Workers' Compensation policy. Medical evaluation information received by the faculty/staff member must be provided to the designated campus official for the purpose of determining eligibility for Workers' Compensation and the provisions of the Americans with Disability Act.
3.3.1.4 Return to Work. An employee who has been absent from work due to an injury received in the course of his/her work for the University System must be examined by a physician and must submit to the designated campus official a written report from such physician before his/her return to work. USNH will make reasonable accommodations in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disability Act if requested.
3.4 Injuries to students, guests and visitors. Students, guests, and visitors who are injured on University System property should seek appropriate medical attention and inform the designated campus official responsible for safety and/or the campus security office of an accident, illness/injury as soon as possible.
3.4.1 Reporting. A written report of the accident, illness/injury should be submitted within 24 hours to the appropriate campus official. The report should be completed and filed before leaving the grounds unless the illness/injury required immediate hospitalization. Also, within 24 hours the campus official specifically designated to investigate the cause and extent of the accident, illness/injury should make a written report. Written statements by any witnesses should also be included.