Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s (Extension) goal is to provide a safe and healthful workplace for all employees at each of its locations and to follow appropriate procedures to protect the environment. Unit heads shall take such action and follow applicable procedures as is necessary to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

A. Unit heads will:

1. Take actions to comply with applicable environmental health and safety-related laws and System regulations and standards

2. Appoint a unit safety officer and/or safety committee

3. Ensure that the safety officer/committee acts as a liaison with the Extension Service safety coordinator

4. File or cause to be filed a First Report of Injury form(s) in accordance with applicable Workers’ Compensation Insurance procedures.

B. Professional staff and supervisors will:

1. Set a good example and follow all safety procedures

2. Identify hazards associated with tasks assigned to employees

3. Train employees to perform all jobs in a safe manner

4. Take appropriate actions to correct unsafe acts or behavior of employees

5. Inform the unit head or safety officer/committee of any identified unsafe conditions.

C. Safety officers/committees will:

1. Coordinate the safety program at the unit

2. Advise the unit head of any safety problems that are identified

3. Assist the Texas AgriLife Research (AgriLife Research)/Extension safety coordinator, as required, to gather or distribute safety-related information, evaluate safety conditions, etc.

D. Employees will:

1. Assume personal responsibility for accident prevention

2. Follow instructions, use personal protective equipment provided, and perform all work in a safe manner

3. Report unsafe conditions and/or practices to the appropriate supervisor

4. Immediately notify the supervisor if an accident occurs which results in injury; if the supervisor is not available, notify the unit head. This notification must include the type of injury, how the accident occurred, and the names of witnesses, if any.

E. Extension safety coordinator will:

1. Assist the unit head and safety officer/committee in the implementation of an appropriate safety program for the unit

2. Advise the unit head and safety officer/committee of new or revised laws that affect the safety program

3. Serve as a resource to provide safety-related training or information

4. Periodically evaluate facilities and procedures at the unit to assess safety compliance and recommend corrective actions, as necessary.

Refusal by an employee to follow safety guidelines or refusal to use personal protective equipment as instructed may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination (See System Policy 32.02, Discipline and Dismissal of Employees, System Regulation 32.02.02, Discipline and Dismissal Procedures for Employees Other Than Faculty.)

Questions regarding this procedure should be referred to the AgriLife Research/Extension Safety Coordinator at 979-862-4038.