Department of
Human Resources

• Accident Reports
• Emergency Response
  
• Emergency Communication
• Fire & Other Evacuation Incidents
• Lock Down and Other Stay In Incidents
• First Aid
• General Safety
• Hazard Communication Plans
• Off-Campus Emergencies
• On-Campus Emergencies
• Personal Safety
• Possession of Weapons
• Safety Bulletin Boards
• University Violence Prevention Policy

Pacific Lutheran University employees and students should be aware of the issues concerning fire safety, electrical safety, office ergonomics, lifting techniques, driving safety, workplace violence awareness, hazard communication, and emergency procedures.  These are important components in maintaining an illness and injury free work environment.

The safety and emergency information provided in this manual is a summary, for more complete details see PLU's Occupational Health, Safety and Accident Prevention Manual, Health and Safety at PLU - An Introduction, and the Emergency Procedures Handbook.  These documents can be found at http://www.plu.edu/safety or www.plu.edu/emergency or by calling Environmental Health and Safety at ext. 7233.

ACCIDENT REPORTS

In the event of accident or injury on the job, each employee is covered by the Washington State Industrial Insurance Program (Worker's Compensation). If medical attention is required as a result of such injury, the employee should advise the physician that he or she is covered under the State Industrial Insurance Program so that necessary forms may be processed in the doctor's office. Failure to accomplish this will necessitate a return trip to the doctor's office to initiate the form required by the State.

Additionally, any accident on the job should be reported to the Supervisor immediately and, as soon as time permits (when possible, within 24 hours), the Injury Report should be completed and mailed to Human Resources. The form can be found on the Human Resources website. This form helps to provide the information required in processing a claim for insurance. Data from injury reports is compiled and reviewed by the University Safety Committee, and is also used for reporting purposes. Personal information regarding who is injured, for instance, is not shared.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Pacific Lutheran University has an emergency response system, which is composed of qualified Safety Officers and professional staff in Campus Safety, a campus wide emergency number, ext. 7911, and first aid trained personnel in most buildings. The system is a coordinated means of responding to any emergency on campus.

Incidents of greater magnitude that may have a larger impact on the university's academics and operations are coordinated with other campus offices, such as Facilities Management, Human Resources, Residential Life, and the Provost.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

PLU uses phone trees, emergency alert text messaging (sign-up from the Campus Safety website), and outdoor speakers to notify students and employees of emerging incidents that may impact safety. The university also relies on the web, email, voicemail, radios, and word-of-mouth to share information during an emergency incident.

FIRE & OTHER EVACUATION (GET OUT) INCIDENTS

If a fire or other incident that creates an unsafe environment occurs in your building or a fire alarm goes off, leave the area and, if possible, assist others to exit in an orderly manner. Use the nearest safe route and exit. Go to the Emergency Assembly Point (EAP) away from the building. Check in with the Emergency Building Coordinator (EBC) and report to the EBC anyone who is missing from the assembly point. Faculty who are in class at the time of the incident should escort their class to the assembly point and take roll call. Give the roll call sheet to the EBC. The EBC will have information on what to do next. As soon as you are out of danger, notify the Campus Safety Office (ext. 7911).

LOCK DOWN AND OTHER (STAY IN) INCIDENTS

If a violent incident or some other incident occurs outside your building, please stay inside or shelter-in-place. If there is an imminent threat of violent, the entrance doors should be locked by you or those designated to carry out a lock down in your building. In addition, you should lock classroom or office doors, if possible and hide from view of windows. The university may initiate a modified lock-down where the doors are locked, but normal academics and operations continue. An atmospheric release may also warrant staying inside, in which case, you should also move to the highest location in the building away from windows and doors.

FIRST AID

Campus Safety Officers are First Aid and CPR trained. A complete mobile First Aid kit is located at the Campus Safety Office for response anywhere on campus.

First aid kits are available in all buildings on campus. Locations are listed in the Emergency Procedures Handbook. Offices with kits are responsible for maintaining a full supply of materials in the kits by calling Environmental Health and Safety at ext. 7233 (SAFE) for replacements. 

The university makes available First Aid and CPR training and certification for individuals in all areas of the campus

GENERAL SAFETY

Concern for safety is essential. All employees should be careful in their work habits to avoid injury on the job and should be especially cautious to watch their footing on walks and in hallways during bad weather.

To prevent injury, several general rules should be followed:

• Keep floors clear of debris and liquids.
• Maintain floor coverings in good condition to avoid tripping hazards caused by loose tile and frayed carpet edging.
• Keep designated walkways and doorways clear and free of electrical cords, boxes and office equipment at all times.
• When using file cabinets, only open one file drawer at a time.
• Use proper step stools or ladders - not chairs - when climbing to reach high items.

The University Safety Committee, which includes electees and appointees from the administration, faculty, and staff meets once a month. Suggestions to improve safety procedures should be submitted to the Environmental Health and Safety Manager. Liability insurance for the university is handled by the Finance and Operations Office. 

Each new employee is given a copy of the university's Introduction to Health and Safety, and the Emergency Procedures Handbook. Additional copies are available in Human Resources or through the Environmental Health and Safety Manager's office. 

HAZARD COMMUNICATION PLANS

The university established a Hazard Communication Program that is described in the Occupational Health, Safety and Accident Prevention Manual. The program includes procedures for container labeling, maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and employee training and information. 

The university also maintains a Chemical Hygiene Plan for lab safety. The plan for Natural Sciences is available from the Chemical Hygiene Officer.

ON-CAMPUS EMERGENCIES

In case of any emergency go to the nearest telephone and dial ext. 7911 or 535-7911 from your cell phone. If the emergency involves an injured person who is helpless, someone should remain with that person while another leaves the scene to report the emergency. The injured person should not be moved. Identify yourself and the person injured (if possible). Indicate the extension number from which you are calling, the nature of the emergency, and the location of the injured person. Wait on the line to answer any questions, which may be asked in order to dispatch emergency vehicles. Once released from the call by Campus Safety, keep the telephone line open for incoming calls.

OFF-CAMPUS EMERGENCIES

For stretcher cases (for example, a person who is unconscious or who has suffered an injured back or a heart attack) call 911 and ask for "fire." Inform them of the nature of the problem. Stay on the line until told otherwise by the Operator. After caring for the victim, call Campus Safety and Information and report the details. For non-stretcher cases (for example, a person who has suffered a hard bump or a sprained ankle), see to it that the person is taken to the nearest medical facility. After treatment call Campus Safety and Information at 253-535-7441 and report the details.

PERSONAL SAFETY

PLU is concerned about the safety of its employees. Following are some tips that will increase your awareness of precautions to take:

• Call Campus Safety Emergency ext. 7911 immediately if you hear or see anything suspicious.
• Call ext. 7441 for a Campus Safety escort to your car, or to another building.
• Use the buddy system. At night call Campus Safety so that they may check on your welfare as they patrol.
• When possible, lock your office door whenever you leave.
• Lock doors and windows when working at night. Secure everything before leaving.
• Don't leave keys, records, cash, checks, purses, or personal valuables even momentarily.
• Stay alert for the unexpected.
• Avoid unnecessary risks.
• Act with common sense.
• Walk confidently. Don't look like a victim.

Additional materials on personal security are available without cost at the Campus Safety and Information Office.

If you observe illegal or dangerous behavior or activities, please report it Campus Safety in a timely manner, so it it can be investigated and resolved.

POSSESSION OF WEAPONS

To reduce the risk of injury to employees and students, the university prohibits the possession of weapons on campus premises, in university vehicles, at any university-sponsored events off-campus. Prohibited weapons include firearms, knives, or other dangerous devices including, but not limited to: guns, firecrackers or other explosives, hunting weapons, live ammunition, flares, swords, slingshots, pellet guns, paint guns, and bb guns. 

Employees should check with their supervisors or with Human Resources if they have a question regarding this policy. Employees should report to their supervisors any concerns about other staff members, or students in possession of prohibited weapons. 

Failure to adhere to the university's weapon policy or failure to cooperate in an investigation is grounds for disciplinary action, which, depending on the circumstances, may include immediate termination.

SAFETY BULLETIN BOARDS

To increase employee's safety and health awareness, bulletin boards for safety information are located in several buildings on campus. 

The safety bulletin boards in the following areas will display all Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) required posters and emergency information:

• Hauge Administration Building
• Dining and Culinary Services
• Facilities Management

Safety bulletin boards in other areas may display safety posters, emergency numbers, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) locations, Safety Committee information and other items as determined by the Safety Committee representative. 

UNIVERSITY VIOLENCE PREVENTION POLICY
Providing a Safe and Secure Campus: Preventing Workplace & Campus Violence
April 2002
August 2007

Introduction and Purpose

The university and its employees and students strive to provide a safe, secure learning/ living and work environment in an atmosphere which respects each person's dignity. Toward this end, the university will take appropriate action against anyone who is found to have engaged in threatening or violent behavior on campus or at university-sponsored programs or events. Employees and students are responsible for reporting situations that are or could become threatening.

Verbal threats, threatening behavior, or acts of violence by an employee, student or other member of the campus community against other employees, students, vendors, or campus visitors will not be tolerated. Persons found to have violated this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including potential dismissal. Arrest and criminal prosecution by off-campus authorities is also possible.

Threats or acts of violence will be taken seriously. Reported threats and acts of violence are investigated by the university. Employees, students or other members of the campus community who are found to have made substantial threats, exhibited threatening behavior, or engaged in violent acts on university property are subject to removal from the campus as quickly as safety permits.

For the purpose of this policy, employee includes all faculty, administrators, staff, temporary employees, and student workers; student includes any enrolled student.  The prohibitions in this policy apply to all members of the campus community, including employees, students, and volunteers.

Prohibited Behavior

While it is not possible to describe all the actions which might constitute threatening or violent behavior or a risk to safety and security, the following behaviors are strictly forbidden in the workplace or on the PLU campus:

• Using threatening, intimidating, or abusive language and/or gestures.
• Using or possessing firearms, explosives, knives, or any other type of weapon.
• Stalking or similarly harassing behavior toward employees, students, or campus visitors.
• Destroying or damaging university property, computer files, and/or other acts of workplace sabotage.
• Assaulting or physically attacking another person.
• Verbally threatening to harm another person or destroy property.
• Possessing or consuming illegal drugs.
• Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Working under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Reporting Requirements

1. Students and employees are required to notify Campus Safety immediately at ext. 7911 if they observe the following:
   
   1. A life-threatening situation that is in progress (physical confrontation, robbery, etc.);
   2. An act of violence or threat in the workplace, residence halls or on campus property;
   3. A threat of domestic violence potentially affecting the campus environment;
   4. Any action or conduct that is imminently threatening or violent or that has the potential to become threatening or violent.
   5. The presence on campus of any person who is the subject of a Restricted from Campus order, a Restraining or Anti-Harassment order that lists the university as a restricted location.
2. Employees are required to notify their supervisors promptly of any action noted in a-e above. In turn, supervisors are required to notify Campus Safety of any threats of which they are informed and any threats they receive or witness themselves.
3. Students and employees are required to notify Campus Safety promptly in the event that they have secured a Restraining or Anti-Harassment Order that lists the university as a restricted location.
4. All students and employees are required to complete a University Violence Prevention Report after observing any behavior or circumstances noted in a-e above.   Employees should complete the report with assistance from their supervisor and students should complete it with assistance from a Student Life staff member (RD, SIL or Conduct) or with their workplace supervisor.  The completed report must be filed with Campus Safety.
5. Other members of the PLU community, including volunteers, are strongly encouraged to follow these same reporting procedures if they observe acts of violence or threatening situations.
6. Campus Safety will notify Human Resources in a timely manner regarding reports and information shared with them.
7. The university will use reported information with as much discretion as possible-balancing privacy with the need to provide a safe, secure environment.

Resources

Student Life staff members are available to consult with, assist and/or refer students with any issues related to the behaviors or procedures noted above. 

Human Resources staff members are available to consult with, assist, and/or refer employees and supervisors regarding: 

• Talking through difficult situations and determining what next steps might be appropriate.
• Referring employees to the Employee Assistance Program or other services for support in counseling, anger management, or mediation.
• Documenting and managing sensitive performance issues.

Supervisors are directed to seek the assistance of Human Resources and/or Campus Safety during potentially high-risk situations such as employee dismissals, work restructuring, or instances in which an employee's medical condition may be a contributing factor.

Human Resources and Student Life will coordinate and conduct periodic training sessions regarding measures to prevent violence, recognizing early warning signs of a troubled or potentially violent person, and procedures for responding to and reporting such incidents.

The university will not tolerate any retaliation against any person who reports or participates in the investigation of a situation under this policy. Any person who is found to have engaged in retaliation prohibited by this policy is subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including immediate dismissal and exclusion from campus.

Not a Contract

No part of this policy is intended to or shall be construed to limit the university's right to manage its workforce or address student conduct issues, operate the university or to handle specific situations based on the specific facts involved. This policy is not, and shall not be construed as a contractual commitment on behalf of or to any person.