I. Purpose:
Robert Morris University is committed to providing a safe, functional and supportive environment. The safety process has been designed to provide a physical environment free of recognized hazards, manage staff activities to reduce the risk of injuries and ultimately preserve the safety of all persons at the University. The safety committee and each of the written management plans establish the foundation for a comprehensive safety process. The management plans define the implementation policies and procedures, the process for educating staff, and how we measure performance. In addition, these plans establish a formal organizational structure designed to facilitate the achievement of our safety goals and objectives.

II. Mission & Goals:
The Safety Committee mission is consistent with, and supports, the larger overall mission of Robert Morris University through the development, promotion, and subsequent implementation of proactive safety management programs. The short-term goal is to implement a system of continuous improvement. By monitoring accomplishments and specific safety indicators we ensure that performance is evaluated and opportunities for improvement are identified. In a broader sense, the long-term goal is to provide a comprehensive safety process.

III. Scope:
The safety process has been structured around seven functional areas and includes; Safety, Security, Hazardous Materials & Waste, Lab Safety, Fire Safety, Emergency Preparedness, and Utility Systems. The safety process applies to all Robert Morris University personnel including, but not limited to, those located at the Moon Campus, Pittsburgh Buildings, Island Sports Complex, and other facilities owned or operated by the University. In addition, all students, volunteers, contractors, and visitors are included within the general scope of the program.

IV. Codes, Standards & Regulatory Requirements:
The process has been designed to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local safety requirements. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the State of Pennsylvania Department of Labor.

V. Authority:
Authority for the safety process is vested with the Board of Trustees and the President. The University Safety Committee will act as a decision making body and administers the safety process. To ensure that prompt protective measures are implemented, the Safety Officer will coordinate with senior administration whenever conditions pose an immediate threat to life or health or threaten damage to equipment or buildings.

VI. Organizational Roles and Responsibilities:
Ultimate accountability for successful process implementation remains with the Board of Trustees and the President. The Safety Committee is comprised of representatives from a cross-section of the University and oversees the safety process to ensure the mission and goals are achieved. Additionally, subcommittees have been established and are responsible for the development, implementation and continuous improvement in each of the seven functional areas.

Operational responsibility for process implementation has been delegated through the organizational hierarchical management structure. It will become the responsibility of every department head and supervisor to ensure that appropriate safety information and training is provided to employees. Also, it is the responsibility of all employees to follow safe work practices as identified in the written plans, policies & procedures.

VII. Safety Committee Membership & Appointment:
The University Safety Committee is Co-Chaired by the Senior Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs and the Senior Vice President for Business Affairs. The Chairpersons will appoint committee members who provide representation from several of the University disciplines and whose operational responsibilities align with and help achieve our safety goals and objectives. An Executive Committee, which is comprised of the University Safety Committee Co-Chairs and Safety Officer will provide overall direction and have the authority to approve policies, procedures and similar activities.

VIII. Safety Committee Meetings:
University Safety Committee meetings will be scheduled quarterly and/or at the direction of the Executive Committee. Meeting agendas will be provided and minutes maintained to document subject discussion, actions, and similar information. Also, a majority of committee members shall constitute a quorum and is required on voting issues. Members are expected to attend all meetings.

IX. Policies, Procedures & Performance:
Contained within each management plan are policies and procedures to be followed by each department and individual. Organizational Safety Policies shall be approved by the Safety Committee. Department Directors and Managers are to determine which elements of the process (policies, procedures, etc.) apply to their area/activities, customize as necessary and ensure the process is implemented. In addition, the subcommittees shall identify specific "performance measures" for each of the functional areas to monitor success. This data is used to identify trends, root causes and opportunities for improvement.

X. Orientation & Education Program:
Training and education curriculum is to be developed for each of the functional areas and is essential for successful implementation of the plans. The curriculum is designed to ensure University personnel have knowledge about the safety policies, procedures and safety process goals. In addition, the curriculum includes: structure of the safety process, system for identifying safety risks, and procedures for reporting incidents involving occupational injury/illness or other incidents related to the specific management plans. Curriculum is also developed for the subject specific policies & procedures.

Safety training will be provided during "new employee orientation." More detailed or subject specific safety training & education will be provided within the department and/or through other effective methods.

XI. Information, Collection & Evaluation:
Subcommittees have been established and are assigned responsibility for each of the functional areas and prepare routine status reports for the University Safety Committee. The reports will provide a summary of the plan effectiveness as measured by program accomplishments or specific performance indicator(s). The reports should also include; risks not anticipated, the need for additional resources to accomplish safety goals, and identified problems, needs, opportunities and recommendations for correcting deficiencies.

XII. Annual Program Evaluation:
Each subcommittee will conduct an annual evaluation of their plan. The annual evaluation will assess the plan effectiveness from a general perspective and recommend revisions, deletions, or additions to the management plan, implementation policies and guidelines. These by-laws may be amended by a majority vote when necessary.

XIII. Safety Program Documentation:
Every department receives a copy of the Safety Policies & Procedures Manual and the associated implementation programs. These manuals are distributed through the Safety Committee.