Environmental Health and Safety (FAC 100-013)

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Baker College incorporates environmental, health, and safety principles into its operations and planning processes, thereby creating a safe, sustainable, and supportive environment for the campus community.

2.0 Definitions

Emergency Preparedness - Planning, procedures, and resources put in place to prepare for and respond to emergencies such as natural disasters, fires, chemical spills, or security threats.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) - A discipline and set of programs focused on protecting the environment, health, and safety of employees, students, and the public through compliance with laws, best practices, and organizational standards.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - A federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses (e.g., gloves, goggles, respirators, protective clothing).

Pollution Prevention - The practice of reducing or eliminating the generation of pollutants at the source rather than managing them after they have been created.

Risk Assessment - A systematic process of evaluating the potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking.

3.0 Scope

This policy applies to all Baker College faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors. It is designed to mitigate risks related to illness, injury, or other safety concerns. Responsibility for implementation lies at all organizational levels, and compliance will be actively monitored.

4.0 Policy Statement

Baker College is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible campus. This Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policy establishes the College’s guiding principles for complying with applicable regulations, promoting sustainability, and protecting the well-being of the campus community.

Compliance - Baker College will comply with all applicable environmental, health, and safety laws, regulations, and standards. The College strives to exceed minimum regulatory requirements where feasible to ensure a safe and compliant environment.

Environmental Stewardship - The College is dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact through resource conservation, waste reduction, and the adoption of sustainable practices. Environmental considerations will be integrated into planning and decision-making processes across campus operations.

Health and Safety - A safe and healthy environment is essential to the College's mission. Baker College will maintain campus conditions that prevent injuries and illnesses through the identification and control of hazards, promotion of safe practices, and adherence to recognized safety standards.

Pollution Prevention - Baker College supports pollution prevention by reducing emissions, using resources efficiently, and selecting technologies and products that minimize environmental harm.

Emergency Preparedness - The College will maintain and regularly review emergency preparedness strategies to ensure effective response to emergencies or disasters and to protect lives, property, and the environment.

Education and Awareness - Baker College promotes a culture of environmental and safety awareness by encouraging all members of the campus community to take personal responsibility for their environmental impact and safety-related behaviors.

Continuous Improvement - The College will monitor and evaluate its environmental, health, and safety performance through measurable objectives, periodic reviews, and performance assessments to drive continuous improvement.

Community Engagement - Baker College will engage with students, employees, local stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to collaboratively address environmental, health, and safety concerns and to support initiatives that enhance sustainability and safety across the broader community.

5.0 Procedures

The following procedures support the implementation of Baker College’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Policy. These procedures apply to all departments, personnel, and operations across campus.

Regulatory Compliance

• Environmental, health, and safety practices must be reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, including OSHA, EPA, and fire safety regulations.
• Updates to regulatory requirements must be communicated promptly to affected departments and incorporated into operational protocols.

Risk Assessment and Hazard Prevention

• Departments must conduct periodic risk assessments to identify potential hazards in work, study, and communal areas.
• Identified risks must be evaluated, prioritized, and addressed through appropriate mitigation measures.
• Hazardous conditions must be reported and corrected in a timely manner in accordance with campus reporting procedures.

Training and Education

• EHS training must be provided to employees as part of onboarding and made available at regular intervals thereafter.
• Training shall include topics such as emergency procedures, hazard communication, proper use of PPE, and reporting protocols.
• Attendance at required safety training is mandatory and must be documented.

Emergency Preparedness

• Each campus must maintain an up-to-date emergency response plan, which outlines procedures for evacuation, shelter-in-place, communication, and coordination with emergency services.
• Emergency drills (e.g., fire, lockdown) must be conducted regularly and documented.
• Emergency equipment must be inspected and maintained according to manufacturer and regulatory guidelines.

Pollution Prevention and Resource Management

• Departments must follow procedures to reduce emissions, conserve energy and water, and properly handle chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Waste reduction practices, including recycling and reuse programs, must be implemented and monitored.
• Hazardous waste must be managed, stored, and disposed of according to federal and state regulations, with oversight from the Facilities Team.

Safety Equipment and PPE

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the task and hazard must be made available to employees and maintained in good working order.
• Supervisors must ensure proper use of PPE and provide task-specific instruction when necessary.
• Employees are responsible for using PPE as directed and reporting any damage or malfunctions.

Reporting and Incident Management

• All on-the-job injuries, illnesses, or environmental incidents must be reported immediately to the appropriate supervisor and documented.
• Investigations must be conducted to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• A centralized system shall be maintained to log incidents and track resolution efforts.

Internal Audits and Performance Monitoring

• Regular audits and inspections shall be conducted by the Facilities Team or designees to assess compliance with EHS standards.
• Departments must support audit processes and respond to identified deficiencies with corrective actions.
• Metrics and key performance indicators shall be established to track progress toward environmental and safety objectives.

Communication and Awareness

• EHS-related information shall be communicated through campus notices, training sessions, the college website, and targeted awareness campaigns.
• Feedback from students, faculty, and staff on safety concerns or environmental improvements shall be encouraged and reviewed regularly.

6.0 Responsibilities

Facilities Team

• Perform regular inspections of campus facilities to identify hazards and potential hazards and determine compliance with OSHA and fire regulations.
• Recommend corrective actions which are submitted to appropriate personnel.
• Utilize a program of safety training for employees to comply with OSHA regulations and to promote safe and healthful operating procedures.
• Investigate employee job-related injuries and illnesses and recommend necessary action to reduce the possibility of recurrence.
• Review proposals for new construction and major remodeling to ensure compliance with OSHA and fire safety regulations.
• Provide technical expertise and knowledge of regulatory compliance techniques for the guidance of management in the formulation of policy and decisions regarding the maintenance of a safe and healthful campus environment and operations, and to ensure compliance with health and safety laws and regulations.
• Operate the hazardous waste management system and provide necessary control measures to ensure compliance with hazardous waste laws and regulations.
• Develop for adoption all necessary safety rules and procedures to implement the College's compliance with OSHA regulations.

Employee

• Report any unsafe conditions, practices or equipment to your supervisor.
• Abide by all Baker College safety policies.
• Complete required safety training.
• Inform your supervisor if you are taking any medication that may jeopardize your safety.
• Immediately report all on-the-job injuries, no matter the severity, to your supervisor.
• Use and maintain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Supervisors 

• Enforce all Baker College safety policies.
• Ensure that employees receive the proper training needed to safely perform their job.
• Verify compliance to safety policies and individual practices.
• Allow adequate time for employees to attend safety training.
• Promote safety.
• Ensure that the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available for employees.

7.0 Citations & Related Information

None