MnTAP Policies & Procedures
This page has links to MnTAP’s policies and procedures. When a policy or procedure has been developed by the University of Minnesota and MnTAP staff members are to abide by that, the link is included. Please see team leaders and/or MnTAP’s director for more information on the policy and procedures manual.
Policy
Topics
Training
On-Site
Reporting
MnTAP Employee Safety Policy
Workplace safety is a critical component of MnTAP competency, success, and employee wellness. MnTAP, as part of the University of Minnesota, in conducting a wide variety of assistance work in industrial and institutional settings, adheres at a minimum to the lab safety training requirements set forth by the U of M Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
Reason for the Policy
While MnTAP staff members conduct a significant amount of their work in their workspaces at the University of Minnesota, they are expected to travel to and tour a variety of business facilities as part of their jobs. These facilities can pose a potential safety risk if MnTAP staff members are not well-versed or prepared for the visit and potential risks or hazards. Therefore, this safety policy mandates that staff members are required to complete regular safety training tasks to help ensure their safety, both while at MnTAP offices and at on-site visits.
Procedures
- Adhering to MnTAP safety training and protocols
- Preparing for safety needs of on-site work
- Documenting and reporting completed safety trainings
Forms/Instructions
- Staff safety record
- UM Training registration/history in human resources self-service
Additional Contacts
Safety in the School of Public Health is largely focused on research laboratory activities.
The University of Minnesota’s Chemical Hygiene Officer is Dawn C. Errede, Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Ms. Errede is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and chemical hygiene specialist with a PhD in Environmental Health. Phone: 612-626-2330.
The Research Safety Officer for Environmental Health Sciences is Diane Toscano, Phone: 612-624-1472.
Responsibilities
Safety Lead
The responsibility of the Safety Lead at MnTAP is to
- Identify and catalogue useful resources for staff access
- Track staff training compliance
- Develop the quarterly training schedule and logistics including topic reference materials and supplementary training opportunities
- Maintain basic safety supplies
Employee
MnTAP employees are responsible for adhering to the safety policy and seeking out additional training as needed.
Supervisor
Each employee’s supervisor is responsible for encouraging and checking in on staff adherence with this policy and providing the MnTAP safety lead with input on how to improve or expand the safety program to encompass proposed work projects not otherwise covered by current safety topics.
Appendices
- A catalog of VHS and DVD tapes on a wide variety of safety topics is available at MnTAP Safety Program resources.
- Additional resources will be added to the catalog by the MnTAP safety lead as they are identified.
Related Information
History
- Created: 3/22/2012
- Reviewed by MnTAP Staff:
- Approved as Final:
Procedure: Adhering to MnTAP Safety Training and Protocols
Completing MnTAP’s Required Safety Training
Employees
- Attend and complete the safety training courses offered through MnTAP’s safety program.
Supervisors
- Verify that staff members attend and complete safety training courses.
- If staff members are unable to attend a training, coordinate with staff member to reschedule the training and verify that the staff member completes the training within the agreed-upon time period.
Safety Training Schedule
The requirements and schedule below have been assembled as of the revision date below using collaborative best judgment, and will be reviewed and rescheduled annually to ensure all the benefits of necessary and appropriate training are included.
| 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Defensive driver | Personal protection/PPE | Lab safety, chemicals, material safety data sheets (MSDS) | Electric safety, lock out/tag out |
Additional Training Opportunities
MnTAP staff members are encouraged to seek appropriate information or additional training when further or more detailed training is applicable to a work assignment. Additional information and a complete list of topics and resources from the two authoritative sources used to compile the current training catalog are available at
History
- Created: 3/22/2012
- Reviewed by MnTAP Staff:
- Approved as Final:
Procedure: Preparing for safety needs of on-site work
Understanding Safety Risks/Hazards of Each Site
Employees
- Adhere to industry safety standards and best practices for the type of facility.
- Identify facility safety requirements, including personal protective equipment, prior to site visit.
- Conform to all safety requirements of the facility they are visiting.
- Follow the more rigorous of applicable safety policies (site-specific or MnTAP).
- Complete the site-specific safety checklist.
Supervisors
- Work with staff members to ensure they are completing pre-site visit safety requirements.
- Discuss safety activities or concerns during each meeting with staff members.
Acquiring Safety Equipment as Dictated by Facility Type
MnTAP provides some basic safety equipment to all employees. Employees need to understand what equipment is available and what is required for site work at a specific facility. If necessary safety equipment is not on-hand at MnTAP, employees should fill out a purchase request for the equipment.
Safety Equipment On Hand
The following limited pieces of safety equipment are available at MnTAP for all employees and will be kept stocked by the MnTAP safety lead.
- Safety glasses (accommodating fit over prescription glasses)
- Latex gloves
- Cotton swabs
- Ear plugs
- 2 waist-length smocks
- 1 pair of nitrile gloves
History
- Created: 3/22/2012
- Reviewed by MnTAP Staff:
- Approved as Final:
Procedure: Documenting and Reporting
Reporting
Report a Work – Related Injury or Illness
Examples:
- In the course of their work, a University Employee slips on ice and is injured
- While driving a University vehicle or personal vehicle for work purpose, an employee is rear ended by another car causing injury to the University Employee
Who to report to:
- Office of Risk Management (ORM)
Report:
- Fill out the First Report of Injury
- Best Pracitce: Supervisor of the injured employee should complete this First Report of Injury
Report a Safety Concern or Suggestion
Examples:
- Hazardous conditions such as broken or missing guardrails
- Near misses or close calls which could have resulted in serious injury or property damage
- Concern about employee exposures
- Suggestions to resolve a safety issue or improve a process
- Violation of OSHA regulations or policies
Who to report to:
- University Health and Safety (UHS)
Report:
- Fill out the Safety Concern Form
- Or call UHS at 612 – 626 – 6002
Documenting Training
Documenting Trainings Offered Through the U of M
Employees
Trainings completed through the University of Minnesota should be documented automatically through employee self-service.
- After completing a training, verify training record in Employee Self-Service > Training Registration/History > Personal Training Record.
- For all non-MnTAP required trainings, notify supervisor and Safety Lead of training completion.
Supervisors
- Help staff identify additional training needs.
- Discuss training applicability and value with staff members.
- Provide training feedback critique to Safety Lead.
Safety Lead
- Ensure that all safety trainings are recorded in the MnTAP safety log.
Documenting Trainings Offered by Other Organizations
Employees
Trainings completed through other organizations should be documented by employees through employee self-service.
- Visit the employee self-service homepage and select Training Registration/History > Personal Training Record.
- Report the completed training within one week of completion.
- Notify supervisor and Safety Lead of training completion.
Supervisors
- Help staff identify additional training needs
- Discuss training applicability and value with staff members
- Provide training feedback critique to Safety Lead
Safety Lead
- Ensure that all safety trainings are recorded in the MnTAP safety log.
History
- Created: 3/22/2012
- Reviewed by MnTAP Staff:
- Approved as Final: