HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-18 - Res. Amending Res. 20-97 and County Code 2.124 Safety Policy and Accident Prevention RESOLUTION No.Qtr-I_g
AMENDS RESOLUTION 20-97 AND COUNTY CODE 2.124 MASON COUNTY
SAFETY POLICY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, Mason County Safety Policy and Accident Prevention Program adopted by the
Board of Commissioners represents a commitment to workplace safety by the elected officials
and department heads of Mason County; and
WHEREAS, The Board of County Commissioners and Elected Officials have the responsibility to
provide a safe and healthy workplace free from recognized hazards as forth in Chapter 296-800
WAC: Safety and Health Core Rules; and
WHEREAS, Mason County employees have the responsibility to strive to develop habits and
procedures that will reduce exposure to potential injury including attending safety trainings and
wearing personal protective equipment;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this resolution shall amend Resolution 20-97 and
County Code 2.124 Mason County Safety Policy and Accident Prevention Program (Attachment
A). This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage.
PASSED this (0+1' day of 2018.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ATTEST:
Ra y Nreatherlin, Chair
M liss rewry, rk of the Board
APPROVED AS TO FORM: Terri rexler, Commissioner
Z JZ I
Tim Whitehead, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Kevin Shutty, Commissioner
Attorney
ATTACHMENT A
MASON COUNTY
SAFETY POLICY
ACCIDENT
PREVENTION PROGRAM
4`$�� COU' '.?'►
Revision Date: February 6, 2018
ATTACHMENT A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION PAGE 1
RESPONSIBILITIES PAGE 1
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PAGE 1
ELECTED OFFICIALS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS PAGE 1
SUPPORT SERVICES-HUMAN RESOURCES/RISK MANAGEMENT PAGE 2
FACILITIES PAGE 2
SUPERVISOR PAGE 2
EMPLOYEE PAGE 3
MASON COUNTY SAFETY COMMITTEE PAGE 4
SAFETY BULLETIN BOARDS PAGE 5
SAFETY ORIENTATION PAGE 5
SAFETY EDUCATION AND TRAINING PAGE 6
EMPLOYEE ACCIDENT PROCEDURES AND REPORTING PAGE 8
REPORTING POTENTIAL HAZARDS PAGE 9
FIRST AID RESPONSE PLAN PAGE 9
FIRE PREVENTION PAGE 10
ATTACHMENTS:
A EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION CHECK LIST
B EMPLOYEE ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT
C INCIDENT INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST& REPORT
D EMPLOYEE REPORT OF A WORKPLACE HAZARD
E ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM
EVALUATION WORKSHEET
APPENDICES:
INTRODUCTION
The Mason County Safety Policy and Accident Prevention Program adopted by the Board of County
Commissioners represents a commitment to workplace safety and is directed to all Mason County's
Elected Officials,Department Heads,Employees and volunteers. It is designed to comply with,and
implement federal and state laws by establishing policies and procedures to prevent accidents,injuries
and occupational illnesses. Requirements are set forth in the RCW's and WAC's and are adapted to
Mason County's conditions and circumstances in this plan. (Chapter 2.124-ACCIDENT PREVENTION
PROGRAM)
The objective of this plan is to provide for:
• The physical well-being of all Mason County Elected Officials,Department Heads,
Employees and Volunteers.
• Comply with Federal,State and local safety,health and environmental standards;
• Reduce employee accidents,thus reducing personal injury,property loss,time loss and
related costs.
• Provide effective safety orientation and training
• Ensure proper procedures are in place to investigate accidents,develop corrective action
and provide for employee's needs.
This Accident Prevention Program is intended to be a safety guide and an important training
tool that must be understood and applied by all Elected Officials,Department Heads,Managers
and Supervisors. Management and supervisors will be held accountable for an effective
accident prevention effort in their own area of operations and for ensuring each employee is
familiar with this program. (2.124.010-Generally)
RESPONSIBILITIES
(2.124.020-Officers' responsibilities)
Board of County Commissioners/Elected Officials
The Board of County Commissioners and Elected Officials have the responsibility to provide a
safe and healthy workplace free from recognized hazards as set forth in Chapter 296-800 WAC:
SAFETY AND HEALTH CORE RULES.
The responsibility for safety is shared among the Mason County Board of County
Commissioners,Elected Officials,Department Heads and those who supervise the activities of
others,and each individual for his or her area of responsibility.All shall support this program
and shall set an example in terms of safety in the workplace.
Elected Officials and Department Heads
Elected Officials and Department Heads have the responsibility to communicate these policies
and procedures to their employees to create an effective,accident-free environment for
working. Elected Officials or departments managers need to supplement this Mason County
Safety Policy and Accident Prevention Program by adding specific procedures that relate to
I I P a g e
each facility that they operate.These additional safety procedures will be administered by those
Elected Officials or Department Managers and shall be added as appendices to this program.
It is the responsibility of this administration to establish and maintain:
• A safe and healthy working environment;
• An Accident Prevention Program
• A program to ensure individuals may become aware of what hazards exist and how to
prevent accidents
• A system of reporting and recording accidents that will provide useful information for
monitoring the effectiveness of the Accident Prevention Program
• Safety equipment for employees
• Required safety training for employees
Support Services-Human Resources/Risk Mana eg ment
Human Resources/Risk Management primarily provides consultation to the Elected Officials,
Department Heads,Managers,Supervisors and Employees in the areas of general safety,
accident prevention,and assists with coordinating employee safety training. Specific
responsibilities include,but are not limited to:
• Conduct initial safety orientation for all new employees. (2.124.030-Safety orientation)
• Coordinate safety training programs for supervisors and employees.
• Attend Safety Committee meetings and work with the committee in developing policies.
• Assist supervisors in the investigation of accidents and injuries so that unsafe work
conditions or procedures can be corrected.
• Manage workers' compensation and light duty return to work programs.
• Keep current with new safety requirements.
Facilities
Mason County's Facilities Department is primarily responsible for the implementation of
accident prevention as it relates to industrial hygiene,general maintenance, inspections,some
hazardous material disposal,and fire prevention.Specific responsibilities include,but are not
limited to:
• Routine safety inspections to ensure Mason County is carrying out its responsibility to
provide a safe workplace.
• Assist with accident investigations and provide solutions to mitigate and resolve unsafe
work conditions.
• Attend Safety Committee meetings and provide input to resolve safety problems as they
relate to the facilities and grounds.
• Ensure appropriate pre-planning safety measures are taken for facilities maintenance
work and construction.
• Ensure annual mechanical systems safety inspections are conducted and are in
compliance,including fire sprinklers,alarms and extinguishers,elevators.
21 Page
Supervisor's Responsibility
All individuals who supervise others will consider it an integral part of their responsibilities to
ensure working conditions are safe. Specifically each supervisor and manager should:
• Make every reasonable effort to ensure the safety of employees under their
responsibility and make their workplace free of recognized hazards.
• Report any hazards beyond his or her ability to correct.
• Provide job training and work area safety procedures for all employees,especially for
new and reassigned employees with new job activities.
• Conduct regular work area safety inspections with assistance from Human.
Resources/Risk Management and Facilities if needed,to discover and correct unsafe
conditions and work practices.
• Report all injuries on the Employee Accident Report Form and forward it to the Human
Resources/Risk Management office within 24 hours.
• Investigate injury accidents to determine cause and to pursue the correction of any
safety deficiencies.
• Ensure that all necessary safety equipment,protective devices and personal protective
devices are available and in proper working order and used when applicable.
• Respond to employees' concerns for safety in a positive manner and take appropriate
corrective action.
Employee's Responsibility
Mason County employees must have a common goal of keeping accidents to a minimum.
Unsafe work habits cause most accidental injuries in the work environment. Therefore,all
employees should continually strive to develop habits and procedures that will reduce
exposure to potential injury including attending safety trainings and wearing personal
protective equipment. All employees are required,as a condition of their employment,to study
and observe all safety policies and procedures and follow all safe practices that apply to their
work. As part of their safety responsibilities,employees are expected to do the following:
• Study and follow all safe practices that apply to their work.
• Coordinate and cooperate with all other employees in the workplace to try to eliminate
on-the-job injuries and illnesses.
• Apply the principles of accident prevention in their daily work and use proper safety
devices and protective equipment as required by their employment or employer.
• Take care of all personal protective equipment(PPE) properly.
• Report promptly to their supervisor every industrial injury or occupational illness.
• Not remove,displace,damage,or destroy or carry off any safeguard,notice,or warning
provided to make the workplace safe.
• Not interfere with use of any safeguard by anyone in the workplace.
• Not interfere with the use of any work practice designed to protect them from injuries.
• Do everything reasonably necessary to protect the life and safety of employees.
• Report workplace hazards to supervisor or safety committee representative
immediately.
WAC 296-800-12005:Employee responsibilities.
31 Page
MASON COUNTY SAFETY COMMITTEE
(2.124.040-Safety committee(s)meetings)
Mason County has formed a safety committee to help employees and administration work
together to identify safety problems,develop solutions,review incident reports and evaluate
the effectiveness of Mason County's accident prevention program. The committee is made up
of management-designated representatives and employee elected representatives.
Employees in each department will elect from among themselves a representative to be on the
committee. If there is only one volunteer or nomination,the employees will approve the person
by voice vote at a short meeting called for that purpose. If there is more than one volunteer or
nomination,a secret paper ballot will be used to elect the representative.
Elected representatives will serve for one year before being re-elected or replaced. If there is a
vacancy,an election will be held before the next scheduled meeting to fill the balance of the
term. In addition to the employee-elected representatives,management will designate no more
than three representatives but a minimum of one who will serve until replaced by management.
A chairperson will be selected by majority vote of the committee members each year. If there is
a vacancy,the same method will be used to select a replacement.
In addition to the committee responsibilities,above,duties of the safety committee members
include: (2.124.050-Safety committee duties)
• Monthly self-inspection of the area they represent.
• Accident Investigations.The supervisor of the injured employee and the safety officer
will conduct investigations of major accidents. Investigation results will be discussed at
safety meetings.
• Bring employee safety issues from the area they represent to the safety committee for
discussion and mitigations.
• Communicate with the employees they represent on safety issues.
• Document topics discussed and attendance. Prepare these minutes for each meeting,
attain chairpersons signature and preserve them for one year.
• Post safety meeting minutes on the employee bulletin at each work location.
• Encourage safe work practices among co-workers.
• Annual evaluation of Mason County's Accident Prevention Program.
Departments where employees segregated on different shifts or in widely dispersed locations,
i.e.,Sheriffs Deputies,Corrections Officers,Utilities&Waste,and Public Works,shall have a
Supervisor-Crew Safety Meeting in lieu of the regular safety committee provided:
1. The Supervisor-crew safety meeting shall be held at least once a month,or if
conditions require,weekly or bi-weekly meeting shall be held to discuss safety
problems as they arise.
2. All requirements for minutes,safety bulletin boards,and safety inspections,accident
investigations,witnessing tests,and evaluating programs and recommending safety
improvements as listed shall be met by the supervisor-crew safety meeting.
41 Page
The Sheriffs Office must comply with the provisions set forth in the Sheriffs Guild collective
bargaining agreement that:
A. The Guild shall elect all crew representatives on the Safety Committees,to be composed
of not less than two (2) of their employee members who shall be certified to the
Employer and the Guild in writing,over the signature of the Recording Secretary.
B. The safety committee liaison shall work with the Sheriff to insure that working
conditions shall be made and kept safe and in compliance with the safety laws. Rules
and regulations of the State of Washington.
C. The joint safety committee shall meet monthly. The employer is not obligated to
compensate off-duty employee's attending the Safety Committee Meetings.
WAC 296-800-130:Safety committees/safety meetings—Summary.
SAFETY BULLETIN BOARDS
(2.124.060-Safety bulletin boards)
A safety bulletin board will be maintained in each occupied County facility;normally in the
employee break/lunchrooms. The Safety Committee representative for the department is
responsible for maintaining the safety bulletin board.Safety bulletin boards will display,at
minimum,the following:
• Washington State Job Safety and Health Protection Act information with a point
of contact and telephone number for questions or problems
• The most recent safety meeting minutes
• A list of safety committee members with office locations and phone numbers
• A list of first aid and CPR trained individuals in the facility
• A copy of the County Safety Policy and Accident Prevention Program
WAC 296-307-036:What items go on the safety bulletin board?
SAFETY ORIENTATION
(2.124.030-Safety orientation)
New employee,re-hires,part-time,seasonal,temporary and volunteers will receive a Safety
Orientation Briefing by Human Resources. The briefing will be conducted as soon as possible
after the individual begins employment. Record of the completed orientation will be kept by
Human Resources. The briefing will include:
• A copy of Mason County's Accident Prevention Program
• Work-related accidents/illnesses reporting procedures
• Accident prevention and reporting potential hazards
• Overview of the County's Safety Committee
• Safety and Health Training
• Vehicle Use and Agreement
51 Page
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees are aware of specific departmental
safety policies and procedures. This orientation for new employees should occur on the first
day of employment. A Safety Orientation Checklist form should be filled out to record the
completed orientation and should be kept by the supervisor and employee with a copy
forwarded to Human Resources to be placed in employee personnel file. This orientation
should include:
• A copy of department's safety policies and procedures
• Reporting unsafe conditions and practices
• Reporting accidents to supervisor immediately
• First Aid
• Obtaining Treatment
• Location and operation of emergency equipment(first aid kits,eyewashes,etc.)
• Location and names of first aid trained employees (where required)
• Potential hazards on the job
o What they are
o How to deal with them safely
o Required personal protective equipment and care and use of it
• What to do in the event of emergencies
• Exit locations and evacuation routes
• Location and operation of fire alarms and extinguishers
• Specific procedures for medical,chemical,fire emergencies and use of 911
• Personal work habits and safe work procedures
• Proper lifting techniques,avoiding slips and falls
• Good housekeeping,smoking policy
• Safe work procedures
• Chemical Hazard Communication and Global Harmonization System(MSDS)
• Outdoor Heat Exposure per WAC 296-62-09510
WAC 296-800-150:Rule summary
WAC 296-800-160:Summary
Chapter 296-901 WAC:GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM FOR HAZARD COMMUNICATION
WAC 296-62-09510:Scope and Qumose.
SAFETY EDUCATION AND TRAINING
(2.124.070-Safety education and training)
On-going safety and health education programs will be provided for all employees to increase
awareness of accident cause factors,to improve employee morale and to promote acceptance of
safety and health rules by presenting accident prevention as a positive,desirable and integral
part of all activities.
The Human Resources Department will coordinate a systematic accident prevention education
and training program for employees. This program will supplement their specific on-the-job
training and will ensure each employee is familiar with the Safety and Health requirements of
their position.
61 Page
Specific training will be provided for certain jobs and kinds of equipment. General training will
be given for those tasks everyone must know how to perform,i.e.fire extinguisher. To ensure
all employees can be afforded quick and effective first aid,supervisors in direct charge of crews
working in physically dispersed operation shall have a valid first aid certificate.
Safety Training Plan
Course Who Must Attend WAC
Safety orientation briefing All Employees WAC 296-800-14005: Develop a
(given b HR
formal,written accident prevention
Job Safety Orientation
(given b supervisor) All Employees program.
Basic First Aid/CPR/AED Y Employee Standard Interpretations
2 year certificationreferencia 1910.151
Blood Borne Pathogens Any Employee who may be Chapter 296-823 WAC:
(Yearly certification) exposed to human blood or OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO
bodily fluids as part of their'ob. BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
Chemical Hazard All Employees WAC 296-800-170: Employer
Communication General
chemical hazard communication—
Chemical Hazard Any employee who uses or is
Communication(Specific) exposed to a articular chemical Introduction.
WAC 296-800-30025: Train your
Fire Extinguisher Safety All Employees employees to use portable fire
extin fishers.
Lockout Training All employees
Awareness WAC 296-54-517: Lockout/tagout
Lockout Training Employees who service procedures.
Advanced equipment
Outdoor Heat Exposure Employees required to work WAC 296-305-05004:Occupational
outdoor in heat exposure to heat and cold stress.
Any employee that works where
hazards are present or likely to
Personal Protective be present then they are required WAC 296-155-200: General
requirements for personal
Equipment to use personal protective
protective equipment (PPE).
equipment such as safety
lasses,hearing protection,etc.
Respirator Training Employees who use a respirator WAC 296-62-07715: Respiratory
rotection.
Each Supervisor shall develop a
Specialized Training specialized training list for their
department needs (hearing test,
ladder safety,proper lifting...
71 Page
EMPLOYEE ACCIDENT PROCEDURES AND REPORTING
(2.124.080-Accident procedures and reporting)
The Support Services Department,Human Resources/Risk Management Division is responsible
for handling the accident/injury/illness reports and claims management for work-related
accidents. All employees shall make a prompt report to their immediate supervisor of each
industrial injury or occupation illness,regardless of the degree of severity. The procedures to
follow in reporting work-related accidents/injuries/illnesses are outlined below:
Employee's Responsibilities: (2.124.090 A-County accident/incident reports)
• The first and primary consideration is to seek appropriate first aid and/or
medical attention based on the extent of the injury,illness or exposure.
• Report all work-related accidents/injuries/illnesses to Supervisor,regardless of
severity.
• Fill out the Mason County Accident/Injury Report(available from your
Supervisor or Human Resources)within 24 hours of the incident
• Continue to update your Supervisor and Human Resources on the status of the
claim which may include continued doctor visits,physical limitations,or time off
work.
Supervisor's Responsibilities: (2.124.090 B-County accident/incident reports)
• Take appropriate emergency steps to stabilize the situation(call 911 for
emergency assistance,order evacuation,provide first aid,etc.).
• If the accident involves a possible life threatening situation(no respiration,no
pulse,serious bleeding,shock or broken bones) call 911 and provide first aid.
• If the accident results in a death or serious injury do not move any involved
equipment(unless required to avoid further accidents or to remove the injured)
and contact law enforcement.
• Contact Human Resources/Risk Management immediately when notified of an
accident.
• Supervisors will investigate all accidents,minor injuries or illness,requiring
doctor or outpatient treatment,and near misses.
• The Supervisor must fill out the Supervisor section of the Employee
Accident/Injury Report form
Safety Committee/Safety Officers Responsibilities: (2.124.090 C-County accident/incident reports)
• Investigate major injuries and or occupational injuries involving fatalities or
requiring hospitalization
2. Medical Treatment
• If medical attention is necessary,choose any doctor
• Inform the doctor that the condition is work-related. Complete the worker's
statement on the Washington State Fund Accident Report at the Doctors Office.
81 Page
• Have the Doctor complete the Light Duty Return to Work Program form and
return it to the employee's supervisor or the Human Resources/Risk
Management Office.
• If there are physical limitations,please see below for further instructions
3. Physical Limitations or Off Work
• If the doctor notes that the employee cannot return to work or has physical
limitations,the employee is required to inform them there may be option of
returning to light duty. The employee must discuss any options of light duty
options with their supervisor. If the Supervisor deems there is light duty
available,the Supervisor shall work with Human Resources to coordinate with
Mason County's Third Party Administrator,Doctor,and Labor and Industries to
file the appropriate light duty job description.
• The employee must bring their Supervisor a statement from the doctor noting
physical limitations and for what period they apply or they may fax them
directly to Human Resources at 360-427-8439.
• If the doctor notes that the employee is unable to participate in the light-duty
program,the employee must check in with their supervisor a minimum of once a
week while they are off work to update progress.
• When the employee receives Workers' Compensation benefits,he/she is
required to repay to the County the amount covered by Workers' Compensation
and previously advanced by the County (See personnel policy 6.2). Upon the
repayment of funds advanced,the appropriate amount of leave shall be restored
to the employee's account.
• A written release from the doctor is required before returning to regular duties.
The employee must contact their supervisor and advise them of the release and
provide them a copy once returned. Employees are not allowed to return to
regular duties without a release.
• The County may require an examination at its expense to determine when the
employee can return to work and if he/she will be capable of performing the
essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
REPORTING POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Accident prevention is an absolute priority for Mason County. Although,Human
Resources/Risk Management assists in the coordination of the County's accident prevention
and safety programs,preventing accidents is truly a team effort by all Mason County Elected
Officials,Department Heads,Employees and Volunteers.
Employees with concerns about the safety of their wok area or questions regarding accident
prevention should call Human Resources/Risk Management or your Safety Committee
Member. As always,you should refer repairs and regular maintenance concerns to Facilities by
submitting a work request http://helpdesk.mason.local/tickets/index.php .
91 Page
FIRST AID RESPONSE PLAN
First Aid Training:To assure that Mason County Employees,volunteers and visitors can be
afforded quick and effective first aid attention,the County offers adult CPR,First Aid and AED
training. Human Resources/Risk Management maintains a training record of all certified
personnel and expiration dates. Employees take refresher training every two years to keep the
certification current.
First Aid Kits: First aid kits are to be accessible to employees and volunteers at all times while
they are at work. First aid kits are to be labeled with emergency telephone numbers available
from Human Resources/Risk Management or a member of the Safety Committee. First aid kits
are inspected and inventoried by the Facilities Department annually. A work request may be
submitted to request supplies be replenished http://helpdesk.mason.local/tickets/index.php .
Automated External Defibrillator: The Automated External Defibrillator (AED)is a device used
to treat a person in cardiac arrest by giving their heart an electric shock. The AED is used in
addition to CPR if necessary. There are AEDs located at Main Court House,Building#1,
Building#3,Building#7,Building#8,Juvenile Detention,Jail,Sheriffs Office (Shelton),
Sheriff's Office (Belfair),MCRA,Sandhill Ball Park (Belfair)),and Memorial Hall.
FIRE PREVENTION
(2.124.110 Fire Prevention)
An evacuation map for each building is posted in a visible location in each building. The map
shows the location of exits,fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.
In case of a fire:
• Notify another person immediately. Call or have that person call 911 and a
supervisor.
• Activate the building fire alarm system
• Notify other employees in the area to evacuate
• Notify supervisors in other areas to evacuate the building
• If the fire is small,such as a wastebasket fire (under 4 feet),and there is
minimal smoke,one may attempt to put it out with a fire extinguisher
• If the fire grows or there is thick smoke, do not continue to fight the fire
• If the fire is too large to fight,leave the area and close the doors as you leave
PROGRAM ENFORCEMENT
(2.124.100-Safety program enforcement)
Willful violations of county safety procedures are not acceptable.Violations of safety
procedures may result in disciplinary actions against the employee,up to and including
discharge.
101 Page
ATTACHMENT A
Chapter 2.124—SAFETY POLICY &ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM
Sections:
2.124.010- Generally
The Mason County safety policy and accident prevention program adopted by the Board of County
Commissioners represents a commitment to workplace safety by the elected officials and department
heads of Mason County.
The Human Resources Manager is authorized to issue safety advisory memoranda as needed. After
approval by the Board of County Commissioners, such memoranda shall have the same authority as this
chapter. This chapter is intended to be an employee safety guide for elected officials/department heads
and employees. All county employees should become familiar with this chapter and abide by its contents.
2.124.020- Officers' responsibilities
A. Board of County Commissioners/Elected Officials. The Board of County Commissioners and other
elected officials have the responsibility to approve this chapter and communicate its contents to all
departments. The commissioners/elected officials shall support this policy and procedure chapter
and shall set an example in terms of safety in the workplace.
B. Elected Officials and Department Heads. Elected officials and department heads have the
responsibility to communicate these policies and procedures to their employees. They must support
the content as well as the intentions of this chapter and must also set an example in terms of
workplace safety.
C. Safety Officer. Mason County has an appointed Safety Officer by resolution from the Board of
County Commissioners. The Safety Officer ensures safe work practices, policy compliance, safe
work conditions for employees as well as the general public; and assist with investigating all reports
of occupational injuries, incidents, chemical exposures, and illnesses. The Safety Officer also advise
the Risk Manager of any such instances involving the general public and the Human Resources
Manager of any such instances involving employees.
D. Human Resources Manager. The Human Resources Manager has the responsibility to
communicate the contents of this chapter to elected officials/department heads, as well as to the
safety officer. The Human Resources Manager is the facilitator of the safety policy and accident
prevention program in Mason County and assumes a leadership role in making safety related
recommendations and suggestions in addition to the clearly defined duties in this manual. The
Human Resources Manager ensures compliance with this manual as well as any additional safety
regulations set forth by proper authority.
2.124.030- Safety orientation
A. New employees, re-hires, and part-time employees will begin their employment with an orientation.
The orientation will include a safety briefing, selected training and an introduction to county safety
policies.
B. Procedure. The employee's supervisor will inform the new employee of job safety requirements
before he/she performs any work for the county. The safety orientation checklist in this plan will be
used to make sure all required subjects are discussed and understood. The employee responsibility
list contained in this plan will also be reviewed and signed at the time of hiring. Completed orientation
and responsibility checklists will be signed by the supervisor and the employee, placed in the
employee's personnel file, and a copy forwarded to human resources.
ATTACHMENT A
2.124.040- Safety committee(s) meetings
A. Purpose. Mason County has formed a safety committee to help employees and administration
work together to identify safety problems, develop solutions, review incident reports and evaluate the
effectiveness of Mason County's accident prevention program. The committee is made up of
management-designated representatives and employee elected representatives.
Employees in each department will elect from among themselves a representative to be on the
committee. If there is only one volunteer or nomination, the employees will approve the person by
voice vote at a short meeting called for that purpose. If there is more than one volunteer or
nomination, a secret paper ballot will be used to elect the representative.
Elected representatives will serve for one year before being re-elected or replaced. If there is a vacancy,
an election will be held before the next scheduled meeting to fill the balance of the term.
Departments where employees are segregated on different shifts or in widely dispersed locations in
crews of ten or fewer employees may elect to have a foreperson-crew meeting in lieu of the safety
committee plan (i.e., Public Works, Utilities &Waste, Sheriff and Corrections) provided:
1. Foreperson-crew safety meetings shall be held at least once a month, or if conditions require,
weekly or bi-weekly meetings shall be held to discuss safety problems as they arise.
2. All requirements for minutes, safety bulletin boards, safety inspections, accident investigations,
witnessing tests, and evaluating programs and recommending safety improvements as listed
shall be met by the foreperson-crew safety meeting.
B. Procedure
1. Any elected official, department head or safety committee member can recommend special
safety meetings be held in addition to regular safety meetings.
2. The committee will set the frequency, time and date for regular safety meetings. Meetings will
take place on county property and shall last no more than an hour.
3. The committee will elect a chairperson. If the chair is not in attendance, the committee will
designate a temporary chairperson.
4. Attendance and subjects discussed at the meeting will be documented. All minutes will be
signed by the chairperson. A copy of the minutes will be provided to the human resources
director, the safety officer, the risk manager, and posted on each county safety bulletin board.
2.124.050 - Safety committee duties
A. Safety Inspections. The committee will conduct an annual safety inspection of county facilities
subject to this plan with a representative from management. The inspection will use the general
guide in this program and other information available (concerns of elected officials, department
heads, accident reports, etc.). The inspection will normally be conducted one week prior to regular
safety meetings. Results of the inspection will be recorded and maintained on file for one year.
Inspection results will be discussed at the safety committee meeting.
B. Accident Investigations. The supervisor of the injured employee, Human Resources / Risk Manager
and Safety Officer will conduct investigations of major accidents. Investigation results will be
discussed at monthly safety meetings.
C. Witnessing Tests. The committee may designate a member to witness any testing (noise,
atmospheric, etc.) that may affect employee safety.
ATTACHMENT A
D. The safety committee will review results of inspections and investigations and evaluate employee
safety suggestions. The committee will recommend safety improvements to the Safety Officer,
monitor the safety and health program, recommend safety training, and promote safety awareness.
E. The safety committee will evaluate the County's Accident Prevention Program and make
recommendations for improvement where they are needed.
2.124.060- Safety bulletin boards
A safety bulletin board will be maintained in each occupied county facility; normally in the employee
break/lunchrooms. Safety bulletin boards will display, at minimum, the following information:
A. Washington State Job Safety and Health Protection Act information with a point of contact and
telephone number for questions or problems;
B. The most recent safety meeting minutes;
C. A list of safety committee members with office locations and phone numbers;
D. A copy of the County Safety Policy and Accident Prevention Program.
2.124.070 - Safety education and training
A. Purpose. On-going safety and health education programs will be provided for all employees to
increase awareness of accident cause factors, to improve employee morale, and to promote
acceptance of safety and health rules by presenting accident prevention as a positive, desirable and
integral part of all activities.
B. Procedure. The Human Resources department will coordinate a systematic accident prevention
education and training program for employees. This program will augment on-the-job training and will
ensure each county employee is familiar with the safety and health requirements for his/her position.
C. Types of Training. Specific training will be provided for certain jobs and kinds of equipment. General
training will be given for those tasks everyone must know how to perform (like using a fire
extinguisher). To ensure all employees can be afforded quick and effective first aid, employees and
supervisors in direct charge of crews, working in physically dispersed operations shall have a valid
first aid certificate.
ATTACHMENT A
D. Safety Training Plan:
Course Who Must Attend WAC
Safety orientation briefing All Employees WAC 296-800-14005:Develop a
(given by HR
formal,written accident
Job Safety Orientation(given All Employees prevention program.
by supervisor)
Basic First Aid/CPR/AED AnEmloStandard Interpretations
2 year certification y pyee referencing 1910.151(b)
Any Employee who may be Chapter 296-823 WAC:
Blood Borne Pathogens exposed to human blood or OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
(Yearly certification) bodily fluids as part of their TO BLOODBORNE
job. PATHOGENS
Chemical Hazard All Employees
Communication General WAC 296-800-170:Employer
Chemical Hazard Any employee who uses or is chemical hazard
exposed to a particular communication—Introduction.
Communication(Specific) chemical
WAC 296-800-30025:Train your
Fire Extinguisher Safety All Employees employees to use portable fire
extinggishers.
Lockout Training Awareness All employees
Employees who service WAC 296-54-517:
Lockout Training (Advanced) Lockout/tagout procedures.
equipment
Employees required to work WAC 296-305-05004:
Outdoor Heat Exposure Occupational exposure to heat
outdoor in heat and cold stress.
Any employee that works
where hazards are present or
Personal Protective likely to be present then they WAC 296-155-200: General
Equipment are required to use personal requirements for personal
protective equipment such as protective equipment(PPE.
safety glasses,hearing
protection,etc.
Respirator Training Employees who use a WAC 296-62-07715:Respirator
respirator protection.
Each Supervisor shall develop
a specialized training list for
Specialized Training their department needs
(hearing test,ladder safety,
proper lifting...
ATTACHMENT A
2.124.080 -Accident procedures and reporting
A. Purpose: The Human Resources/Risk Management Department is responsible for handling the
accident/injury/illness reports and claims management for work-related accidents. Human
Resources/ Risk Management and the Safety Officer shall to repe#and investigate all accidents and
near misses, no matter how minor, to prevent similar accidents, and to make the county a safer
workplace.
B. Background. The purpose of accident investigations is to determine and correct as many causes of
the accident as possible, not to fix blame or direct discipline. All witnesses to an accident should be
interviewed to help determine what happened and identify causes.
C. Accident Procedures.
1. In the event of an occupational accident, injury, exposure or illness, the first and primary
consideration is to seek appropriate first aid and/or medical attention based on the extent of the
injury, illness or exposure. Reporting all occupational accidents, illnesses or exposures is
mandatory. Employees are responsible for notifying their supervisor of the accident/incident as
soon as possible after it has occurred, and supervisors shall notify Human Resources / Risk
Management and the applicable department head/elected official.
2. Supervisors shall take appropriate emergency steps to stabilize the situation (call 911 for
emergency assistance, order evacuation, provide first aid, etc.).
3. If the accident involves a possible life threatening situation (no respiration, no pulse, serious
bleeding, shock, or broken bones) call 911 and provide first aid.
4. For minor injuries requiring treatment beyond first aid, contact 911 for an ambulance to
transport the injured to the hospital.
5. If the accident results in a death or serious injury do not move any involved equipment (unless
required to avoid further accidents or to remove the injured) and call 911 for emergency
assistance.
6. Start the accident investigation.
7. Restore normal conditions and resume work.
2.124.090- County accident/incident reports
A. Employees will complete a county accident/incident report form for all occupational injuries,
accidents, exposures or illnesses and submit it to their immediate supervisor within twenty-four
hours. All occupational injuries or illnesses are required by law to be reported regardless of the
degree of the accident.
B. Supervisors will investigate all accidents, minor injuries or illness (requiring doctor or outpatient
treatment), and near misses, using the attached accident investigation form.
C. An investigation under direction of the Safety Officer will be conducted for major injuries or
occupational illness (those involving fatalities or requiring hospitalization) using the attached accident
investigation form. The supervisor of the injured person, the Risk Manager, Human Resources
Manager, and a safety committee member will also be members of major investigations.
2.124. 100- Safety program enforcement
A. Willful violations of county safety procedures are not acceptable. Violations of safety procedures may
result in disciplinary actions against the employee, up to and including discharge.
ATTACHMENT A
2.124.110 Fire Prevention
A. An evacuation map for each building is posted in a visible location in each building. The
map shows the location of exits, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.
B. Call or have that person call 911 and a supervisor.
C. Activate the building fire alarm system
D. Notify other employees in the area to evacuate
E. Notify supervisors in other areas to evacuate the building
F. If the fire is small, such as a wastebasket fire (under 4 feet), and there is minimal smoke, one may
attempt to put it out with a fire extinguisher
G. If the fire grows or there is thick smoke, do not continue to fight the fire
H. If the fire is too large to fight, leave the area and close the doors as you leave