Safety
General safe workplace: Whether you are supervising an office or physical plant environment, the safety of your employees is one of your greatest roles as a supervisor. Most workplace safety rules are governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). While you are not required to memorize all OSHA rules, your responsibility as a supervisor is to create a safe work environment and to be proactive in finding and helping solve potential safety problems.
Resources:
Fire/EMS/Safety Center Director: Don Beckering
(651) 649 – 5411 or (800) 311 – 3143
don.beckering@so.mnscu.edu
www.firesenter.mnscu.edu
Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA): www.osha.gov
Employee safety training requirements: Every employee’s safety training requirement will be slightly different based on their position. Most requirements provide for an initial training followed by periodic refreshers. Your responsibility as a supervisor is to know each employee’s required safety training and to ensure that these requirements are met in a timely manner.
Workers compensation: When an employee is hurt in the course of or as a result of work, they may be entitled to compensation while they are recovering. Workers compensation regulations can be quite complex, so you are not required to administer the entire process. Instead, your responsibility as a supervisor is to obtain immediate medical assistance, investigate the accident, notify the workers compensation coordinator (usually in Human Resources), and assist the employee in returning to work.
Resources:
DOER Worker’s Compensation Program: (651) 259 – 3800
Managed Care Program 24 hour hoteline: (612) 436 – 2542 or (866) 399 – 8541
