Safety Policy Statement

It is recognized that The College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State encompasses a diverse group of employees, students, and visitors. The College of Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating a workplace that is safe and healthy for everyone. Our employees, students, and visitors are our most valuable assets and as such, their safety and health is our first and highest priority. The College of Agricultural Sciences considers no phase of its operation or administration more important than safety and health. Safety is essential to all of our functions and will never be compromised or negotiated under any circumstance. We will always insist on safe work methods and practices at all times.

Our objective is to have a safety and health system which will minimize losses with an ultimate goal of zero work-related injuries and illnesses. We have established our safety and health system to eliminate work-related injuries and illnesses. Our expectation is that our efforts will improve our operations and reduce personal and financial losses.

• Administration and management will be accountable for preventing workplace incidents, injuries, and illnesses and will be responsible for leadership of the overall safety effort. Administration and management will provide all resources necessary for an effective accident prevention program.
• Supervisors and Principal Investigators will be responsible for maintaining safe work conditions within their assigned areas and for ensuring that all operations are carried out with the utmost regard for safety. It is expected that all supervisors and Principal Investigators lead efforts by example.
• Departmental Safety Officers will be expected to coordinate departmental safety committees within their work areas. Departmental safety committees will include faculty, staff, and student representatives and will be tasked with recommending safety and health enhancements in their respective areas.
• Employees will be required to consistently follow all established safety procedures and promptly report workplace hazards, near misses, injuries, and illness.
• The Office of Facilities and Safety will oversee college safety efforts and provide consultation regarding workplace hazards. The Office will also lead the college-wide safety committee which includes all Departmental Safety Officers.

The College of Agricultural Sciences strongly encourages everyone to make safety and health an integral part of their daily activities. With mutual acceptance of these responsibilities to conduct our operations safely, we will contribute to the well-being of one another and accordingly the entire University. Maintaining a safe work and study environment is a top priority of The Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences and must be a personal goal of all employees and students alike.