Fact Sheet

Suggested Job Duties for Department Safety Coordinators

Department Safety Coordinators (DSCs) are a vital part of the campus safety structure. Yet at times there is confusion about what tasks are appropriate for the role. The Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) has developed the following task descriptions to guide campus departments in assigning responsibilities to DSCs. The language used is appropriate for insertion into job descriptions, a practice that can help clarify expectations for both DSCs and their supervisors. Departments should feel free to modify the task descriptions to meet their unique needs. EH&S staff are available to help tailor the language to fit the department’s needs while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and policies.

Assists department management by coordinating, implementing, and documenting the department’s safety program. Specific actions include:

• Ensures Department Safety Committee meets at least quarterly, with written minutes made available to department staff. Attends Safety Committee meetings and informs committee of current issues and recent injuries.
  
• Updates the department’s written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) as needed.
  
• Assists supervisors in properly investigating and documenting all accidents and injuries.
  
• Communicates information on identified hazards, precautions, and required corrective actions throughout the department.
  
• Conducts or coordinates periodic workplace self-inspections.
  
• Maintains departmental safety postings.
  
• Assists in developing, implementing, and communicating departmental safety policies and programs.
  
• Coordinates environmental, health, and safety training for the department.
  
• Documents injuries, safety committee meetings, hazard corrections, and employee safety training.
  
• Coordinates responses to employee health- or safety-related complaints and concerns.
  
• Acts as liaison between the department and the Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) and other campus safety resources for assistance with issues such as hazard evaluations and appropriate corrective actions, unwanted hazardous materials, chemical emergency response, or drain disposal.
  
• Represents the department at inspections by regulatory agencies. Contacts EH&S to obtain a representative from that office for any inspections by regulatory agencies.
  
• Coordinates department submissions of chemical inventories to EH&S for annual updates and chemical relocations.
  
• Assists in developing, maintaining, and providing training on emergency plans affecting the department.
  
• Communicates with the Building Coordinator on facility issues related to safety.