Policy 1010 - Environmental Health and Safety

Section: Operating/Administrative
Policy Number: 1010
Responsible Office: Environmental Health and Safety
Effective Date: 4/1/01
Revised: 6/16/04; 11/15/05

Mission Statement

The Environmental Health and Safety Department exists to implement and administer the University’s environmental health and safety policy. The department leads continuous improvement programs in the areas of environmental management, workplace safety, fire safety and science supply by providing technical resources and appropriate services to the University community. Department members employ good management practices and regulatory specifications to ensure the well being of the University community and to mitigate risk.

Environmental Health and Safety Policy

St. John’s University is committed to maintaining a safe and environmentally sound living, learning and working environment free from recognized hazards. Further, it is the policy of the University to comply with all applicable state and federal codes and regulations including those promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Campus activities are to be conducted in a safe and environmentally sound manner in compliance with these regulations, the University health and safety programs, and with any applicable policies and procedures. Every St. John’s University community member can assist this effort by understanding and incorporating safe and environmentally sound behavior in daily campus activities. The University has programs and resources in place to implement its environmental health and safety policy. We strive to continually assess and improve our environmental health and safety programs. If you have a question or concern about something you feel may be creating an unsafe work environment, please contact the Director of Environmental Health and Safety at (718) 990-1348. In case of emergency, dial 911 or call the Department of Public Safety on your campus.

The law protects employees from retaliation for bringing forward any concerns regarding occupational health and safety. For more information on your rights, see the OSHA Job Safety and Health poster (PDF) on the HR website.

General Information

The Director of Environmental Health and Safety formulates policies and implements procedures that promote environmental health and safety throughout the University. The department also provides technical expertise and management oversight in the areas of environmental compliance, fire prevention, radiation safety, industrial hygiene, hazardous materials management and waste management. Department members develop and coordinate various training programs to address these functions. Students, faculty and staff may contact the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at (718) 990-1348, or visit the Environmental Health and Safety web page. For Fire Safety Information, refer to policy #1011 or go to the Fire Safety web page.

St. John's University, New York
Human Resources Policy Manual