Chapter 3-700: Human Health and Safety

As required by Title 8, Industrial Relations, California Code of Regulations Section 3203, “Injury and Illness Prevention Program,” and in support of the University Policy on Management of Health, Safety, and the Environment, each campus is required to have a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) which identifies the person or persons with authority and responsibility for implementing the campus’ health, safety, and environmental program. In most cases, the Chancellor is identified as being responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented. However, those in management positions, including Principal Investigators, are responsible for implementing the IIPP in their facilities within their respective jurisdiction. This responsibility includes ensuring that appropriate health and safety training is provided to employees within their facility.

3-710 Responsibilities of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Offices

EH&S staff evaluate potential hazards and coordinate campus programs to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses at the University. They work with academic departments and administrative services to develop training and monitoring processes for accident prevention programs.

EH&S Offices support the mission of the University by providing comprehensive environmental protection, occupational health, and industrial safety expertise to the entire University community. EH&S supports the research and educational processes through training and consultation, facilitating loss prevention programs, and providing a framework for workplace hazard analysis and control.

In addition to the areas discussed in Sections 3-410 and 3-510, EH&S concerns include: emergency planning; seismic, fire, office and industrial safety; asbestos; PCBs; pest management; sanitation; hazardous waste management; and diving safety.

3-720 Responsibilities of Risk Services

The President is assigned the authority and responsibility for coordination of the University Risk Management Program. The UCOP Risk Services Office is responsible for implementing the Risk Management Policy. In relation to environmental health and safety issues, the Risk Management Policies aim to "eliminate or modify conditions and practices, whenever practical, which may cause loss."

The campuses' Risk Management Offices are responsible for analyzing causes of personal injury and property damage. Risk Management staff collaborates with EH&S staff in developing insurance, security and prevention programs in such areas as industrial, seismic and fire safety. Such programs are aimed at minimizing risks and losses for the campus. Risk Services is also concerned with indemnity issues in regard to disposal of hazardous wastes (See C&G Manual Chapter 21, Risk Management).

3-730 Role of Department Chairpersons

The Department Chairperson or equivalent officer is responsible for "departmental observance of proper health and safety regulations, in coordination with the campus Health and Safety Officer" (APM-245). EH&S acts in an advisory capacity to Departmental Chairpersons and Principal Investigators, providing guidance on the implementation of regulations and the use of hazardous materials.

3-740 Applicable State and Federal Regulations

The two major laws which cover the health and safety of workers are the Federal (29 CFR Chapter XVII) and State (Labor Code Section 6300) Occupational Safety and Health Acts (See External Requirements 3-F05 and 3-S02).

In addition to these major acts and the laws and regulations previously described in this chapter, the following federal and State laws covering worker health and safety are outlined under External Requirements:

Federal
Toxic Substances Control Act (3-F06)
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (3-F07)
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (3-F08)
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (3-F12)

State
Occupational Carcinogens Control Act (3-S03)