Policy

The Metropolitan Library System (”Library”) requires all employees and volunteers to follow safe working procedures. The Library has developed comprehensive health and safety programs. These programs comply with all federal, state and municipal laws, codes, regulations and standards relating to heath, safety and the environment. These programs are assembled in the Library Safety Manual maintained at each Library location. 

Safety standards applicable to the Library are those prescribed by the Oklahoma Department of Labor, Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Division. Generally, these standards are the same as those issued by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

Responsibilities

Every employee or other person authorized to conduct Library activities is responsible for complying with all applicable health and safety regulations, Library policies and established work practices. This includes but is not limited to: 

1. Responsible and careful performance of their job duties in such a manner as to ensure safety. 
2. Abide by restrictions or limitations prescribed or recommended by the employee’s doctor when performing physical activities. 
3. Promptly report any accidents, injuries, or unsafe working conditions to their immediate manager. These include malfunctioning equipment and work-related fires, accidents, incidents, injuries, illnesses and property damage. 
4. Managers will report accidents within 24 hours of occurrence using appropriate reporting procedures as described in SH 540 and SH 540.1. If an accident is life threatening or results in a fatality, managers will report the incident immediately to the director of human resources and executive director. 
5. Read and comply with all safety procedures. 
6. Attend established education and training sessions and comply with health and safety directions as described in the Library Safety Manual. 
7. Use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as described in the Library Safety Manual. 
8. Wear clothing that is in good repair and meets the requirements of the assigned work. 
9. Ensure only PEOSH or OSHA approved equipment (including ladders and stools) is used at all times and properly secured before using. 
10. Know emergency plans and procedures for their work area. 
11. Participate in required inspection and monitoring programs. 
12. Consult Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals used. 
13. Use established safe-lifting techniques when moving heavy objects. 
14. Maintain a clean and orderly work area. Keep floors and walkways free of obstructions such as extension cords, open file drawers, or loose supplies.
15. Keep floors and walkways free of obstructions such as extension cords, open file drawers, or loose supplies.  
16. Immediately remove spilled water or other liquid from floors and walkways. 
17. Operate Library-owned vehicles in compliance with state and local laws, and as described in Library policy and procedures SH 670, SH 670.1, and SH 671. 
18. Keep equipment in good repair. 
19. Operate equipment only after receiving the proper training and use equipment only for the purpose for which it is designed. 

Library and department managers are responsible for executing all federal, state, local, and Library health and safety regulations at their assigned sites. 

Library Safety Committee: 

The Library Safety Committee has been established to promote the welfare and safe workplace practices of Library employees. The Safety Committee is charged with the following duties and responsibilities: 

1. Recommend and support safety education and programs for Library employees. 
2. Review and/or recommend additions/modifications to the Library Safety Manual. 
3. Formulate, review and/or recommend the adoption of safety policies. 
4. Ensure system-wide compliance with all PEOSH and OSHA standards. 
5. Review facility/department safety inspections. 
6. Review accident reports and resolve any unsafe practices and conditions. 
7. Review and approve all chemicals and equipment used to ensure safe practices. 

The Safety Committee members are appointed by and are responsible to the Executive Director. The committee is composed of the following permanent members: 

• Human Resources Manager (Committee Chair and Safety Coordinator) 
• Deputy Executive Director/Operations 
• Director of Facilities Maintenance 
• Benefits Manager 

Three additional members chosen by the Committee and approved by the Executive Director will serve on the committee for a minimum of one calendar year. The members will be represented as follows: 

• Department Representative 
• Library Manager
• Regional Director