Employee comments on proposed policies sought by Feb. 7

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News for UC Agriculture & Natural Resources employees.

Author: Pamela Kan-Rice

Published on: January 31, 2013

The University of California is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for all members of the UC community. As a result of this commitment, the University is proposing systemwide policies on the following:

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
Personal Protective Equipment
Laboratory Safety Training
Minors in Laboratories and Shops

All ANR employees who wish to provide comments on these proposed policies may submit them to Robin Sanchez at rgsanchez@ucdavis.edu by Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013.

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: This policy describes the legal requirements that the University is obligated to implement and enforce. To help assure that any concerns of child abuse or neglect are promptly reported, the University is requiring internal reporting as well. Read the draft policy at http://link.ucop.edu/files/2013/01/Child-Abuse-and-Neglect-Draft-Policy-12-19-2012.pdf.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This policy describes the requirement of supervisors to select PPE for workers, inform their workers about their PPE decisions, provide the required PPE to their workers and ensure their workers comply with PPE policies. Read the draft policy at http://www.ucop.edu/risk-services/_files/safety-resources/personal-protective-equipment-2012-01-09.pdf.

Laboratory Safety Training: This policy identifies minimum training requirements applicable to all persons having unescorted access laboratory/technical areas. Read the draft policy at http://www.ucop.edu/risk-services/_files/safety-resources/lab-safety-training-2012-01-09.pdf.

Minors in Labs Policy: This policy governs the presence of minors in any laboratory or shop that uses hazardous chemicals, biohazardous or infectious materials, radioactive materials or radiation-producing equipment, or where there are physical hazards including (but not limited to) compressed gases, high voltage, extreme temperatures, excessive noise, or lasers. Read the draft policy at http://www.ucop.edu/risk-services/_files/safety-resources/minors-in-labs-policy-2012-01-09.pdf.

Tags: policy (77)

Comments: 3

Comments:

by Asa Bradman

on February 1, 2013 at 10:12 AM

Only have time to skim the child abuse reporting rule, but in principle I think it is a good idea. In our project we work with families and children and go into homes, and in consent forms we specify that confidentiality will be maintained unless a threat to life or health. After much discussion (internally and with university legal staff) we decided internally to consider our research staff to be mandatory reporters, with ultimate responsibility on the PI or senior research staff. We also had all our staff trained by the child protective services of the county we work in. I think training is crucial, and researchers should contact, before going into the field, local agencies to ensure good relationships and procedures should concerns come up. We have reported two cases of possible child abuse. In one case, the home was already under investigation by the CPS and our decision was validated. These can be very challenging situations to deal with.

by Larry A. Burrow

on February 4, 2013 at 1:21 PM

The PPE requirements seem to be directed towards laboratory situations. Might be a good idea to address this issue with regard to pesticide use in the field.

Reply by Pamela Kan-Rice

on February 4, 2013 at 1:24 PM

Thanks, Larry, I forwarded your note to Robin Sanchez.