This procedure covers administrative reports of accidents, occupational illnesses and fires. Documentation of such events, even minor accidents which do not require emergency assistance is required to meet Federal and State recordkeeping regulations. For emergency notification see Emergency Procedures.
Accidental Injuries
Accidental injuries to students, staff and visitors while on University property and in the course of University employment or activity must be reported to the Safety Officer in writing within five (5) working days.
Occupational Illness
Occupational illnesses are medical disorders resulting from exposures to workplace environmental factors such as chemicals, biological agents, noise, repetitive motion, radiation, etc. The exposure may be a short term over-exposure or may occur over a long period of time. Acute illness from short term over-exposure and any direct exposure to blood or body fluids are to be reported to the Safety Officer following the same procedure as accidental injuries. Illness from long term suspected exposures are to be reported within five (5) days of the time the employee is informed of a possible chronic illness by a medical physician.
Near Miss Incidents (Close Calls)
Incidents, which do not result in an injury or illness but could have under slightly different circumstances, should be reported to the Safety Officer within 5 working days.
University Health Service
The University Health Service generates an initial report to Safety & Risk Management for all cases, which are referred to the Health Service. For cases, which are not referred to the University Health Service, the employee's or student's department must report the case to the Safety Officer.
Fire Incidents
Fire incidents including false alarms are reported by University Police and Housing Incident Reports or the Steam Plant. University Police should be notified of all fire incidents regardless of how minor.
Employee Statement Form
Employees involved in an accident or occupational illness will be required to complete an "Employee Statement" form providing factual information about the accident or illness. The immediate supervisor of an employee involved in an accident or occupational illness is responsible for determining the cause of the accident or illness and forwarding the Employee Statement form to the Safety Officer. As the manager in charge of daily work activities supervisors are expected to know what happened, why it happened and how it happened.
Follow up Investigation
All accidents, illnesses and fires will be investigated by the Safety Officer for the purpose of analyzing the circumstances surrounding the event, the possible need for corrective action to prevent future occurrence, and the compensability of a reported injury or illness under the terms of the North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act. A safety follow-up report will be completed for all accidents.