Safety Comes First

1. Before assigning an associate to any job, new or repetitive, it is the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure that the individual understands the safety precautions associated with the task. This means that the necessary training has been given and documented, licenses, and certifications are up to date and on file and all safety concerns have been addressed.
   
   
2. It is the responsibility of the associate to understand and to follow the safety precautions. If you do not understand, it is your responsibility to ask for further explanation. If you have physical limitations, inform your supervisor and provide the proper documentation.
   
   
3. Safe work habits are largely a matter of individual responsibility, however, supervisors play a key role in communicating safety awareness to their employees. For example, it may be the worker's responsibility to put on safety gloves before handling a caustic cleaning solution. But if the supervisor has not repeatedly stressed the hazard involved, or has failed to convince the employee that handling this chemical entails the risk of injury to the skin, then the likelihood that the employee will take a chance and not put on gloves is greatly increased. It may be the worker's responsibility to actually put on the gloves when conditions warrant, but it is the supervisor's responsibility to instill the proper attitude and to motivate the workers to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of the department.
   
   
4. Good communication is necessary between you and your supervisor, your co-workers and any others affected by your actions in order to work without injury. Before you begin any job you must be familiar with the hazards of the job and how to avoid injury.
   
   
5. The following safety rules and procedures are for your protection. Study them carefully and refer to this manual frequently to refresh your safety know-how.