New York State's Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act provides that the same safety and health standards that apply to workers in the private sector apply to employees in the public sector. SUNY complies with these safety and health standards by furnishing its employees with a job and workplace free from recognized hazards and by providing responsible and adequate protection to the lives and safety of its staff.
No one in the University is required to work under conditions that are manifestly dangerous. Some less obvious but still hazardous conditions may exist, so always be sure:
- That appliances which protrude from walls and doors, such as pencil sharpeners, are not positioned where people may be injured by them;
- That wastebaskets, electric cords, telephone, and similar objects are not located where people may trip over them;
- That safety procedures for laboratories are understood and followed;
- That you hold on to the handrails when using stairs;
- That you remain at a safe distance from the elevator doors;
- That the drawers of filing cabinets and desks are kept closed when not in use;
- That the upper drawers of filing cabinets are not filled to capacity while lower drawers are empty, thereby creating the possibility of the cabinets tipping over; and
- That burning cigarettes or matches are not thrown into the wastebaskets.
Use common sense at all times and report any hazardous conditions to your supervisor. You should consult with your supervisor concerning evacuation procedures and other emergency situations.