Environmental Health, Safety & Risk
Injury Reporting
Incident Reporting Property damage
A student that is not working for Southern Oregon University when the injury occurred needs to file a Risk Management claim.
Reporting an injury for an employee: All injuries are to be reported within 24 hours of occurrence. Below are the 2 forms which need to be completed and sent to the Benefits Office/Human Resources.
Employee privacy: While work related injuries do not have the same level of privacy protection, nonetheless Employee’s personal information and any non-work related health issues must be protected. This is why work related injury information is to be sent to the Benefits Office.
Student employees: If a student is on-the-job, and suffers an injury, they are considered the same as an employee, and the same procedures are to be followed.
SUPERVISORS: If an Employee is hospitalized, this must be reported to the Benefits Specialist, or if they are not available, to the Environmental Health & Safety Manager as soon as possible. This must be reported to OSHA within a specified time frame.
Under no circumstances is an injured Employee to be transported by any other Employee. Call 911.
If an employee seeks medical treatment, they must have a doctors note before returning to work. That note is to be sent to the Benefits Office.
Treatment options: The injured Employee is able to seek treatment where they wish. However, SAIF may direct the Employee to a more appropriate medical provider if further care is needed. SOU has an arrangements with the Asante Occupational Medical Clinic in Medford for injured employees. Note: Unless it is an emergency, the Employee should check with their physician and make sure the physician will accept Workers Comp. claims. Not all physicians will do this.
Payments: Employees should not have any costs associated with treatment for a Workers Comp. injury or medications, unless SAIF denies the claim. Delays in reporting the injury and completing the paperwork can to Employees being billed for these services. If that happens, contact SAIF.
Forms
- First Report of Injury (SAIF 801): SAIF 801 form
- Supervisor’s First Report of Injury: Supervisor Incident Report Form
- Work Related injury Procedure: Schematic
- Contaminated Needle or Sharp Injury: Needle or Sharp Exposure Form
Contact Information:
- Leaves Specialist Office at SOU: 541-552-8119
- Benefits Office Fax: 541-552-8508
- Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Manager: 541-552-8624
Public Reporting
Southern Oregon University values the community, and their efforts in advising the University of any safety issues they observe. It is hoped that you will find the information here useful, and the form easy to use. Please know a representative from SOU will be in touch with you within 24 hour business hours.
Spill Response
For an emergency dial 911. Fill out the attached form to the best of your ability. Forward completed form to ehs@sou.edu. Phone 541-552-8624.
Events
If you having an on campus event, these are the forms to be completed and submitted. Forms must be submitted before the event is permitted.
Risk Management & SOU Insurance Coverage contact Risk Management at syquiam@sou.edu
Emergency Related
AED
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a portable, life-saving medical device designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart stops beating effectively, usually due to an arrhythmia like ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT).
The AED works by analyzing the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivering an electric shock (defibrillation) to help restore a normal
heart rhythm. It is easy to use and designed for use by laypeople with little or no medical training. The device provides voice prompts and visual instructions to guide users through the steps, including where to place electrode pads and when to deliver a shock.
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
GHS is a standardized system developed by the United Nations to ensure the safe handling, transport, and use of chemicals worldwide. It aims to provide consistent criteria for classifying chemicals and communicating their hazards through labels and safety data sheets (SDS), improving worker safety, environmental protection, and public health.
GHS uses nine hazard pictograms to visually represent specific chemical hazards. These pictograms are standardized and help
communicate the type and severity of a chemical’s risks. The pictograms are displayed on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to ensure that individuals are aware of the hazards when handling chemicals. Each pictogram is accompanied by a signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”), hazard statements, and precautionary statements.
Here is a description of each of the nine GHS pictograms:
1. Flame (Indicates: Flammability, Pyrophoric, Self-heating, Emits Flammable Gas, Self-reactive)
- Shape: An image of a flame on a white background.
- Hazard: Used for chemicals that pose a fire hazard or can easily ignite.
- Examples:
- Flammable solids, liquids, or gases.
- Chemicals that may ignite spontaneously (pyrophoric).
- Chemicals that can release flammable gases when in contact with water.
- Signal Word: “Danger” or “Warning” (depending on severity).
2. Exclamation Mark (Indicates: Irritation, Narcotic Effects, Acute Toxicity)
- Shape: An exclamation mark inside a yellow diamond.
- Hazard: Represents chemicals that may cause less severe health effects, such as irritation, sensitization, or dizziness.
- Examples:
- Skin or eye irritation.
- Allergic skin reaction.
- Drowsiness or dizziness.
- Acute toxicity (e.g., inhalation or ingestion).
- Signal Word: “Warning”.
3. Skull and Crossbones (Indicates: Acute Toxicity)
- Shape: A skull and crossbones on a white background.
- Hazard: Used for chemicals that are acutely toxic, meaning they can cause death or serious harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.
- Examples:
- Fatal or toxic chemicals that pose an immediate risk to health.
- Chemicals that are lethal even in small amounts.
- Signal Word: “Danger”.
4. Corrosion (Indicates: Skin Corrosion/Burns, Eye Damage, Corrosive to Metals)
- Shape: A test tube pouring liquid onto a hand and a piece of metal, with both showing signs of corrosion.
- Hazard: Used for chemicals that can cause severe damage to living tissue (e.g., skin burns or eye damage) or corrode metals.
- Examples:
- Acids and bases that can burn skin and eyes.
- Chemicals that cause irreversible damage to tissue.
- Substances that react with metals to release gases.
- Signal Word: “Danger”.
5. Exploding Bomb (Indicates: Explosive, Self-reactive, Organic Peroxides)
- Shape: A black image of an exploding bomb on a white background.
- Hazard: Used for chemicals that are explosives, self-reactive, or have the potential to explode under certain conditions.
- Examples:
- Explosive substances or mixtures.
- Chemicals that may react violently to heat or pressure.
- Organic peroxides, which can be unstable and explosive.
- Signal Word: “Danger”.
6. Gas Cylinder (Indicates: Gases Under Pressure)
- Shape: A gas cylinder on a white background.
- Hazard: Used for gases that are stored under pressure and may be hazardous in certain conditions (e.g., explosive, corrosive, or asphyxiating).
- Examples:
- Compressed gases like oxygen, nitrogen, or acetylene.
- Liquefied gases that may explode if exposed to heat.
- Gases that may displace oxygen in confined spaces.
- Signal Word: “Warning” or “Danger” (depending on the specific hazard).
7. Health Hazard (Indicates: Carcinogenicity, Mutagenicity, Reproductive Toxicity, Respiratory Sensitization)
- Shape: A silhouette of a person with a star-shaped symbol on the chest.
- Hazard: Used for chemicals that cause serious long-term health effects, including cancer, genetic mutations, or reproductive harm.
- Examples:
- Carcinogens (substances that cause cancer).
- Mutagens (substances that cause genetic mutations).
- Reproductive toxins (substances that affect fertility or pregnancy).
- Respiratory sensitizers (chemicals that cause allergic reactions in the lungs).
- Signal Word: “Danger”.
8. Environment (Indicates: Aquatic Toxicity)
- Shape: A fish and a tree inside a diamond.
- Hazard: Used for chemicals that pose a hazard to the environment, particularly aquatic life.
- Examples:
- Chemicals that are toxic to aquatic organisms.
- Substances that persist in the environment and cause long-term harm to ecosystems.
- Signal Word: “Warning” (Note: This pictogram is not associated with a specific signal word in all regions, but in some places it may appear with “Warning”).
- Shape: It’s a combination of an exclamation mark, skull and crossbones, or other symbols depending on classification.
Fire Extinguishers
We provide live fire extinguisher training in the use and extinguish of fire for departments and students as requested at no cost.
Fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish small fires known as incipient stage fires (the size of a small trash can). Smoke can fill a standard room in less than a minute. No one is required to fight a fire. Your life safety is number one priority: call 911 and close the door and evacuate the building beyond 50 feet from the building. If you decide to attempt to extinguish a small fire ensure your exit path is at your back so if you become disoriented you can back out of the situation.
Which fire extinguisher types to use
- Class A fire extinguisher – water, water mist, foam, dry powder, wet chemical.
- Class B fire extinguisher – water mist, foam, dry powder, CO2, some wet chemical.
- Class C fire extinguisher – water mist, dry powder.
- Class D fire extinguisher – specialist dry powder.
- Class K fire extinguisher – water chemical designed to extinguish frying vats.
How to use a fire extinguisher
- Pull: Pull the pin to release the locking mechanism
- Aim: Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire
- Squeeze: Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly
- Sweep: Sweep the nozzle from side to side
You can remember how to use a fire extinguisher with the acronym PASS.
First Aid and CPR
First aid can be used for various injuries like cuts, burns, choking, broken bones, while CPR is only necessary when someone is not breathing due to a heart stoppage.
- Check for responsiveness and call 911.
- Position the person on their back and open their airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
- Check for breathing
- Begin chest compressions by placing the heel of your hand on the center of the chest and pressing down hard and fast.
- After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths by sealing your mouth over the person’s mouth and blowing air in.
- Continue cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths until professional help arrives.
Fires
A fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes. A residence can be engulfed in flames in five minutes.
Learn About Fires
- Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.
- Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
- Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
- Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy.
Fire Safety Tips
- Make digital copies of valuable documents and records like birth certificates.
- Sleep with your bedroom door closed.
During a fire
- Drop down to the floor and crawl low, under any smoke to your exit. Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
- Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, or if there is smoke coming around the door, leave the door closed and use your second way out.
- If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
- If you can’t get to someone needing assistance, leave the home and call 9-1-1 or the fire department. Tell the emergency operator where the person is located.
- If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters right away.
- If you can’t get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call 9-1-1 or your fire department. Say where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
- If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll – stop immediately, drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out. If you or someone else cannot stop, drop and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel. Use cool water to treat the burn immediately for three to five minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical help right away by calling 9-1-1.
Apartment and House Fires: How They Start and How to Stop Them
Like other home fires, apartment blazes most often originate from everyday activities. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reported that half of the residential building fires in 2015 were caused by cooking-related accidents. The second most common cause involved heating mishaps, although electrical or equipment malfunctions, burning candles, and smoking were also cited as frequent causes.
How Can You Prevent Fires?
Tenants have control over many potential risks in their apartments.
Cooking
Never leave the stovetop unattended when preparing food, and take care to turn off burners and appliances as soon as food preparation is done. Be especially careful when cooking or frying with oil or grease, and always keep clothing and other combustible materials away from flames. If a fire develops in a pot a lid is a great tool to control the fire. Do not use water to put out grease or oil fires; it spreads the fire.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Turn off the stove if you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time.
- Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
- Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Heating
Leave at least three feet of clearance around space heaters.
Portable Space Heaters
- Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
- Only buy heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- Check to make sure the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
Using Candles
Be vigilant when using candles in your apartment. Never leave an open flame unattended and make sure to place candles far from curtains and other combustible items. Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep. (And check your lease, because some buildings don’t allow open flames at all.)
Furniture & Appliances
The materials used in upholstered furniture, though safer now than in the past, can still ignite quickly and release toxic fumes. Take special care to keep candles, heat sources, and active smokers far from upholstered chairs and sofas.
Electrical malfunctions accounted for about six percent of residential building fires, according to the USFA. Check electrical cords and replace if damaged, and use appliances as directed.
Be Aware of Building Safety
Although you can’t control what others do in their apartments, you can look out for fire risks in the hallways and common areas of your building. Notify your building management if you spot anything that looks dangerous, such as smoke detectors that beep at random. Do not clutter shared spaces with items that could block someone’s way – especially at night.
Have an Escape Plan
Creating an escape plan is an essential aspect of fire preparedness that can help keep you from panicking in the moment. Identify the routes out of your building, and if you live with others, establish a meeting place outside. Conduct your own fire drills, during daylight hours and at night. If you have pets, or if there are any other factors that would impact your escape, think through how you will deal with them.
Electrical and Appliance Safety
- Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
- If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
- Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches and cords that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.
Holiday Safety
- Turn off holiday lights at night or when you leave the house.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from flammable materials or consider using flameless candles.
- Water your Christmas tree daily and don’t let it dry out. A dry tree is more flammable.
- Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and not blocking an exit.
- Don’t overload extension cords and outlets.
More Fire Prevention Tips
- Never use a stove range or oven to heat your home.
- Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.
- Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors and in well ventilated areas.