Individuals are responsible for their own safety and should be constantly alert and aware. However, ERC managers are also responsible for the safety of everyone in the ERC.

All staff should receive a safety orientation during their first week of service at the ERC. Refer to the safety binder and the safety DVD. The following items should be covered during a safety orientation:

• The line of communication and responsibility for reporting all hazards and incidents (see section 15.7, “Report Safety Incidents and Property Damage”).
• Pertinent safety rules, including local, state, and federal safety health codes.
• First-aid supplies, equipment, and training (see section 15.9, “Have Monthly Safety Inspections”).
• The emergency plan, including:
  • Pointing out exit locations and evacuation routes.
  • Specific emergency procedures (for example, medical, chemical, fire, and earthquake procedures).
• Motor vehicle safety guidelines.
• The following work habits as they apply to safety on the job:
  • Proper lifting techniques.
  • Avoiding horseplay and fighting.
  • Good housekeeping practices.
• Any other information that the ERC manager deems necessary.

Both the ERC manager and the new staff member should sign the checklist after the orientation is complete. The signed checklist should be filed in the individual’s missionary service or employee file for as long as he or she is actively serving at the ERC.

Safety meetings are required to be held at least monthly. Subject matter for these monthly safety topics come in the DI Update. If for, for any reason, a safety topic is not included in the DI Update, the monthly safety meeting must still be held with a topic selected by the Manager. Managers also have the responsibility to cover regionally and locally specific safety topics that may or may not be included in the DI Update (see section 12.7, “Staff Meetings”).

The Risk Management Safety, Health and Environmental website – which contains the electronic Safety, Health and Environmental Manual – should be utilized as an ongoing safety resource.

Emergency and evacuation plans should also be discussed and reviewed as needed (see section 16, “Dealing with Emergencies in the ERC”).

Keeping the ERC clean and orderly contributes to a positive atmosphere, eliminates potential hazards, and sends a message that the center is a well-managed and safe place to be. Keep aisles, walkways, stairways, exit doors, and working areas clear of obstacles and hazards.

The primary responsibility for operating any vehicle in a safe manner ultimately lies with the driver. It is recommended that all staff abide by the following guidelines while driving:

• All Church vehicles should have a “What to Do If You Have an Accident” packet in the vehicle at all times. This packet is also available to be used with rental cars and personal vehicles.Email Andrew Busby at BusbyAD@ldschurch.org to order packets.
• Any vehicle accident, malfunction, or damage should be reported to management immediately. A Traffic Accident or Vehicle Damage report should document all accidents and damage to vehicles (see section 15.8, “Report Vehicle Damage”).
• The maximum number of personnel allowed to ride in a vehicle should be limited to the availability of installed safety belts. Personnel should not ride in the back of trucks.
• Before backing up, the driver should walk around the vehicle and look for obstructions or use a spotter.
• Motorcycles are not authorized to be used for employer business.
• The driver and all passengers must use lap safety belts (and shoulder safety belts if possible) when the vehicle is in operation.
• The driver must have a valid operator’s license and classification for the location in which they drive.
• The driver must respect and follow all applicable laws.
• The driver must not use any Church-owned handheld device such as a cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or laptop computer while driving a Church-owned or privately-owned vehicle. If allowed by law, cell phones operated with hands-free equipment may be used.
• The driver should refrain from all distracting practices, including but not limited to:
  • Eating and drinking.
  • Reading and writing.
  • Grooming.

If a personal injury or medical incident needs to be reported, report it immediately; center coordinators should report to their ERC manager, and ERC managers should report to their AWM. Then, go to the online incident reporting tool and follow the indicated steps on properly submitting a report.

The Welfare Services Safety Office will determine if the incident should be reported further to the Risk Management Division or to the Church’s third-party claims administrator. Your AWM will direct you to any further action.

Report any damage to property (building or inventory) to your facilities maintenance group and to your AWM. Then, submit a report online via the incident reporting tool.

Any vehicle damage to a Church-owned vehicle should be reported directly to risk management and your MFO.

Inspect the ERC monthly to look for and correct any hazards. The following are some items that should be checked:

• Well-stocked first-aid kits. Bandages are the most commonly used item. Medicines, such as aspirin or other analgesics, are not stocked or dispensed in the ERC.
• A cleanup kit for blood-borne pathogens or body fluids. Conduct training for dealing with such incidents.
• Fire extinguishers mounted or secured to a wall or cabinet (not standing loose on a floor or table). Fire extinguishers should be recertified annually by a licensed professional.
• Emergency telephone numbers posted next to each phone.
• Safety binder.