PP 13 - SAFETY POLICY

SECTION 1: Safety Policy

A. Company Policy
Brevard Innovative Charter Schools Inc., DBA Sculptor Charter School is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all of our employees, students, and parents. The Company shall follow operating practices that will safeguard employees, the public and Company operations. We believe all accidents are preventable. Therefore, we will make every effort to prevent accidents and comply with all established safety and health laws and regulations.

B. Management Commitment to Safety
Management is concerned about employee and guest safety. Accidents, unsafe working conditions, and unsafe acts jeopardize employees, customers, and Company resources. Injuries and illnesses result in discomfort, inconvenience and possibly reduced income for the employee. Costs to the Company include direct expenses (workers’ compensation premiums, damaged equipment or materials, and medical care) and indirect expenses (loss of production, reduced efficiency, employee morale problems, etc.). These indirect costs are reported to cost 4-10 times more than the insured costs of an accident. Accordingly, Management will provide sufficient staffing, funds, time, and equipment so that employees can work safely and efficiently.

C. Assignment of Responsibilities Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone should have a safe attitude and practice safe behavior at all times. To best administer and monitor our safety policies, the following responsibilities are delegated. This list should not be construed as all-inclusive and is subject to change as needed.

1. Management will
   1. Provide sufficient staffing, funds, time, and equipment so that employees can work safely and efficiently.
   2. Demand safe performance from each employee and express this demand periodically and whenever the opportunity presents itself.
   3. Delegate the responsibility for a safe performance to the Safety Coordinator, Supervisors, and Employees, as appropriate.
   4. Hold every employee accountable for safety and evaluate performance accordingly.
   5. Periodically review the Safety Program effectiveness and results.
2. Safety Coordinator will
   1. Provide the resources, direction, and audits to integrate safety into the management system.
   2. Establish and maintain a safety education and training program
   3. Periodically conduct safety meetings and inspections.
   4. Advise supervisors and employees on safety policies and procedures.
   5. Assure that all newly hired employees have been given an orientation concerning the Company’s Safety Program.
   6. Coordinate with Human Resources any required pre-employment physicals and maintain the company’s drug-testing program.
   7. Prepare and maintain safety records, analysis, evaluations, and reports to improve the Company’s safety performance and comply with all government agencies, insurance carriers, and internal procedures.
   8. Work with management, supervisors, and employees to maintain & implement new and ongoing safety programs and comply with recommendations provided by outside consultants, OSHA inspectors, and insurance companies.
   9. Make available all necessary personal protective equipment, job safety material, and first-aid equipment.
   10. Review all accidents with management and supervisors and ensure that corrective action is taken immediately.
   11. File all workers’ compensation claims immediately and work with the workers’ compensation carrier to ensure proper medical treatment is provided to injured workers and they are returned to work as quickly as medically possible.
3. Employees
   Each employee is responsible for his/her own safety. No task should be completed unless it can be completed safely. Employees will:
   1. Comply with all company safety programs, rules, regulations, procedures, and instructions that are applicable to his/her own actions and conduct.
   2. Refrain from any unsafe act that might endanger him/herself or fellow workers.
   3. Use all safety devices and personal protective equipment provided for his/her protection.
   4. Report all hazards, incidents, and near-miss occurrences.
   5. Promptly report all injuries and suspected work related illnesses, however slight, to his/her immediate supervisor or Safety Coordinator.
   6. Participate in safety committee meetings and training sessions as requested and provide input into how to improve safety.
   7. Notify the Safety Coordinator immediately of any change in physical or mental condition or use of prescription drugs that would affect the employee's job performance or the safety of him/herself or others.
   8. Notify the Human Resources Manager or General Manager within five days of any serious driving, drug/alcohol, or criminal convictions.
   9. Be a safe worker on (and off) the job. Help coworkers do their job safely. Come to work every day with a safe attitude.

D. Accountability for Safety
Everyone is accountable for safety. Management, the Safety Coordinator, and/or the Safety Committee will establish safety objectives and develop and direct accident prevention activities. All employees should strive to reach those objectives and will be evaluated accordingly.

E. Opinion Survey
The Company requests ongoing comments and feedback from all employees. In addition, annually the company may request all employees’ opinions and input on the Company’s safety program through an opinion survey. Be honest. You know your job better than anyone else does. Therefore you can provide valuable input into performing the job safely. Changes to existing safety programs, rules, procedures, etc. may be influenced by your responses. Full cooperation of all employees is expected.

F. Employee Suggestions
Safety suggestions from employees are welcomed and encouraged. An EMPLOYEE SAFETY SUGGESTIONS form is available on the Sculptor Intranet and all employees are encouraged to submit comments and suggestions. Responses to suggestions will be discussed with the individual or posted along with the safety meeting’s minutes.

SECTION 2: Standards

A. Emergencies & Evacuation

1. Emergency Procedures
   Our goal is to provide prompt and immediate action in any emergency to protect life, property, and equipment. In case of an immediate life threatening emergency, the employee nearest the stricken person should call 911 (or the emergency phone number posted in your area) and direct a fellow employee to:
   1. Contact the front desk and notify the nearest supervisor to come to the scene.
   2. Simultaneously dispatch available employees to quickly retrieve the first aid kit kept in the Clinic Clerk's office.
   3. An individual trained in first-aid should apply emergency procedures for specific emergencies such as fire or tornado.

B. Safe Operating Procedures
All employees are responsible for safety. The following applies to all employees:

1. Rules
   1. Comply with all established safety rules, regulations, procedures, and instructions which are applicable to your own actions and conduct.
   2. Promptly report all accidents, hazards, incidents, and near-miss occurrences.
   3. Do not participate in horseplay, scuffling, pushing, fighting, throwing things, or practical jokes.
   4. Observe all no-smoking signs and regulations.
   5. Alcohol and drug use and possession on Company property is prohibited.
   6. Seat belt use. Seat belts must be worn at all times while operating or riding in a company vehicle, or in a vehicle van, for company business.
2. Housekeeping
   1. Practice good housekeeping by keeping the work area, aisles, walkways, stairways, roads, or other points of egress clean and clear of all hazards.
   2. Store and/or return parts, materials, tools, and equipment so as not to create a tripping hazard.
   3. Store parts, materials, or equipment with protruding sharp ends or edges where personnel cannot accidentally bump into them.
   4. Materials and equipment are not to be stored in the aisles or near exits. Permission from the Safety Coordinator must be obtained for temporary or permanent storage of any materials or equipment in aisles or near exits.
3. Office Safety
   1. Practice good housekeeping throughout the office area. Do not leave materials or position telephone or electrical cords in the aisles.
   2. Report or correct any obvious hazards as soon as they are discovered.
   3. Install pencil sharpeners so as not to protrude beyond the ends of desks or tables.
   4. Close files and desk drawers. Arrange contents in file cabinets prevent tipping when draws are open. Store heavier materials in the lower drawers. Do not open more than one draw at a time when tipping may occur. Secure cabinets to each other as necessary.
   5. Report damaged furniture and broken veneer surfaces immediately.
   6. Do not carry pointed or sharp objects in hand, pockets, or attached to clothing with points or blades exposed.
   7. Do not leave paper cutters with the blade in the open or upright position.
   8. Take precautions to prevent materials from falling from the top of file cabinets or desks.
   9. Do not stand on chairs, desks, boxes, wastebaskets, or any other substitutes for an approved step-stand or stepladder.
   10. Report slippery floor surfaces to your supervisor immediately.
   11. Clean up spills on floors immediately.
   12. Position desks and files so that drawers do not extend into the aisle way when open.
4. Fire Prevention
   1. Fire extinguishers should be recharged and inspected regularly. A tag indicating the date of recharging should be affixed to each extinguisher.
   2. Access to fire hydrants should be maintained at all times. Fire hydrants should never be blocked or obstructed in any way.
   3. All combustible waste materials, rubbish, and debris should be disposed of daily.
   4. Periodic fire drills will be conducted.

SECTION 3: Continual Monitoring & Improvement

A. Safety Meetings/Training
Certain State and Federal Regulations require periodic and on-going training. For all mandated training, all employees exposed or involved in this process will be required to attend. Emergency procedures will be covered periodically. Everyone is reminded to bring matters that you are unclear of or where you feel unsafe performing a job to the Safety Coordinator. No employee should ever perform a job that they do not feel safe performing. Safety meetings will be conducted periodically during staff or faculty meetings. We will discuss potential hazards in workplace operations for both employees and students. Feedback is always welcome at this time.

B. Inspections
Periodic inspections will be conducted to identify hazardous conditions and unsafe behavior. The Safety Coordinator will direct inspections, along with insurance companies and OSHA. The inspector should look for unsafe practices and conditions that can cause an accident and take corrective action immediately. Every quarter, the inspection form should be completed and provided to the Safety Coordinator. The Safety Coordinator will review the report, take any corrective action needed, and maintain a file of inspections.

C. Return-to-Work Policy
It is our policy to return injured workers to productive work, although not necessarily to their pre-injury duties, as early as possible during their recovery. This type of work is often referred to as “modified-duty work”. The Company has adopted this policy because employees who remain off work for long periods of time not only affect the productivity and workers’ compensation costs, they often experience slow healing and a loss of self-esteem. Within the requirements of their treating medical providers, the limitations of the law, and the economic and physical limitations of our own properties, the Company will make every effort to provide meaningful work wherever and whenever possible. Any recovering employee who is offered a physician-approved, modified-duty position will be required to accept the offer. As part of the supervisor’s responsibilities, and in conjunction with the Safety Coordinator and/or Safety Committee, a Job Safety Analysis will be performed for all safety-sensitive and non-routine tasks. The supervisor should identify a modified-duty position to offer the employee that is within their physician’s restrictions.

SECTION 4: Fleet Safety Program

Motor Vehicle Rules
All employees who drive a company car or delivery vehicle must abide by the following safety rules:

1. Any defects in the company vehicle should be reported promptly.
2. Employees are required to obey all state, local, and company traffic regulations.
3. Engines are to be stopped and ignition keys removed when parking, refueling, or leaving the company vehicles.
4. Employees are not permitted to use personal cars or motorcycles for company business, unless specifically authorized by the supervisor.
5. Passengers not employed by the company are not permitted unless authorized by the supervisor.
6. Employees should drive safely. Defensive driving must be practiced by all employees.
7. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses are to be worn at all times.
8. Vehicles must be locked when unattended to avoid criminal misconduct.
9. Vehicles must be parked in legal spaces and must not obstruct traffic.
10. Employees should park their vehicles in well-lighted areas at or near entrances to avoid criminal misconduct.
11. Personal use of vehicles is not permitted without approval of management. Children are prohibited from using company vehicles.
12. Operating a company vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and other drugs is prohibited. Violators are subject to termination of employment.
13. Every accident should be reported to the Safety Director and a Vehicle Accident Report Completed.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Drivers who operate a commercial vehicle, as defined below, are required to obtain a commercial driver's license.

1. A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or greater pounds, or
2. A vehicle designed to transport 15 or more passengers (including the driver) or
3. A vehicle of any size transporting hazardous material in sufficient quantities meeting the hazardous materials transportation regulations posting requirements. Drivers must meet the following requirements:
   1. All commercial drivers must be in good health and pass a DOT physical. The doctor will provide the driver a medical examiner’s certificate that must be carried at all times when driving. The certificate must be renewed every 2 years.
   2. All commercial drivers must comply with the Company’s Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy and consent to testing as defined by DOT and the Company.
   3. Be at least 21 years of age.
   4. Speak and read English well enough to do his/her job and respond to official questions.
   5. Have a valid driver’s license and pass a commercial driver’s road test.
   6. Take a DOT written exam for drivers.
   7. Not be disqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle.

Motor Vehicles Records (MVR)

1. All prospective and current employees will undergo annual motor vehicle record checks.
2. Violations (gathered from MVRs) are categorized as follows:
   1. TYPE A VIOLATION: Includes, but is not limited to, DWI/DUI/OWI/OUI, refusing a drug/alcohol test, reckless driving, manslaughter, hit & run, eluding a police officer, any felony, drag racing, license suspension, and driving while under license suspension. Any driver with these types of violations is a major concern and could be subject to removal of driving privileges and/or termination of employment.
   2. TYPE B VIOLATION: Includes all vehicle accidents, regardless of fault.
   3. TYPE C VIOLATION: Includes all moving violations not classified as Type A or B (i.e. speeding, improper lane change, failure to lead, running red lights or stop signs, etc.).
   4. TYPE D VIOLATION: Includes all non-moving violations (i.e. parking, vehicle defects, etc.).

Accident Reporting
Driver Conduct at the Scene of the Accident

1. Take immediate action to prevent further damage or injury. Pull onto the shoulder or side of the road. Activate hazard lights (flashers) and place warning signs promptly. Assist any injured person, but don’t move them unless they are in danger of further injury.
2. Call the Police. If someone is injured, request medical assistance. If you are nearby a phone, write a note giving the location and seriousness of the accident and give it to a “reliable-appearing” motorist and ask the him/her to contact the police.
3. The vehicle should not be left unattended, except in an extreme emergency.
4. Exchange identifying information with the other driver. Make no comments about assuming responsibility.
5. Secure names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses, or the first person on the scene if no one witnessed the accident.
6. Call the company immediately and report the accident to the Safety Director.

SECTION 5: OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)

A. OSHA (Records) Requirements
Copies of required accident investigations shall be maintained by the Safety Director. A written report will be maintained on each accident, injury or on-the job illness requiring medical treatment. These records are maintained for five years from the date of preparation.

SECTION 6: New Employee Safety

The Safety Director should provide safety training to all newly hired employees. Each new employee will be given a copy of the safety manual. General safety orientation containing information common to all employees should be reviewed, before beginning their regular job duties. Recommendations include (at a minimum):

1. Review the Safety Manual, with extra time spent on: Accident & hazard reporting procedures, emergency procedures, first aid, personal protective equipment, and special emphasis programs (Drug-Free Workplace Policy, Return-to-Work Policy, Incentive Programs, etc.).
2. Encourage & motivate employee involvement in safety. Make each accountable for their safety and the safety of their coworkers.
3. Explain the workers’ compensation system.
4. Review any known workplace hazards.
5. Conduct training on any topics that are not schedule to be addressed within a reasonable timeframe and are relevant to the employee’s job. Job-specific training provided before performing the task should include:
   1. Specific safety rules, procedures, hazards, and special emphasis programs to complete their job.
   2. Identify employee’s or employer’s responsibilities.