A1:
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Plant Operations places a priority on snow removal and requests that hazardous conditions be reported as soon as possible at 581-7221, so they may address snow removal efforts effectively. The University maintains miles of sidewalks, ramps, stairs and parking lots. Snow and ice removal are particular challenges, depending upon the time of day the snow falls, for example. It is difficult to keep sidewalks snow free during a snow fall; it is difficult to provide ice free surfaces and protect the environment and operate within our state allocated budget (environmentally friendly ice melts is expensive, cheap ice melt is harmful to the environment). That said, the University operates in a mountain environment. We will get snow. Personal preparation in a snowy environment is equally important - see boots as fashionable! Good slip resistant snow shoes/boots should be part of every Utahan's winter wardrobe.
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A2:
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Two things: Continue to avoid the area or process if the hazard still exists, while continuing to press for an answer. Options for pursuing an answer may include:
- Requesting a written response from Environmental Health and Safety (EHS),
- If EHS is the unit not responding, addressing a written request for a response to the Vice President for Administrative Services.
- While the University prides itself for responding appropriately and in a timely fashion when hazards are reported, it is every employees right to contact Utah OSHA when:
- a workplace hazard exists,
- has been reported as outlined in P&P 2-73 (through supervisory channels)
- but is not being adequately addressed.
OSHA will either conduct an investigation or request the Environmental Health and Safety conduct a formal investigation and provide a written response.
Sometimes the condition is not changed because:
- Upon evaluation by campus safety and health professionals there is not agreement that change is warranted; for example, if the hazard exists because a system, process or piece of equipment is being used inappropriately. Using said system, etc., properly may be perceived to be cumbersome, thus a short cut is used which is hazardous. This would not be justification for changes.
- The cost (a fix costs more than would be justified by the degree of solution provided). It is acceptable to discontinue a practice or process that is determined to be hazardous, because it costs too much to repair.
In any case, it is not unreasonable for the individual requesting to know what's happening.
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