TARRY HOUSE, INC.

 

Subject:  Health & Safety Policy

 

Procedure Number:  H.S. 01

Site: Tarry House and Respite

 

Issued By: Executive Director

Effective: 7/87

Approved By: The Board of Trustees

Revised: 9/11/89; 9/12/91; 1/97; 1/98; 11/29/00; 12/13/01; 7/19/05; 4/21/08

Reference Policy: All, H.S. 2-18

Reviewed: 12/19/02; 1/23/04; 7/19/05; 10/4/06; 4/21/08

 

Standards Reference:

CARF: Section 1.E.

ODMH: 5122-30-12

 

I.                   Purpose

 

The Tarry House, Inc. Board of Trustees considers the health and safety of the persons served, staff members and guests to be of primary concern.  The intention is to set forth a method for administering a Health and Safety Program, which will include planning, and preparation for a safe environment through continuous quality improvement. 

 

II.                Policy

 

It shall be the policy of the Tarry House, Inc. Board of Trustees to provide a safe and healthy environment for all people served, staff, volunteers, and visitors.  To accomplish this, all staff must be aware of conditions within the building or on the campus that can produce injuries.  All employees are expected to cooperate in the detection of hazardous or unsafe conditions and in turn, the eradication of any and all unsafe conditions.  To provide for the health and safety of all persons served, staff, student, volunteers and guests, Tarry House will follow all federal, state and local ordinances and requirements for licensed residential treatment facilities.

 

  • Health and Safety issues will be evaluated daily by all staff with results reported appropriately to administrative staff.  Persons served health and safety concerns will be addressed in staff meetings and/or in individual conferences, as appropriate for confidentiality.
  • Written plans dealing with emergency situations will follow local ordinances and include evacuation procedures. Tarry House will provide for program continuation at this location or another designated location, in the event of a major disaster.
  • All persons served will have a recent physical and TB screening before admission to the residential program. The City of Akron Health Department will monitor all non-negative screens.
  • Monthly health & safety inspections of appliances, lights, building and entrances will be conducted by the Tarry House program managers and maintenance worker or designee with results reported to the Executive Director for corrective action(s) and repairs.  This inspection will take place during second and third shift at least twice annually.
  • Monthly inspections will be conducted of the fire and alarm system by the contractor providing service.
  • Annual inspections will be made by the Fire Department.  Any written recommendations will be completed by the Program Manager or designee and approved by the Fire Department as needed when complete.  The original written inspection forms will be maintained by the Program Manager with copies sent to the business office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL RULES

 

 The following general rules and procedures govern all employees and all Agency operations;

·        All employees of Tarry House, Inc. are required by law (Occupational Safety & Health Act of 1970) to follow safety rules and practices. Employees must inform their immediate supervisor of any situation beyond their ability or authority to correct.

·        The Executive Director and Supervisory Staff shall insist that employees observe and follow every safety rule, regulation and order, as necessary, for the safety of those served and the workplace.  Supervisors shall take any action necessary to obtain compliance.

·        Only designated, qualified and/or licensed employees or contractors may operate any piece of equipment.

·        Anyone known to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs shall not be allowed on the job while in that condition.  Anyone suspected of being under the influence may be required to submit to drug/alcohol testing.

·        No one shall knowingly be permitted to work while his or her ability to work is so impaired that it may be dangerous to the safety and well being of others.

·        Work tasks shall be planned and supervised to prevent injuries in all work processes, particularly when working with equipment and handling heavy items.

·        Employees shall immediately report any personal injury to themselves or people served, and any damage to agency property to their supervisor, no matter how trivial, regardless of the extent of injury or damage. This is to be completed, irrespective of cause or fault.

 

SAFETY RULES:

 

1.      Obey all posted instructional signs and warnings.

2.      Follow all safe operating instructions for appliances and equipment within the scope of job duties.

3.      Only authorized employees may operate machines and equipment for which they are qualified.

4.      Do not use or attempt to use equipment that has been tagged for repair or set aside for removal.

5.      Keep all work areas neat, clean and organized. Use work areas for their intended purpose (i.e. counters for food prep, desks for documentation, tables for eating, laundry tubs for wash water, etc.)

6.      Be observant and alert to all potential safety hazards, both indoors and outside.

7.      Keep all entrances and exits clear and well lit at all times.  Any blockages are to be reported immediately.

8.      Access to all fire extinguishers, sprinkler valves, and electrical panel boxes must be kept clear at all times.

9.      Report any and all defective, damaged and or missing fire protection equipment.

10.  All toxic cleaning substances and hazardous chemicals are to be kept under lock and key at all times in their original containers. Eating or drinking utensils should never be used for these substances.  Flammable liquids are to be kept in the proper designated storage areas. Do not use gasoline for cleaning purposes.

11.  Do not wear loose, frayed clothing, dangling jewelry, etc. around kitchen appliances, while operating machinery or equipment, or when climbing ladders.

12.  Utilize all safety equipment, machinery guards and protective clothing.

13.  Do not walk on, climb over, or crawl under furniture and equipment.

14.  Smoke only in designated areas.

15.  Horseplay, scuffling, wrestling and other acts that endanger the safety of others are prohibited.

16.  Do not tie up extension cords or use them for permanent electrical conveyance. All extension cords must be in good repair.   

17.  Use ladders, step stools or stands that are in good condition for overhead work.

18.  Lifting heavy objects should be done by bending the knees and keeping the back straight. The actual lifting should be done with the legs instead of the back.  Keep the loads being lifted close to the body.

19.  Never try to raise heavy objects over the head.

 

 

 

 

RESPONSIBILITY:

 

It shall be the responsibility of the Executive Director to develop and implement the Health and Safety Policy.  Health and safety shall be discussed at least quarterly at the Tarry House Administrative Staff Meetings to discuss trends and set tasks to correct any health and safety concerns.  The Executive Director shall make recommendations to the Tarry House, Inc. Board of Trustees as needed.  Monthly self-inspections of all buildings and grounds shall provide direction for corrective actions and be utilized to provide a summary in the Tarry House Annual Management Report.  The Finance Committee and The Building and Grounds Committee will assess the Executive Director’s recommendations prior to the development of the Agency’s annual budget.

 

 

 

______________________________________                                                        ______________

Executive Director                                                                                                        Date