(A) It is the objective of the village to conduct all operations as safely as possible and to comply with all requirements of the Public Employment Risk Reduction Program and other applicable regulations. To accomplish this, the responsibility, authority and accountability for safe work practice is assigned to all supervisory personnel within their individual area of operations.
(B) The Mayor may appoint a Safety Coordinator who will work with the Safety Service Committee of Village Council in developing safety policies, training programs and record keeping procedures.
(C) The village will periodically offer safety education and training to village employees and shall provide at least minimal safety equipment such as hard hats, protective eye wear, hearing protection, gloves for specific hazard protection, and other appropriate items. It is the responsibility of the department supervisor to alert the Safety Coordinator or Administrator of any safety equipment needs of his/her department and to instruct and direct village employees within his/her department on the proper use of safety equipment and hazard avoidance.
(D) Any employee of the village shall have the right to refuse to work in certain circumstances because of health or safety violations. If an employee is aware of such hazards in the workplace, he/she should notify his/her immediate supervisor of the nature of this hazard, and if he/she takes no action to correct this condition, the employee may file a written complaint with the designated Safety Coordinator or the Administrator. The Safety Coordinator and/or Administrator shall take appropriate action to address this hazardous condition or work practice within ten days or a complaint may be filed with the State of Ohio Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Safety and Hygiene at 1-800-282-3045, Fax: 614-644-5707.
(E) If a village employee experiences a work-related accident resulting in injury or work-related illness, he/she should notify their immediate supervisor as soon as possible following the injury or illness so that an investigation may be initiated by the Safety Coordinator or Administrator into causes of the accident or illness. The investigation shall document the nature of the injury or illness, all of the circumstances surrounding the incident and any determination made as to probable causes or contributing factors.
(F) The Safety Coordinator shall meet periodically with the Administrator and Chief of Police and the Safety Committee of Village Council to review accident reports, discuss work policy or practices and explain safety concerns, new laws, regulations and requirements to Council and the Administration. Safety needs and required funding should also be addressed to the Safety Service Committee of Council.
(Ord. 49-2017, passed 11-21-2017; Ord. 42-2018, passed 10-16-2018)