Safety Newsletter 2022

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CODE OF SAFE PRACTICES

• Read Safety Newsletter
  • Cambridge Counseling Center publishes a safety newsletter annually. All employees must read this newsletter within one week of receiving it.
• Safety and Risk Management Team Records available upon request
  • Cambridge Counseling Center operates a Safety and Risk Management Team chartered to help maintain a safe and healthy workplace. Any employee may obtain a list of the Safety and Risk Management team members or the minutes of the Safety and Risk Management Team meetings by asking Ramon Lynch.
• Attend All Staff Meetings
  • All employees are required to attend all staff meetings. These meetings are one important way Cambridge Counseling Center communicates safety information to employees and provides a forum where employees may discuss safety issues with management.
• Additional Information
  • Your supervisor will provide you with additional information regarding emergency evacuation procedures and any additional hazards or working procedures specific to your work area. 
  • Never start working on a task until you have been fully trained on safety requirement and your supervisor has cleared you to begin. 
• Follow All Safety Rules
  • All employees must work safely and follow all safety procedures.
• Report Unsafe Conditions
  • All employees must immediately report unsafe conditions or near misses to your Safety and Risk Managment Coordinator, Ramon Lynch. A near miss is an incident where someone could have been hurt, but was not this time. It is important to correct unsafe conditions before someone gets hurt. 
• Report All Injuries
  • Employees must report all injuries (no matter how minor it is) to their supervisor so that arrangements can be made for medical or first aid treatment. This includes illness or aches and pains that the employee thinks may be work related and that don’t go away normally.
  • Do not disturb or clean up the scene of a serious accident (except to aid injured parties or make the area safe). 
• Do not work while impaired
  • Employees shall not work when impaired by fatigue, illness, medication, ,or intoxicating substances such as alcohol. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. 
• No Horseplay
  • Horseplay and rough housing is strictly prohibited. If seen, employees must take action to prevent injuries. 
• Threats and Violence are Prohibited
  • Violence, threats of violence, and physical intimidation are prohibited. Employees who feel that a company employee, customer, or client is potentially violent, you must report your concerns to your supervisor immediately, or your Safety and Risk Coordinator Ramon Lynch. Employees who experience violence on the job, or are threatened or experience physical intimidation must report this to the supervisor immediately.
• Fire Extinguishers
  • DO NOT use a fire extinguisher to fight a fire unless you are certain the extinguisher will safely put out the fire. Instead, contact the supervisor on site, evacuate the building, and call the fire department if necessary. 
• Computer Ergonomics
  • Employees should take time to set up their computer comfortably. The screen and keyboard should be directly in front so employees can work without twisting. 
  • Employees should request a split keyboard or alternative mouse if their existing equipment generates wrist or arm discomfort. 
  • Employees should arrange their workspace so there is not excessive glare on their monitor screen from windows or light. 
• Follow Security Procedures
  • Employees must strictly follow all security procedures. Report any security lapses to your supervisor immediately.
• In the Event of a Violent Situation
  • Remain calm and polite to the violent person to deescalate the situation. In case of robbery, hand over the money or goods the person asks for. Do nothing to provoke or delay the person from leaving.
  • If the person becomes violent or seeks to move victims to another location, the risk of injury goes up. In this circumstance, your intuition can help you decide whether to comply with the person’s instructions or run away. 
• Report Problems with Clients
  • Report any problems, threats, or violent behavior to your supervisor, even if the problem is just a feeling that a client may potentially be dangerous. Be especially alert for changes in repeat client’s behavior. Discuss any problems and take any necessary precautions
• Always Wear Seatbelts
  • Always wear seatbelts in cars or trucks while riding or driving. Ensure that everyone else in the vehicle are wearing their seatbelts.
• Drive Safely
  • Leave plenty of time to get to your destination. Avoid aggressive driving and do not engage with other aggressive drivers on the road. Keep your eveys constantly moving up and down the road, to the sides, and to the rear view mirrors. Be aware of vehicle blind spots. Try to maintain space cushions around your vehicle so that you have someplace to go if something unexpected happens. Stay at least 3 car lengths away from the vehicle in front of you, or three seconds. Use turn signals. Maintain traffic speed on multi-lane roads and on-ramps, but do not speed. Respect the weather, and be aware the reaction time and general driving skills deteriorate with fatigue. NEVER drink and drive. 
• Basic Infection Prevention Matters
  • Stay up to date with current CDC Workplace guidelines for Ohio
  • Face masks are provided for staff and clients who request them
  • Employees must frequently and thoroughly wash hands
  • STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK
  • Practice respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, immediately contact the Executive Team and follow current  CDC guidelines before returning to work.
  • Social distancing is encouraged
  • Sanitize office space before and after every client.