Environmental Health and Safety

General Safety Rules

All employees have a responsibility to themselves and their fellow workers to promote and practice high safety standards. The following rules apply to all SUNY New Paltz employees. Additional rules may be established by management, as warranted, to promote the safety of employees.

• Smoking
• No Smoking inside any SUNY New Paltz campus. Smoking only in outdoor 50 feet from any building entrance or exit, any state owned or leased vehicle, and any roof.
• Safe Conduct
• Horseplay, unnecessary running, and practices inconsistent with the ordinary, responsible, or common sense rules of conduct are not permitted.
• Housekeeping
• All work areas should be kept clean and neat, in accordance with the campus fire and life safety regulations.
• Drugs and Alcohol
• Possession of and/or being under the influence of narcotics, alcohol, or other illegal or unauthorized substances are absolutely forbidden.

In addition, ALL SUNY New Paltz employees shall:

• Comply with all written verbal safety policies, regulations, procedures, rules, training, and instructions provided by EH&S and Supervisors or other authorities having jurisdiction.
• Be individually responsible for themselves and other fellow employees in avoiding accidents.
• Be certain instructions are completely understood and all safety/health requirements are met before starting work.
• Immediately report all accidents/injuries to their supervisor.
• Keep work area clean and orderly at all times.
• Learn and follow prescribed procedures during emergency situations.
• Learn and practice lifting and handling materials properly.
• First, evaluate the material to be lifted/positioned.
• Always follow proper lifting/carrying procedures.
• Do not hesitate to ask others for assistance.
• Utilize appropriate equipment and machinery for lifting/transporting materials (dollies, carts, pallet jacks, forklifts, etc).
• Never lift with the back, instead bend of the knees and lift with leg muscles.  Never twist, instead pivot instead.
• Report all unsafe acts and/or conditions to the principal, manager or supervisor immediately.
• Know where and how to obtain the Material Safety Data sheet for any hazardous chemical you work with.
• Utilize proper lockout/tag out procedures or otherwise disconnect poor equipment when performing maintenance, making adjustments, or performing any type of service on any equipment/machinery.
• Wear all appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment required for the job.
• Perform all job duties in safe manner and make safety the first consideration in every situation.
• Use only tools/equipment that is in good, safe working condition.
• Report defective equipment immediately.
• Accept responsibility for their own safety, the safety of fellow employees and those employees under direct supervision.
• The employee has the responsibility and right to refuse any job in which he/she feels unsafe.  Report this situation immediately to the principal/manager/supervisor.
• Take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent injuring other employees, students and/or visitors.