Faculty Handbook
Safe and Healthy Work Environment
Michigan State University strives to provide a safe and healthy environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
The Office of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Safety (ORCBS) anticipates, recognizes, evaluates, and controls occupational and environmental hazards as they pertain to the campus use, transportation, storage, and disposal of radioactive, chemical, and biohazardous materials. For more information about ORCBS, visit the Office of Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Safety website.
Support and enforcement of the Michigan Right-to-Know Law requirements is the responsibility of the unit. Internal unit audits are conducted to monitor compliance, and periodic reports, as required, are submitted to ORCBS.
Supervisors shall maintain the Michigan Right-to-Know Law requirements at the employee level. This maintenance includes, but is not limited to, specific training for employees on the potential chemical hazards that may exist in the workplace area.
Employees shall comply with University requirements and specific training instructions pertaining to the Michigan Right-to-Know Law, in addition to other relevant health and safety laws and guidelines.
Employees must report to their respective supervisor, unit, or ORCBS any safety or health concern involving radiation, chemicals, or biological safety. Any emergency situation should be reported by telephoning 9-1-1 immediately.
Drugs and Alcohol
The following policy was approved by the Board of Trustees on October 12, 1990:
Consistent with state and federal law, Michigan State University will maintain a workplace free from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances, illicit drugs, and alcohol are prohibited on any property under the control of and governed by the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University and at any site where work is performed by individuals on behalf of Michigan State University. Pursuant to applicable University procedures governing employee discipline, any employee involved in the unlawful use, sale, manufacturing, dispensing, or possession of controlled substances, illicit drugs, and alcohol on University premises or work sites, or working under the influence of such substances, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and referral for prosecution. The employee must notify the University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) calendar days after such conviction. Failure to provide such notice will subject the employee to discipline up to and including dismissal pursuant to applicable University procedures governing employee discipline. The employee shall notify his/her immediate supervisor, who will report the incident to the Office of Human Resources, Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, or Student Employment Office.
Michigan State University supports and sponsors programs aimed at the prevention of substance abuse by University employees. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides preventative programs and counseling for employees experiencing substance-dependency problems. View more information on EAP programs. Assistance is available on a voluntary basis. Leaves of absence to obtain treatment may be obtained under the medical leave provision of the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or policy. View MSU’s Drug-Free Workplace policy or the Collective bargaining agreements.
Smoke-Free Policy
The following policy was approved by the Board of Trustees on July 16, 1993:
Compelling scientific finds … indicate that the simple separation of buildings into “smoking” and “nonsmoking” sections does not eliminate the unequivocal health risks that result from environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). In light of these findings, Michigan State University is committed to eliminating harmful exposures to environmental tobacco smoke unwanted by students, faculty, staff, and visitors and adopts the following smoke-free policy.
Questions, problems, and complaints regarding this policy should be handled through existing departmental administrative channels and administrative procedures, including the Housing Options Committee. Persons found to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions in the same manner and magnitude as violations of other University policies.
The success of this policy will depend on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers. All employees share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy.
Smoking cessation programs and materials are available through Health4U and Olin Health Center to assist persons who wish to quit smoking.
Safety
The University Physician’s Office has oversight for the health and safety policy for the University community, with a wide variety of health-related programs and initiatives. For more information, telephone 517-353-8933 or visit the University Physician's Office online.
Employees are expected to comply with University health, safety, and fire rules and regulations. Where appropriate, supervisors will inform employees of special health and safety guidelines. The University will provide protective clothing and equipment when necessary to fulfill job requirements. If an on-the-job injury or illness occurs, or if an unsafe condition exists, it should be immediately reported to the supervisor for appropriate action. Questions regarding occupational safety should be referred to the supervisor, to Occupational Health, or to the director of environmental safety. Questions regarding fire safety should be referred to the Fire Marshal in the Investigative Division of the MSU Police Department at 517-355-2222 or by visiting the MSU Police Department online.
The MSU Occupational Health Service works with University departments to ensure a healthy work environment on campus and provides for the medical surveillance of employees who may be exposed to chemical or biological hazards. Occupational health at MSU also offers health information to faculty and staff and other health-related services for employees. For more information, please visit the Occupational Health website or call 517-353-9137.
Drug Free Workplace Act
The federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 applies to MSU and all of its employees, including student employees. Consistent with state and federal law, Michigan State University maintains a workplace free from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance. Such behavior is prohibited on any property under the control of and governed by the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University and at any site where work is performed by individuals on behalf of Michigan State University. These prohibitions also apply to employees performing safety sensitive functions and whose position responsibilities require they obtain a commercial driver’s license.
Employees who violate University policy prohibiting the use or possession of illegal drugs are subject to disciplinary action through the appropriate disciplinary process. For additional information, please see the University Policy and Procedure.
Medical Marijuana Act
The Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (the “Act”) became Michigan law on December 4, 2008. The Act permits an individual with a qualifying debilitating medical condition to register as a medical marijuana patient with the Michigan Department of Community Health (“MDCH”) and avoid criminal penalties under state law for certain medical uses of marijuana. Information about the Act and the state registry program is available on the MDCH website.
In order to meet its obligations under federal law to maintain a drug free workplace, University policy regarding marijuana remains the same. Employees may not use or possess marijuana on any University property or in the course of employment. University policy also prohibits employees from reporting to work under the influence of a controlled substance, such as marijuana. This is true whether the marijuana is smoked or ingested through other means. For additional information regarding the Alcohol and Controlled Substances Policy, please look online.
Driver Certification
In certain positions, an employee may be required to operate a University vehicle or equipment as part of his/her job functions. In those cases, employees will be required to complete a Driver Certification Form to certify that he/she meets the necessary requirements. For additional information, please see MSU's Manual of Business Procedures (Section 70) which is available online.
Emergency Situations
Emergency situations refer to severe weather, a long-term power outage, a fire, a tornado, man-made and natural disasters, or a declared "state of emergency" situation.
In the event of a major campus emergency, the University media coordinator, under the direction of the President of the University and the Director of Police Department, will disseminate warning information through the appropriate media.
In cases of prolonged emergency situations, the level of services appropriate to the functioning of the University and the needs and levels of employee involvement will be determined by the unit administration in order to protect the health and safety of human and animal life and the basic security of the University's physical plant and equipment.
For more information about emergency situations, please reference the Modified Operations policy.
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