Worker Safety
Plans to Prevent Worker Injury
The Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan is designed to provide regulatory compliance and a means by which university employees will be informed about and protected from exposures to blood and other potentially infectious materials.
Hepatitis B Vaccination Program
For employees participating in the University Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plans are offered the Hepatitis B Vaccination free of charge. Participants must complete this form and return it to EHS.
Blood and Bodily Fluid Spills
Only trained personnel should clean up spills of blood or bodily fluids. Call F&CS Customer Service at x4255 for assistance.
Needle Sticks
If you come in contact with blood or other bodily fluids, IMMEDIATELY wash with soap and warm water. Contact your supervisor and the EHS office at 336.758.3427. Complete the Needle Stick/Bodily Fluid Exposure form with your supervisor and return the completed form to EHS.
A comprehensive Permit Required Confined Space Entry procedure has been developed to protect Wake Forest University employees and provide guidance to contractors who may be required to enter confined spaces during the course of their work. No one may enter a confined space on campus prior to receiving a permit.
Permits for entry are issued through Utility Operations. Call 336.758.4747.
The Elevated Work Safety program is developed and maintained to provide safety related information to users of these devices and minimize injuries because of improper use.
Elevated work involves any work conducted above the surface. Equipment used to vertically elevate a worker above the surface includes, but is not limited to, aerial devices, scaffolding and ladders.
The University requires fall protection when working at heights over four (4) feet. Information is available in the Fall Protection policy.
Wake Forest University has implemented a Hearing Conservation Program to ensure that all employees who are exposed to hazardous noise levels are adequately protected to prevent hearing loss.
Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is designed to protect us from serious workplace injuries or illnesses resulting from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards.
Based on potentials for respiratory hazards, this comprehensive standard was developed to protect Wake Forest University employees who may be required to wear respirators during the course of their work.
All respirator users must first enroll in the WFU Respiratory Protection Program and receive medical clearance and training. This includes individuals requesting to use N-95 mask.
Medical Clearance
Required medical clearance to wear a respirator is handled through the EHS Department. Call Bridget Marrs at x3427 for information. Remember, you may not wear a respirator until medically cleared.
If you decide to wear a respirator that is not required for your work environment, you must first complete the Voluntary Use Form and return to the EHS Department.
The following documents describe proper technique to don the respirator you have been assigned.
As an employee, falls can result from unstable walking or working surfaces. Workers are also subject to falls and the danger of falling objects if sides and edges, floor holes, and wall openings are not protected. Care must be exercised each day as you move about your work area.
OSHA’s standard for walking and working surfaces include requirements for housekeeping, guarding floor and wall openings and holes, and industrial stairs and ladders. Keeping working surfaces clean, dry, and uncluttered can prevent many workplace accidents.
Many workers are injured every year due to slips, trips, and falls generated by improper walking and working surfaces. Most of these accidents can be prevented by using proper safety precautions.
Employees should receive proper training and learn to recognize common hazards associated with walking and working surfaces in their work environment.