Date Established: 11/4/2010
Date Last Updated: 1/5/2012
Category:
Human Resources
Responsible Office:
Human Resources - Employee Relations
Responsible Executive:
Vice President for Finance and Administration
The University at Buffalo is committed to providing a safe work environment for all employees and will respond promptly to threats, acts of violence, and acts of aggression by employees or against employees by coworkers, members of the public, students, or others.
The University at Buffalo (UB, university) is committed to providing a safe work environment for all employees and will not tolerate any act or threat of violence made in the workplace, on university property, or by an employee while conducting university business. The university will respond promptly to threats, acts of violence, and acts of aggression by employees or against employees by coworkers, members of the public, students, or others. Violent conduct or any threat of violence, implied or direct, is prohibited on university property or in connection with university business. This includes but is not limited to:
An individual may not carry, possess, or use any dangerous instrument or weapon (e.g., firearms, explosives, other weapons, dangerous chemicals) unless the individual has legal authority to carry such weapon in the performance of his or her duties, regardless of their work location (including both university-owned and non-university-owned premises).
The Workplace Violence Advisory Team has reviewed injury records and police reports relative to workplace violence in the development of this program. Consultants were retained to review our campus structure along with policies, procedures and practices. Where exposures were found, recommendations were made and have been taken under advisement.
The Workplace Violence Advisory Team (comprised of representatives from Employee Relations (ER), University Police, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and State and Research Foundation (RF) Benefits Administration) have and will continue to:
The University at Buffalo will provide the following information and training on the risks of violence in the workplace at employee orientation and annually thereafter:
The university has a zero-tolerance policy regarding retaliatory action. Retaliatory action against anyone acting in good faith who has made a complaint of workplace violence, who has reported witnessing workplace violence, or who has been involved in reporting, investigating, or responding to workplace violence is a violation of this policy. Retaliatory acts may include, but are not limited to: (1) employment actions affecting salary, promotion, job duties, work schedules or work locations; (2) any action affecting the employee’s work atmosphere. Those found responsible for retaliatory action may be subject to discipline up to and including termination, or criminal charges, if applicable. To report a retaliatory action, please contact one of the offices listed under Workplace Violence Advisory Team.
This policy applies to all university entities and employees.
Workplace Violence
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines workplace violence as “violent acts (including physical assaults and threats of assaults) directed toward persons at work or on duty.” Workplace violence is any physical assault, threatening behavior, aggressive behavior, or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting.
Workplace Violence Prevention Risk Evaluation
An employer’s inspection or examination of their workplace to determine if existing or potential hazards exist that might place employees at risk of occupational assaults or homicides. NYS Labor Law requires all public employers to perform a risk evaluation of their workplace. Risk evaluation techniques include:
Management, along with authorized employee representatives, will work together to keep the University at Buffalo a safe place to work.
Contact | Phone | |
---|---|---|
Employee Assistance Program | 716-645-4461 | nm23@buffalo.edu |
Employee Relations | 716-645-7777 | putrino@buffalo.edu |
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion | 716-645-2266 | diversity@buffalo.edu |
Sub Board 1 Safety Services - Safety Shuttle | 716-829-2584 | trentbero@buffalo.edu |
University Police | 716-645-2227 | ub-police@buffalo.edu |
University Police Escort | 716-645-2227 | ub-police@buffalo.edu |
January 2012 | Updated to expand the restriction regarding the possession of weapons to include university employees working on non-university owned premises. |
November 2011 | Updated the Office of Equity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Administration (EDAAA) department name to reflect the current name of Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). |
December 2010 | Updated to add information in accordance with requirements of the New York State Department of Education and New York State Department of Public Employee Safety & Health. |
John B. Simpson, President
11/4/2010
Date