As an employer, the Southern University System has both a legal responsibility and a moral obligation to provide a safe work environment for its employees. To prevent loss of life, injuries and to limit financial losses and potential liability, the Southern University System has instituted policies and procedures to prevent the occurrence of accidents in the workplace. This duty includes inspecting the workplace to find and eliminate or to give adequate warning of the existence of dangerous conditions or hazards. Accidents and injuries on the job do not happen spontaneously. They generally are the result of unsafe acts or conditions.
Unsafe acts are the result of employees actions that fall into the category of human error.
Unsafe work conditions usually result from the condition of tools, machinery, clothing, etc. An employee who fails to act cautiously and to concentrate on following rules of safety will often contribute to unsafe working conditions. For example, an employee who forgets to replace a cap on a drum or gallon of gasoline in a shop or garage may unintentionally invite a fire. Recklessness and negligence create unsafe conditions that are the root cause of most accidents and injuries. Conscientious employees who dutifully inspect the workplace are able to prevent the occurrence of many accidents and injuries on the job.