DSCs play a key role in developing and implementing a department’s safety program.

Campus policy 290-15 does a great job of outlining DSCs roles and responsibilities and can help when developing a DSC position description. Safetynet 125- Safety Management Program Guidelines for Department Safety Coordinators (DSCs) is another great resource.

Here are some key responsibilities often found in DSC PDs:

• Establish, review, and update departmental safety programs including the Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and the Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• Provide documents and training forms to supervisors/leads and facilitate initial and annual refresher safety training.
• Review the effectiveness of the department’s safety programs.
• Disseminate health and safety information to departmental units.
• Act as a liaison between the department, personnel, and safety services.
• Assist with the department’s Hazardous Chemical Communication Program, chemical inventory and hazardous waste disposal procedures.
• Aid with injury reporting and investigations.
• Coordinate facility inspections including annual IIPP-self inspections, Fire Prevention, and CUPA inspections. Distribute inspection findings and ensure findings are resolved.
• Facilitate an effective monthly testing program for emergency equipment including emergency eyewash & safety showers and fire extinguishers.

Each department is unique and some administrative departments do not work with hazardous materials but instead rely on their DSC to help with other programs such as ergonomics.