The Safety Office continued to provide advice, counsel, and programs to the community in order to promote a safe environment and to implement safety related functions to ensure a standardized compliance with Institute policies and government legislation.
A Shipping of Hazardous Materials Program was implemented last year. The Safety Office developed the program in conjunction with the Environmental Medical Service (EMS).
In addition, a program to dispose of bottles used in academic classes continued to evolve and is now in place after three years of development with the Office of Laboratory Supplies and various other vendors.
The lockout/tagout program was changed to include procedures at the Central Utility Plant (CUP). The Safety Office, Physical Plant, and EMS are developing a more comprehensive and proactive safety program for the CUP.
Certain administrative functions in the workers' compensation area were transferred from Liberty Mutual to Sedgwick James.
The number of reports of Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) continued to increase throughout the year. The Safety Office alone reviews approximately ten complaints a month and the frequency appears to be rising.
The volume of chemical waste remained stable during the year and a competitive bidding process helped to keep chemical waste disposal costs in check. The use of the Central Utility Plant's new neutralization system, the third such system on campus, began this year. A fourth will follow next year when work in Building 56 is completed.
The Safety Office is in the process of reviewing the Haystack Observatory health and safety program. A safety committee has been formed and is now functioning.
Personnel at the Bates Linear Accelerator (LINAC) are making progress on implementing their Lockout/Tagout program. In addition, all Underground Storage Tanks have either been taken out of service or removed. Due to an inspection by the Department of Environmental Protection, LINAC has had its Very Small Quantity Generator status changed to a Small Quantity Generator.
Personnel changes in the Safety Office were particularly notable this year. This small department lost two of it's administrative staff to retirement; John Fresina, the Director and Ray Diffley, the Associate Director. A third staff member, Don Batson, will also retire early next year.
In addition, we are proud to note that Mr. Fresina was the recipient of this year's Gordon Y. Billard Award. This award is made annually for special service of outstanding merit performed for the Institute.
W. Jerry Diaz
MIT Reports to the President 1995-96