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The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is a unit under the umbrella of the Office of the Executive Director. EHS is responsible for the development and enforcement of safety standards and polices for the health and safety of the Authority’s employees. The unit also provides training and continuing education for employees to development to develop their knowledge and skills. This unit also conducts periodic audits or inspections and investigations for any EHS related matters at all of the Authority’s facilities; tracks and handles all incidents and accidents and facilitates all workmen’s compensation cases; and, initiates purchases of safety supplies or equipment that meet the ANSI, NIOSH or other required standards.
The EHS unit has conducted or coordinated the following trainings and certifications: Forklift or powered industrial truck training and certification, 24 HazMat and Confined Space and Advanced Confined Space training.
As part of the EHA’s theme to Get in STEP (Safety Takes Every Person), the following OSHA regulated policies and plans are currently being developed:
- Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Plan
- Wellness Program
- Vehicular Safety Policy
- Lock Out Tag Out Program
- General Electrical Program
- Hazardous Communication Program
- Emergency Action Plan ( general and site specific)
- Personal Protective Equipment Polices with Job Task Assessments
- Respiratory Protection Program, which will include pulmonary function tests and fit-testing
- Hearing Conservation Policy
- Asbestos Management Plan
- Fall Protection Program
A training matrix has also been developed to ensure that the Authority is in compliance with OSHA requirements for training.