Environmental Health and Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of North Carolina provides that employees may request an inspection or evaluation of conditions which they believe may constitute a health or safety hazard. University employees are encouraged to report such conditions to the Environmental Health and Safety Office and to request a "Special Investigation" into the need for corrective action.

The University employs a staff of safety and health professionals that conduct periodic inspections and who respond to any safety and/or health-related request or complaint. University employees who are aware of a health hazard or unsafe condition should notify the Environmental Health and Safety Office.

Employees are encouraged to seek resolution of hazardous conditions through the University Environmental Health and Safety Office, but under Section II(d)(l) of the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Act, an employee is guaranteed the right to request an inspection from the N.C. Department of Labor by giving notice to them of a violation of a safety or health standard that he/she believes threatens physical harm or constitutes immediate danger.

Persons requesting an investigation by the Environmental Health and Safety Office (or the N.C. Department of Labor) may request confidentiality and, by law, their name will not appear on any record published, released, or made available to the public or to their immediate supervisor or department head.

If it is determined that it is reasonable to believe that a violation or danger exists, the Environmental Health and Safety Office or the Department of Labor will notify the employee or his/her representative in writing of such determination.

After the Environmental Health and Safety Office has concluded its investigation, the results will be communicated to the party requesting the investigation and to other appropriate University personnel with due consideration of requests for anonymity. If action is called for that does not constitute a capital improvement such as minor repairs, change of procedures, limitations of access, etc., recommendations will be made to the proper departments.