MSU-Texas is committed to making a safe and healthy place to work and go to school.

Safety at MSU-Texas is a comprehensive program that strives to strengthen the campus safety culture by serving to protect employees who are at risk. Risks are everywhere in the workplace and few jobs are without hazards. In addition, each person of authority at the university is responsible for those employees under his or her supervision. The health and safety of students and employees are of primary importance.

Accidents & Injuries
Staff and Faculty:

It is very important that even minor job-related injuries or illnesses are reported. These statistics help MSU-Texas track trends that may indicate occupational hazards that need evaluation. 

All work related injuries should be reported to your supervisor.

To receive medical treatment for a work related injury and file a workers compensation claim, please call Sara Webb at ext. 4649. 

Students (not employed by MSU-Texas) and Visitors:  

If a student or visitor is involved in an incident or injured while at MSU-Texas, it should be reported to Risk&SafetyMgrFS@msutexas.edu.

Near-Miss Reporting:

Near-misses are those incidents that could have resulted in an injury, but did not.  Near-Miss reports help to prevent potential injuries and to improve safety at MSU-Texas. Any submitted reports will be reviewed by EHS for potential corrective action. As appropriate, near misses will be investigated to the extent possible with findings and any corrective actions being forwarded to appropriate departments.  Report near-misses to Risk&SafetyMgrFS@msutexas.edu.

Emergency Safety Concerns:

Anything seen as an emergency safety issue (e.g., a missing manhole cover, an unguarded excavation hole, or something else that could cause serious injury) should be reported as soon as possible. Here are numbers that can be called:

  • 940-397-4032 (EHS office, M-F, 8am-5pm)
  • 940-397-4239 (Campus Police 24-hour dispatch)
Useful Links:

MSU Policy:  OP 52.60 - Worker's Compensation
Forms: Worker's Compensation Injury Forms

Confined Spaces

Policy: OP 34.## (insert link to MSU Policy page)

Do you have a confined space?  (This will open an assessment in a new window)

What are the requirements for working in a confined space?

Permit

Inventory of Confined Spaces

 

 

Useful Links:

OSHA: Permit-required confined spaces / 1910.146

OSHA: Permit-required Confined Space Decision Flow Chart

Electrical Safety in the Office

Electrical malfunctions account for 7,100 fires totaling over $207 million in non-residential building loss in 2016 according to the USFA. 

Help keep MSU-Texas and your staff safe with the following office power guidelines:

Use a UL-listed, grounded surge protector instead of a simple power strip. A surge protector will cost more but protect your electronics from power spikes. To identify the difference, look for the energy rating on the package and the protected light on the device.
Close up of surge protector light and switch

Surge protectors must be plugged directly into the wall and are not to be used in conjunction with extension cords or daisy-chained together. The device is not designed to handle that much electricity. 
Four surge protectors with multiple plugs in each

The following appliances must be plugged directly into wall outlets:

  • Refrigerators
  • Microwaves
  • Coffee Makers / Pots
  • Space Heaters
  • Surge Protectors / Power Strips

Extension cords are allowed for temporary use, for example, while you are vacuuming or using a drill.  Extension cords are not a substitute for permanent wiring. No extension cord can pass through a door, ceiling, wall, or under furniture. A damaged cord is dangerous so inspect them often.