I. Scope
This policy applies to all University students and employees, volunteers, and visitors using university facilities or participating in university sponsored or affiliated activities.
II. Policy Statement
All students, employees, volunteers, and visitors must comply with institutional Risk, Safety, & Resilience (RSR) emergency management, environmental compliance, fire safety, laboratory safety, employee health & wellbeing, operational risk management, and occupational safety plans, manuals, guides, and procedures.
At any time, RSR may suspend or required modification of activities and operations that are not in compliance with university environmental, emergency, risk, safety, and health plans, policies, and procedures, if the activity is deemed imminently dangerous, exceeds the institution’s risk tolerance, or compromises the health and safety of others, university operations, property, or the environment.
III. Compliance
A. It is the responsibility of each employee, student, volunteer, and visitor to conduct work, research, instructional courses, and activities in a manner that will not adversely impact themselves, others, the surrounding community, university property, or the environment. In addition to personal conduct, it is expected that individuals will familiarize themselves with the relevant George Mason environmental, emergency, risk, health, and safety policies and procedures related to university sponsored or university affiliated activities.
B. The President, as Chief Executive Officer of George Mason University, is ultimately responsible for the direction and supervision of the university’s academic and administrative units to include environmental health and safety.
C. Supervisors and course instructors are responsible for understanding and implementing RSR plans, policies, and procedures applicable to employees and work areas under their supervision.
D. RSR serves as primary point of contact with local, state, and federal officials regarding codes, regulations, and reporting requirements with regard to emergency preparedness, environmental compliance, fire safety, laboratory safety, occupational health and occupational safety.
E. RSR may inspect and audit university facilities to monitor and assess compliance with environmental, emergency, risk, health and safety plans, policies and procedures.
F. Supervisors are responsible for implementing corrective and disciplinary actions for employees under their supervision when environmental, emergency, risk, health and safety plans, policies, and procedures are not followed.
G. Employees who, as a part of their job responsibilities, work with students are responsible for implementing corrective and disciplinary actions for students under their supervision when environmental, emergency, risk, health and safety plans, policies, and procedures are not followed.
IV. Dates
A. Effective Date:
This policy is effective upon the date of signature by the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and the Provost and Executive Vice President.
B. Date of Most Recent Review:
May 28, 2025
V. Timetable for Review
This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed biannually.
VI. Signatures
Approved:
__/S___________________
Julie Zobel
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
__/S____________________
James Antony
Provost and Executive Vice President
Date approved: September 26, 2005
Revised: February 9, 2011
Revised: October 26, 2021
Revision approved: May 28, 2025
Page last updated: June 9, 2025