Banner

Health and Safety

What to Do if You Experience an Environmental Health/Safety Issue?

Whether it’s a persistent temperature problem, a malfunctioning door, or a safety concern in your workspace, it’s important to follow the correct reporting steps to protect yourself and create a documented record.

If you have a problem, please report it immediately to UG2 with a work order and/or through Public Safety and copy your VP of Environmental Health Safety at vpehs@uce-fit.org. 

Anytime you experience an issue, no matter how small, start by reporting the issue.

When reporting an issue, please remember:

  • Report every instance of the issue if it continues or reappears. Repeated submissions create a clear paper trail.
  • Take photos of the problem whenever possible (ex: thermostat reading, leaking ceiling, broken lock, blocked hallway, etc.).
  • Keep a copy of the work order for your records.
  • Copy your department coordinators so they are aware of the issue and can support follow-up if needed.
  • Documentation is essential in demonstrating patterns and helping the union address systemic problems with administration.
     

If It’s Not Resolved, Notify a Union Officer
 

If the issue is not resolved in a reasonable timeframe or it continues to be an ongoing problem, please contact the union with:

  • A description of the issue
  • Work order numbers
  • Photos or documentation
  • Names of anyone you’ve reported it to

The union can then intervene, escalate concerns, and ensure your contractual rights are enforced.


What Types of Issues Should You Report?

Below are common categories of problems members encounter.


Safety Issues

  • Non-functioning or flickering lights
  • Slippery floors or leaking ceilings
  • Unsecured entrances or broken locks
  • Trip hazards (loose carpeting, damaged floors, cluttered hallways)
  • Broken equipment that creates risk
  • Fire and Emergency Alert System issues
  • Theft of Property in private office spaces

Access Issues

  • Doors not opening or closing properly
  • Malfunctioning card readers'
  • Elevators out of service
  • Automatic Doors not working

Environmental Issues

  • Extreme temperatures (Our union contract stipulates that temperatures must fall between 65° F and 85° F)
  • Poor ventilation or airflow, including noxious odors
  • Mold or mildew odors
  • Water leaks or humidity problems
  • Pest and cleanliness concerns
  • Excessive noise that interrupts work

 

Remember: Reporting protects everyone.


Your documentation helps ensure a safer, healthier working environment for all union members.

When issues go unreported, the administration often claims “no one told us.” Let’s make sure that a paper trail exists EVERYTIME. 

If you’re unsure whether something qualifies as a reportable issue, ask us. Your union officers are here to support you.


UCE Environmental Health and Safety Committee

UCE has an Environmental Health and Safety, serves our members by helping to identify health, safety and environmental issues that could cause problems in our working environment. The purpose of the committee per our Constitution and Bylaws (Article V, Section 11),

  1. to identify current and potential health & safety hazards and problems
  2. to identify appropriate measures to eliminate or control hazards and problems
  3. to identify union concerns for discussion and resolution
  4. to communicate with and education union membership through training workshops, newsletters and meetings.

Any UCE member interested in serving on the committee or acting as a liaison for your office or department, please contact the VP of Environmental Health and Safety at vpehs@uce-fit.org.


Current Ongoing Issues:

  • Cleanliness on Campus
  • Construction Concerns
  • Emergency Alert Issues
  • Employee Mental Health
  • Unsafe Campus Temperatures

FIT Environmental Health and Safety Office Contact Information


Paul DeBiase, Director of Environmental Health and Safety

Kathy Caraballo, Department Coordinator


Environmental Health and Safety Outlined in Contract

 

Safe Working Temperatures

“Any time the inside temperature reaches eighty-five (85) degrees or above or sixty-five (65) degrees or below and if an employee in this category cannot be transferred to another area with proper temperature conditions, the employee shall be released from work with no deduction in pay provided the Senior Administrator is notified.” (28.3, pg. 45)

Excused Absence with Pay due to official closing of the College because of an unforeseen emergency

“All employees covered by this contract, who are absent for any of the following reasons, shall receive full salary during their absence and shall not suffer loss of sick bank days. Effective June 2009, faculty teaching Pre-College Programs are eligible for payment for absences due to the following: ... (c) due to official closing of the College because of an unforeseen emergency.” (34.3.1 C, pg. 56-57)


Important External Resources


FIT Resources on Environmental Health and Safety Issues


FIT Policies on Environmental Health and Safety Issues


Share This