Arizona State Policy on Occupational Safety and Health

United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Arizona State Office

One North Central Avenue, Suite 800

Phoenix, Arizona  85004-4427

 

November 16, 2007

In Reply Refer To:

1112 (AZ-950) P

 

EMS TRANSMISSION 11/16/07

Information Bulletin No. AZ-2008-004

 

 

This Information Bulletin updates and reissues policy on Occupational Safety & Health for the Arizona Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

 

It is BLM’s policy to provide safe and healthy working conditions, prevent employee injuries and work-related illnesses, prevent visitor injuries, and protect Bureau owned or leased property from damage.   All managers are responsible and accountable for implementing and managing a vigorous safety program and incorporating safety conscious work practices for all programs under their jurisdiction.  BLM Handbook 1112-2, Safety and Health for Field Operations, contains information and guidance on the Safety Program. 

 

Arizona BLM is committed to the safety and health of its employees, contract workers, volunteers and the public we serve.  I want to emphasize the importance I place on this commitment to provide safe and healthy working conditions for all.  We will strive to prevent injuries and work-related illnesses, protect BLM property and provide safety for the public while visiting public lands

 

Safety is not a negotiable priority that can be adjusted as conditions or budgets change.   We will continually work towards strengthening our programs that make the workplace and visitor facilities as safe as possible. 

 

District and Field Managers are responsible for implementing this policy within their respective District/Field Offices.  The Bureau Director has noted in the annual Safety and Health Policy Memorandum, that risk assessment and management procedures will be included as a integral part of every Bureau operation and decision.  Risk management will be used in our operational planning, decision making, and working environment.  Factoring safety into your decisions is sound management and a best business practice.

 

We have a challenging work environment with numerous high risk activities in Arizona.  I encourage each of you to become advocates for Occupational Safety and Health and assume an active role in the process to help achieve our goal of reducing accidents, injuries, compensation costs, and property damage.  By using appropriate safety practices, administrative controls, and/or protective equipment, we take personal responsibility for the health and safety of ourselves, fellow employees, and the visiting public.  Each one of us can make a difference. 

 

Assistance in the various aspects of the Safety Program can be obtained from your local District Manager, Field Manager, District/Field Office Safety Officers or from the State Safety Manager. 

 

If you have any questions, contact Bill Huntington, State Safety and Health Manager, Arizona State Office at 602-417-9261.