Campus Safety Newsletter
Winter 1998
A publication of the Office of Human Resources Management
Environmental Health and Safety Services

Article by Mark Smith

Reporting Safety and Health Complaints

Any employee can make a complaint without the fear of reprisal at any time. Whenever possible, an employee is encouraged to discuss their concerns with their immediate supervisor and follow the chain or administrative command up through their respective departments. However, for what ever reason, an employee does not feel comfortable with discussing the complaint with the department's administration, they are encouraged to direct the concern through alternative sources. Alternate sources for submitting a complaint in order of preference include:

1. Department of Environmental Health and Safety (974-5084)
2. A member of the Campus Safety Committee
3. A member of the Employee Relations Committee
4. A member of the campus administration whose duties relate to the concern; and
5. Office of University-Wide Risk Management (974-5409).

Complaints may be made in writing or they may be communicated by telephone to the source listed. When made in writing, it is encouraged that the employee use the "University of Tennessee Report of an Occurrence Form" which is available from the Department of Environmental Health and Safety or from the University-Wide Risk Management Office. Complaints in writing will be accepted and investigated even if not recorded on the official form. The complainant need not divulge their name in order for a concern to receive consideration.

*The contents of this article came directly from the Campus Safety Manual.