This page outlines the LCC Quarterly Safety Inspection Program. Our goal is to maintain a safe, OSHA-compliant environment through a collaborative, decentralized approach that respects the unique nature of our diverse workspaces.
Program Overview
Scope & Responsibility
This program encompasses all LCC-owned and leased facilities and applies to all campus employees. All quarterly workplace inspections are completed by the OSHA Compliance Coordinator or their designated representative, working in coordination with office occupants, laboratory/shop managers, and administrative leads.
Purpose
Standardized oversight ensures a uniform level of protection for students, staff, and the public. By pairing the OSHA Compliance Coordinator or designee with department members in inspecting specialized spaces, LCC maintains high regulatory compliance and hazard awareness without disrupting daily operations.
The Quarterly Inspection Cycle
The inspection process follows a three-phase "Academic Loop" each term:
Phase | Timing | Action |
|---|---|---|
Phase 1: Activation | Term Start | Risk Management issues a formal notice. The OSHA Compliance Coordinator or designee schedules the inspection. |
Phase 2: Execution | Mid-Term | The OSHA Compliance Coordinator or designee completes field inspections of all areas. |
Phase 3: Integration | Term Close | Corrective actions are validated, unresolved hazards are escalated, and compliance data is archived for state audits. |
Reporting & Corrective Actions: When a Hazard is Discovered
Prompt identification and resolution of hazards are mandatory under LCC safety policy and Oregon state regulations.
Hazard Resolution Protocol
When a workplace hazard is identified during a routine inspection or daily operations, follow the appropriate correction path based on ownership:
- Facilities & Campus Operations Hazards: Submit a work order directly to Facilities Management and Planning via Megamation (Facilities Work Order Process). This applies to structural defects, electrical maintenance, lighting, plumbing, building hardware, or grounds safety.
- Department or Program-Specific Hazards: If the hazard is directly related to a specific academic program or operational department (e.g., specialized equipment, lab chemicals, departmental clutter, or program-specific procedures), notify the responsible department lead/manager immediately so the unit can correct the deficiency internally.
- Imminent Danger: If a hazard poses an immediate threat to life or severe physical harm, restrict access to the area immediately, notify the OSHA Compliance Coordinator (541-463-5511), and contact Campus Public Safety at 541-463-5555.
If you're not sure, you can always use the Campus Risk Observation Form to report any concerns you may have at LCC.
Inspection Checklists & Digital Forms
Select the appropriate tool for your environment:
- Classrooms & Common Spaces:
- Digital Submission Form
- Scope: General lecture halls, break rooms, lounges, and shared campus spaces.
- Office & Administrative Spaces:
- Digital Submission Form (preferred) or Downloadable PDF
- Scope: Faculty offices, open workstations, and administrative suites.
- Labs:
- Downloadable PDF Checklist
- Scope: Science Labs, Dental, Culinary, and Health Professions areas.
- Shops:
- Downloadable PDF Checklist
- Scope: Automotive, Welding, Manufacturing, and Trades spaces.
Policy Notice: High-Wattage & Unapproved Appliances
Prohibition Notice: Toaster ovens are strictly prohibited in all campus offices, break rooms, and facilities. Any existing toaster ovens must be removed immediately.
Why this policy is in place:
- Electrical Risk: High-wattage heating elements risk overloading circuits and triggering unexpected power outages.
- Fire Hazard: Units lacking automatic shutoff timers pose severe fire risks if left unattended.
- Combustion Risk: Accumulated food debris significantly increases ignition potential.
Note: Traditional pop-up toasters and microwave ovens remain approved for campus use in designated break areas.
Regulatory & OR-OSHA Compliance References
This program operates under Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OR-OSHA) mandates and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR):
- OAR 437-001-0765 (Safety Committees and Safety Meetings): Mandates quarterly workplace inspections conducted by designated safety personnel (OSHA Compliance Coordinator or designee), proactive hazard identification, clear hazard correction pathways, and archived inspection records for state compliance reviews.
- OAR 437-002-0020 (General Environmental Controls & General Duty): Requires employers to maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards capable of causing injury or illness, including proper building maintenance and hazard abatement tracking.
- OAR 437-002 Division 2, Subdivision S (Electrical Safety): Regulates campus electrical distribution, prohibits high-risk unapproved appliances, and governs clearance around electrical panels and heating elements.
- OAR 437-001-0053 (Inspections & Corrective Recordkeeping): Dictates that employers maintain written proof of hazard corrections and safety inspection logs for state compliance audits.
To learn more about the fundamentals of evaluating hazards during quarterly workplace walkthroughs, watch Oregon OSHA Hazard Identification Training. This video provides practical guidance from Oregon OSHA on how safety coordinators and department staff can systematically detect and control hazards across different work environments.