Local 134 Agreement

ARTICLE XIV    HEALTH AND SAFETY

Section 14.1

The Union and the University agree that safe working rules and practices are essential to reduce health and accident hazards on the job. Therefore, the Union and the University undertake to promote full recognition by every employee of his responsibility to prevent accidents to himself and his fellow employees. In furtherance of these objectives it is agreed that one representative will be appointed jointly by the University and the Union as a permanent member of the Safety Committee, to serve for a period of not less than twelve (12) months.

Section 14.2

All employees shall conform to all health and safety rules and attend safety training sessions the University presently has in effect or which may be put into effect from time to time by the University. All changes should be posted within fourteen (14) calendar days and a copy sent to the Union Office.

Section 14.3

The University will make provisions to assure the safety and health of the employees and will provide protective devices, clothing, footwear and other equipment to ensure proper protection as determined by the University and OSHA. Protective footwear shall be issued in accordance with departmental procedure. Employees who are issued such devices clothing and footwear shall use or wear them during working hours, as required. The University agrees that no employee will work alone on energized conductors or equipment charged with four-hundred forty (440) volts or greater.

Section 14.4

New employees hired on or after September 1, 1973, who are injured in connection with their work or who suffer from an occupational disease shall receive the benefits prescribed by the Illinois Worker's Compensation Act.

Employees hired prior to September 1, 1973, shall receive payment from the University to supplement Worker's Compensation benefits to the level of their regular earnings for a period of six (6) months following the first date of certified disability. If an employee has been disabled and collecting Worker's Compensation benefits and returns to work before the expiration of the six (6) months period specified in this Section, he shall be eligible to receive supplemental payments from the University for any unused portion of the six (6) months provided in this Section if it is determined that he is unable to work due to the previous injury. If an employee returns to work after injury and suffers an aggravation of the original injury, as determined according to the Illinois Worker's Compensation Act, he shall be entitled to an additional full six (6) months of the benefits specified in this Section.

For any absence brought about because of occupational injury or illness the University will continue to pay its share of health and life insurance premiums as long as the employee remains eligible for temporary disability benefits under the State of Illinois Worker's Compensation Act or Occupational Diseases Act. The employee must pay the employee's share of premiums directly to the service provider engaged to collect such premiums, unless the Worker's Compensation benefit is being supplemented by either sick pay or vacation pay in which case the employee's share will be deducted from the supplemental payment.

Section 14.5

Employees whose duties require the use of a University vehicle will be required to have a valid driver's license. Employees will also be required to complete the Vehicle Use Acknowledgment Form required by the University's insurer.