ADS Chapter 529 - Safety Program

The program is designed to prevent employee injuries and illnesses, and ensure a safe and healthful working environment for all employees. The Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Management (AA/M), is responsible for the overall management and administration of the USAID Safety Program. The USAID Designated Agency Safety and Health Official (DASHO) Director, Bureau for Management, Office of Management Services (M/MS/OD), assists the AA/M in establishing the Safety and Health Program and ensures that adequate program direction, budget, and staff are provided to implement the program worldwide. The USAID Occupational Safety and Health Management Coordinator, Bureau for Management, Office of Management Services (M/MS), is responsible for coordinating the development and issuance of USAID policies to comply with Federal safety laws and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. This includes serving as USAID's focal point for all occupational safety and health matters, and as a liaison with other Federal, state, and local agencies. Mission Directors are responsible for implementing the USAID Mission Occupational Safety and Health programs and ensuring Mission compliance and participation in their respective building Occupant Emergency Plan (OEP). Executive Officers (EXOs) assist Mission Directors in administering USAID's Occupational Safety and Health programs, and Administrative Management Staff (AMS) assist USAID/Washington Bureaus and Independent Offices (BIOs) in administering the program. Supervisors are responsible for providing employees with a place of employment free from hazards that may cause injury or illness. This includes complying with policies on occupational safety and health programs, eliminating or reducing workplace hazards, instructing employees on the use of safe work practices, and reporting any injury or illness. The Agency must prevent employee injuries and illnesses, and ensure a safe and healthful working environment for all employees. Smoking is prohibited in USAID-occupied and -controlled space buildings, and supervisors must ensure that the smoking ban is adhered to in their locations. All Agency passenger vehicles must be equipped with seat safety belts, and employees must have their seat belts properly fastened at all times when riding in a motor vehicle used for USAID official business. The USAID Hazard Communication Program is worldwide and applies to all USAID facilities using hazardous chemicals. USAID managers and supervisors must comply with the Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910, which requires employers to determine the types of chemicals in the workplace, provide this information to their employees, and train employees in the safe use and proper handling of the chemicals they use in the workplace. The Agency's policies and procedures for occupational safety and health are outlined in ADS Chapter 529, and are designed to prevent employee injuries and illnesses, and ensure a safe and healthful working environment for all employees.