Director's Philosophy
The University of Michigan, Department of Occupational Safety & Environmental Health (OSEH) is an integral part of the operation of the University, providing full service support in the areas of health, safety, and environmental management. In this role we integrate into the operation of all aspects of University life from research and academic missions through operations necessary to maintain the facilities to support the mission.
OSEH technical staff are highly trained, motivated individuals that enjoy working as a team, are recognized for their efforts, and receive full support from the department management team. While staff may have certain expertise that allows them to work in a particular program area, they will be available to support all operations within the department as necessary. As such, they may receive direction from any member of the management team in particular situations.
OSEH administrative staff provide support to the department in two primary functions. First, they support the particular program area they are assigned to. In this function they will be assigned specific tasks by the program area manager, and will support technical operations of the program. The second primary function is to work as a team with the other administrative staff within the department to maintain overall operation of the office in key areas and to support other programs as needed. In this function they will receive work direction from the Admin Associate taking care of office functions.
The OSEH management team will work as an integrated unit to maintain daily operations of the department, resolve problems as they arise, and provide support to all OSEH staff. All program areas operate on an equal basis; with no one program area having priority over any other unless a particular situation dictates the need. The OSEH management team consists of the Director, Managers, and Coordinators. The Admin Associate, will provide support to the management team to meet the technical needs of the department.
All members of the OSEH department will treat each other with courtesy and respect, allowing for open communication in all areas. Diversity will be promoted as a basic value, and no form of harassment will be tolerated within the department. This same value of courtesy and respect will be used when dealing with OSEH customers/visitors from across the University or beyond the boundaries of the institution.
With these basic tenets in mind, there are policies and rules that must be followed to maintain an efficient, functioning organization. This document is the first step at laying out the direction, policies, and guidelines that will be used to manage the department. They will be supplemented from time to time in an effort to maintain cutting edge management techniques, and to keep current with changes at the University.