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SLAC Safety Values and Expectations

Safety Comes First!

• At SLAC, the health and safety of people comes first and takes precedence over the attainment of other laboratory objectives. Safety, science, productivity, and quality are mutually supportive and safety is integral to each job. The safe way to do things is the best and most effective way in the long run. Each of our actions must reflect this commitment.
• SLAC laboratory objectives, including safety, quality, costs, customer service, and production volume, are our lifeblood and critically important to us. Our overriding priority to safety means that if there should at any point exist a conflict between safety and other objectives, the conflict must be worked out so that we can deliver our objectives safely. Faced with an immediate decision, safety is the overriding priority.
• Everyone at SLAC has the right to a safe and environmentally protected workplace. Injuries, occupational illnesses, and environmental incidents can be prevented. We each commit to take all steps needed to ensure personal safety, the safety of others, and protection of the environment in our daily activities.
• The principles of The Respectful SLAC Workplace apply to the management of people, including their safety and protection of the environment. Supervisors must maintain an atmosphere where safety and environmental concerns may be brought forward without fear of retaliation.

We Expect Compliance with the Law and Regulations

SLAC recognizes that safety and environmental protection are accomplished through compliance with laws, regulations, and best management practices. SLAC's Work Smart Standards define the applicable environment, safety, and health laws and regulations, and compliance with these standards is required. If rules and regulations are not followed, especially when willful violations occur, supervisors will work with Human Resources to address the situation on behalf of the laboratory through an appropriate corrective action process.

We Expect Our Leaders to Take Responsibility for Safety of People at SLAC and for Protection of the Environment

• The safety of our people and the protection of our environment are line management responsibilities. Everyone in the line authority is responsible and accountable for the prevention of injuries and protection of the environment in our daily work at SLAC.
• Managers and supervisors are role models and must demonstrate their commitment to health, safety, and the environment in their daily activities.
• Managers and supervisors must ensure that employees follow safe work practices and observe all rules and regulations regarding personal safety, the safety of others, and the protection of the environment.

Each of Us Takes Personal Responsibility for Safety of People at SLAC and for Protection of the Environment

• We each understand that safety excellence is the product of the way that we think, and that the way we think affects our actions. Our thinking begins with the proposition that "Safety Comes First."
• We each commit to involvement in safety activities because we know that this attitude cements our safety values and builds safety awareness, ownership, and compliance.
• We each commit to continuous improvement in safety and environmental protection consistent with the SLAC Integrated Safety and Environmental Management System.

Reference: Stewart, J.M. (2002). Managing for World Class Safety. New York: A Wiley-Interscience Publication.