Environmental Health
and Safety

Every Second Counts—Know What to Do When Accidents Happen

When an accident occurs on campus, acting quickly and following the proper steps ensures everyone’s safety and keeps the response on track. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Notify your supervisor immediately.
2. Call University Police at 318-357-5431 to report the incident.
3. Contact the Environmental Health & Safety Office at 318-357-4424 or email csmith062@nsula.edu.
4. Complete the appropriate accident report form to document the event accurately.

Timely reporting not only protects your health and rights but also helps the university respond efficiently and make campus safer for everyone.

Keeping You Safe from What You Can’t See

Asbestos, once common in building materials, can pose serious health risks if disturbed. That’s why Northwestern State University takes a proactive approach to asbestos safety. All campus buildings have been thoroughly inspected, with initial surveys conducted by certified Louisiana state inspectors in 1993–1994.

If asbestos-containing materials are present in a building, an official Asbestos Management Plan is on file at the Environmental Health & Safety Office. This plan outlines:

• The locations and types of asbestos materials
• Procedures for safe management
• Scheduled re-inspections to ensure ongoing compliance and safety

Read the Asbestos Management Letter

Driving with Confidence Starts with Authorization

At Northwestern State University, anyone driving for university business—whether it’s a golf cart, utility vehicle, or personal/rental car—must be an Authorized Driver. This applies to student workers, graduate assistants, faculty, and staff alike.

To become authorized, you must:

• Complete the Defensive Driver Training Course
• Submit a DA 2054 – Driver Authorization Form
• Provide an Official Driving Record (only required for non-Louisiana licenses)

Out-of-state license holders must obtain their own official driving records from their home state.

Once approved, your name will be added to NSU’s monthly Authorized Driver List. If you’re flagged as a high-risk driver, you’ll be notified by email, along with your supervisor, the Motor Pool Office, and the Travel Office.

Important: Unauthorized individuals are not permitted to drive on behalf of the University under any circumstance. You must be driving within the scope of your job duties to be approved.

Submission Checklist:

• DA 2054 – Driver Authorization Form State of Louisiana
• Certificate of Completion from the Defensive Driving Course
• Driving Record (for out-of-state license holders)

If you experience issues printing the certificate, try using Chrome or Firefox. Take a screenshot of your certificate and print the image if needed.

Additional Resources:

• Defensive Driver Training
• Drivers Safety Program and Policy
• Authorized Drivers List

Injured on the Job? Here’s What to Do Next

Your health and safety come first. If you’re injured while working at NSU, follow these important steps to ensure timely treatment, proper documentation, and a smooth claims process:

After an On-the-Job Injury:

• If you were treated at an urgent care or emergency facility and need additional medical attention, you must contact your workers’ compensation claim adjuster for prior approval of all future appointments.
• If you are unable to return to work immediately, a “Return to Work Status Report” from your physician is required. This report should clearly outline any limitations or restrictions.
• Indemnity Benefits begin on the 8th consecutive day of missed work. The first 7 days are considered a waiting period—unless your absence extends beyond 14 days, at which point those initial days are also covered. Benefits are paid at 66.66% of your regular wages.

When Returning to Work:

• Provide an updated Return to Work Status Report with your doctor’s clearance. This document should list any physical restrictions, if applicable.
• NSU may offer Transitional Return to Work (light duty) opportunities while you recover, pending your physician’s recommendations.

Helpful Forms & Links:

• DA 2000 – State Employee Incident/Accident Form
• DA 2041 – Louisiana State Driver Safety Accident Report
• DA 3000 – Visitor/Client Post-Incident/Accident Analysis
• DWF-BIR-010-OP – Boater Incident Report
• Slip, Trip, and Fall Incident Form
• Witness Statement Form

Prepared People Make a Safer Campus

Northwestern State University ensures all employees and student workers are trained in key safety protocols that align with state requirements and university policy. Training not only supports a safe workplace—it also empowers you to act confidently in any situation.

Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Employees at risk of exposure must complete in-person training. Certificates are to be retained by the unit supervisor.

• Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan (High-Risk)
• Online Training – Bloodborne Pathogens (DOA)

Defensive Driver Training

Required only for individuals whose job duties involve driving on university business. All student workers and employees must complete a new driving course and submit forms annually, ideally during the first week of the fall semester. If your employment begins in the spring, training must be completed before driving.

To become an Authorized Driver:

• Complete the DA 2054 – Driver Authorization Form
• Print your Certificate of Completion for the training course
• Out-of-state license holders: Request an official driving record from your home state and submit it along with the form and certificate

Tip: Add your name to the certificate and print or screenshot the confirmation. The EHS Office must receive a copy for you to be added to the Authorized Driver List.

Quarterly Safety Meetings

These sessions cover essential topics to promote awareness and compliance:

• Lock-Out/Tag-Out for Affected Employees
• Work Request Procedures
• Drug Free Workplace
• Employee Safety Rules
• First Aid Policy
• Hazard Communication Policy

Real-World Learning, Backed by Protection

At Northwestern State University, hands-on experience is a vital part of your professional journey. That’s why students participating in approved Professional Internship or Experiential Learning Programs are covered by tailored insurance policies to ensure peace of mind during on-site training.

Coverage includes:
Student Experiential Learning Insurance – Covers accidental property damage or injuries caused to others in the internship setting.
Medical Malpractice Coverage – Applies when students perform medically related services (e.g., dispensing medication or administering care).

Note: Injuries such as needle sticks are not covered under either policy. Students must use their personal health insurance to handle those types of incidents.

Required Reporting:

If an incident occurs during an internship or clinical experience, the following forms must be completed and submitted:
Administrative Communication/Occurrence Form (https://documentproviderviewer.nsula.edu/?id=3991)
Student Experiential Learning Incident Form (https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?NorthwesternStateUnivLA&layout_id=0)