Safety

WPI is committed to the prevention of workplace violence.  A safe and secure environment is a fundamental prerequisite for fulfilling WPI’s mission of teaching and research.  Therefore, WPI will not tolerate any type of workplace violence committed by or against faculty or staff in the workplace or in any work-related setting outside the workplace, such as during business trips, office outings, or at business related social events. This policy applies to all employees at WPI. 

For purposes of this section, “Workplace” is defined as any WPI owned, managed, or leased property, including WPI vehicles or private vehicles being used for WPI business. 

Prohibited Conduct 

Workplace violence is defined as any behavior that creates a work environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, threatening, violent, or abusive, regardless of whether the behavior may affect a person’s psychological or physical well-being and ability to do their job.   

Examples include but are not limited to: 

1. Physical assault or battery 
2. The suggestion or intimidation that violence is appropriate 
3. Stalking or threats to do physical harm to an individual or to their family, friends, or associates that are made either verbally, non-verbally, electronically, or through a third party 
4. Aggressive or intimidating behavior that would lead a reasonable person to feel physically afraid, such as shoving or blocking an individual 
5. Intentional damage or threat of damage to property, computers, or equipment owned, operated, or controlled by WPI 
6. Possession, use, or display of firearms or weapons, or any inappropriate use of other dangerous materials or devices on WPI property (with the exception of Campus Police) 
7. Threats or attempts of self-injury or suicide  
8. Bullying 

Please note, issues of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, will be resolved through WPI’s Title IX & Sexual Misconduct Policy.  Issues of alleged discrimination or harassment in employment will be resolved through the Procedure for Investigating Claims of Discrimination and Harassment in Employment. 

Reporting Procedures 

All employees bear a responsibility to keep our work environment free from violence or potential violence.   

Employees should notify their supervisor or the Division of Talent & Inclusion of any (i) threats they have witnessed, received, or have been told that another person has witnessed or received; and (ii)any behavior they have witnessed which they regard as threatening or violent when that behavior is or might be carried out on WPI property or in connection with WPI employment.   

In an emergency, please notify WPI Campus Police (x5555) or emergency personnel (911).   

All reports or incidents of workplace violence will be handled confidentially, as appropriate, and information will be disclosed to others only on a need-to-know basis.  Retaliation toward an employee bringing forward a workplace violence complaint will not be tolerated. 

Workplace Violence Prevention Team 

The WPI Workplace Violence Prevention Team is made up of the following individuals: 

1. Senior Vice President for Talent & Inclusion (or designee) 
2. Executive Vice President/CFO 
3. Director of Public Safety and Chief of WPI Police 
4. Worcester Police Department Representative 
5. The Employee Assistance Program representative 

Investigations 

All reports of workplace violence will be taken seriously and will be investigated by the Workplace Violence Prevention Team.  If necessary, individuals alleged to have engaged in workplace violence may be temporarily put on an investigative suspension while the investigation takes place.  A Safety Plan may also be created for the individuals bringing forth the workplace violence report, if needed.  At the conclusion of the investigation, violations of the workplace violence policy will be met with appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination from WPI. 

Workplace Violence Information for Faculty and Staff 

WPI shall provide opportunities for all faculty and staff to receive educational resources on the risk factors associated with workplace violence and the proper handling of emergency situations in order to minimize the risks of violent incidents occurring in the workplace. 

Federal law requires that annually, WPI must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. In order to be able to certify its compliance with the regulations, WPI must adopt and implement a drug prevention program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by all students and employees both on school premises and as part of any of its activities. WPI’s Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Guidelines are located here. 

WPI will not tolerate drug or alcohol abuse in the workplace. All employees must abide by WPI’s policies on illegal drugs, alcohol and controlled substances, available here.  

In addition, federal law requires that any employee notify WPI if the employee is convicted under any criminal drug statute for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.  Employees must make such notification to the Senior Vice President for Talent & Inclusion. WPI is required to notify the relevant federal funding agency within ten (10) days of receiving such notice of any applicable conviction involving WPI employees engaged on work on a federal grant or contract. 

WPI recognizes drug and alcohol dependency as an illness and a major concern.  WPI also recognizes substance abuse as a potential health, safety, and security problem.  Employees needing help in dealing with substance abuse issues are encouraged to use the resources available through WPI’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and health insurance plan, as appropriate. WPI provides a drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation program through its EAP.  This program is available to all regular faculty and staff and their household members.  Conscientious efforts to seek such help will not jeopardize an employee’s job and will not be noted in the employee’s personnel record. 

All employees will receive an email from WPI’s Weather Announcement email alias in the event that campus is closed, delayed, or activities/classes are cancelled due to inclement weather. 

For more information about weather-related closing and delay procedures, including pay procedures for employees when the University is open during inclement weather, please visit the Weather Related Closings & Delays website. 

WPI is concerned about the safety of its employees and is committed to responding promptly and effectively to emergencies occurring on the WPI campus.  More information about emergency management at WPI can be found on the Emergency Preparedness Website.   

This site includes information about WPI’s Emergency Notification System (WPI Alerts) and directions for signing up.  All employees are encouraged to sign up for WPI Alerts. 

If you need to report an on-campus emergency, please call the WPI Police immediately at 508-831-5555 or dial 5555 on a campus phone extension. 

The WPI Police Department provides around-the-clock protection and services to the campus. 

WPI police officers have arrest authority (under Chapter 22C of the Massachusetts General Laws) and are charged with the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws, as well as the enforcement of the college's policies and regulations (on WPI's property)   

Safety and security are also the responsibilities of every employee.  Upon leaving work, lock all desks, lockers, and doors protecting valuable or sensitive material in your work area and report any lost or stolen keys, passes, or other similar devices to your supervisor immediately. Employees should treat specifics regarding University security systems, alarms, passwords, as confidential information.  Please immediately report to your supervisor or Campus Police any known or potential security risks and/or suspicious conduct of employees, customers, or guests of the University. 

You can promptly report emergencies and/or criminal activity to the Campus Police by calling (on a campus phone) 5555 or 5433. If you are using an off-campus line, call 508-831-5555 or 508-831-5433. For the Worcester Police, dial 911. 

Environmental Health & Safety

The Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) provides a broad range of services for the protection and promotion of a safe learning, living, and working environment at WPI.  This is accomplished through technical support, information and training programs, consulting services, and periodic auditing of health and safety practices and regulatory compliance. 

For information on EHS’s safety programs, such as laboratory safety, radiation safety, occupational safety,and biological safety, please visit their website here. 

To report accidents or injuries on campus, please follow the procedures described here.  For immediate medical assistance or in an emergency please call Campus Police at  5555 or 5433 (on a campus phone). If you are using an off-campus line, call 508-831-5555 or 508-831-5433. 

WPI is a Tobacco-Free campus and does not permit the use or sale of any tobacco products (combustible or smokeless), including E-cigarettes.  WPI’s Tobacco Free Campus/No Smoking Policy is available here. 

Smoking Cessation 

WPI is committed to assisting both employees and students who wish to participate in a cessation program.  The Division of Talent & Inclusion has identified smoking cessation programs through our health insurance plans. Please contact Benefits Office for more information.  Our Employee Assistance Program can also provide support (password: wpi).