Oiled Sea Otter Rehabilitation Course

Work Schedule

Clothing

You will be provided with coveralls and rubber boots while working in the rehabilitation facility. This clothing is designed to protect your regular clothes from oil, dirt, feces and urine from the animals. It also helps prevent the introduction of domestic animal diseases into the facility. For some jobs, you will be issued with gloves and safety goggles. It is essential that you wear your protective clothing when working in the rehabilitation center. For a review of the importance of protective clothing, refer to your Safety Handbook.

Communications

Successful working conditions and relationships depend upon successful communication. Not only do you need to stay aware of changes in procedures, policies and general information, you also need to communicate your ideas, suggestions, personal goals or problems as they affect your work.

In addition to the exchanges of information and expressions of ideas and attitudes which occur daily, make certain you are aware of and utilize all IWR methods of communication, including this Project Manual, bulletin boards, discussions with your supervisor, memoranda, staff meetings, newsletters, training sessions, etc.

Computer Software (Unauthorized Copying)

IWR does not condone the illegal duplication of software. The copyright law is clear. The copyright holder is given certain exclusive rights, including the right to make and distribute copies. Title 17 of the U.S. Code states that “it is illegal to make or distribute copies of copyrighted material without authorization” (Section 106). The only exception is the users’ right to make a backup copy for archival purposes (Section 117).

The law protects the exclusive rights of the copyright holder and does not give users the right to copy software unless a backup copy is not provided by the manufacturer. Unauthorized duplication of software is a Federal crime. Penalties include fines of as much as $250,000, and jail terms of up to five years.

Even the users of unlawful copies suffer from their own illegal actions. They receive no documentation, no customer support and no information about product updates.

IWR licenses the use of computer software from a variety of outside companies. IWR does not own this software or its related documentation and, unless authorized by the software manufacturer, does not have the right to reproduce it.

According to the U.S. Copyright Law, illegal reproduction of software can be subject to civil damages and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. IWR will take action against project workers who make, acquire or use unauthorized copies of computer software.

Department Meetings

From time to time, your supervisor will schedule meetings before, during, or after work. It’s to your advantage to be at these meetings. They give you and your fellow project workers a chance to receive information, to review problems and possible solutions, and to make suggestions about your job.

Entering & Leaving the Premises

At the time you are hired, you will be advised about the security entrances and exits for our project workers. Security is very important in preventing non-project workers from interfering with the rehabilitation activities and preventing the possible introduction of domestic animal diseases.

First Aid

Your personal safety is our first concern in the rehabilitation center. Federal law (“OSHA”) requires that we keep records of all illnesses and accidents which occur during the workday. The Alaska State Workers’ Compensation Act also requires that you report any illness or injury on the job, no matter how slight. If you hurt yourself or become ill, please contact your supervisor for assistance. If you fail to report an injury, you may jeopardize your right to collect workers’ compensation payments as well as health benefits. OSHA also provides for your right to know about any health hazards which might be present on the job. Should you have any questions or concerns, contact your supervisor for more information.

Gifts

Advance approval from management is required before a project worker may accept or solicit a gift of any kind from a client, supplier or vendor representative.

Housekeeping

Neatness and good housekeeping are essential for good hygiene and safety. You are expected to keep your work area as reasonably clean as possible. Always be aware of good health and safety standards, including fire and loss prevention.

Please report anything that needs repairing or replacing to an IWR officer immediately.

Inspection of Packages

IWR reserves the right to inspect all packages or closed containers brought into or taken out of the work area. This policy is primarily designed to prevent the introduction of domestic animal diseases into the rehabilitation facility.

Parking Lot

You are encouraged to use the parking areas designated for IWR project workers only. Remember to lock your car every day and park within the specified areas.

Courtesy and common sense in parking will avoid accidents, personal injuries, damage to your vehicle and to the vehicles of other employees. If you should damage another car while parking or leaving, immediately report the incident, along with the license numbers of both vehicles and any other pertinent information you may have, to your supervisor.

IWR does not assume any liability for any loss or damages you may sustain.

Personal Phone Calls & Mail

Please keep personal phone calls to a minimum. They must not interfere with your work. You are permitted to make limited local area calls on telephones for essential personal business during lunch or “break” periods only. Please do not abuse this privilege. Emergency calls regarding illness or injury to family members, changed family plans, or calls for similar reasons may be made at any time. Incoming urgent calls will be directed to you.

Personal Property

You may be assigned a locker for your personal possessions. Lockers may be inspected at any time, with or without notice. Please understand that IWR cannot assume any responsibility for loss or damage to personal property of any project worker.

Property & Equipment Care

It is your responsibility to understand the equipment you need to use to perform your duties. Good care of any equipment that you use during the course of your work, as well as the conservative use of supplies, will benefit you and IWR. If you find that a piece of equipment is not working properly or in any way appears unsafe, please notify your supervisor immediately so that repairs or adjustments may be made. Under no circumstances should you start or operate a piece of equipment you deem unsafe, nor should you adjust or modify the safeguards provided.

Resolving Problems

Whenever you have a problem or complaint, we expect you to speak up and communicate directly with us. You can take the following steps:

  • First, talk to your immediate supervisor. Your supervisor is most familiar with you and your job and is, therefore, in the best position to assist you.
  • If your supervisor cannot help you resolve the matter, you can speak to an IWR officer on the project or the director of the rehabilitation facility who will give your problem or complaint prompt consideration.

Restricted Areas

In the interest of safety and security, certain portions of the rehabilitation facility or adjoining property may be restricted to authorized personnel only. Such areas will be clearly marked. Some areas may be designated no smoking areas as well.

Return of Company Property

Any IWR property issued to you, such as uniforms, boots, communications equipment, etc. must be returned to IWR at the end of your employment.

Safety Rules

Safety is everybody’s business. Safety is to be given primary importance in every aspect of planning and performing all IWR’s activities. We want to protect you against industrial injury and illness, as well as minimize the potential loss of production.

Please report all injuries (no matter how slight) to your supervisor immediately, as well as anything that needs repair or is a safety hazard. Below are some general safety rules. Your supervisor or department head may post other safety procedures in your department or work area:

  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many pieces of equipment.
  • Use flammable items, such as cleaning fluids, with caution.
  • Walk — don’t run.
  • Use stairs one at a time.
  • Report to your supervisor if you or a co-worker becomes ill or is injured.
  • Ask for assistance when lifting heavy objects or moving heavy furniture.
  • Keep cabinet doors and file and desk drawers closed when not in use.
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, like boots, gloves, coveralls, , etc., when working with animals.
  • Keep your work area clean and orderly.
  • Stack materials only to safe heights.
  • Watch out for the safety of fellow project workers.
  • Use the right tool for the job, and use it correctly.
  • Operate motorized equipment only if authorized by your immediate supervisor.

Security

Maintaining security in the rehabilitation center is every project worker’s responsibility. Develop habits that insure security as a matter of course. For example:

Know the location of all alarms and fire extinguishers, and familiarize yourself with the proper procedure for using them, should the need arise.

When you leave the rehabilitation center, make sure that all entrances are properly locked and secured.

Smoking

The rehabilitation center and company vehicles are no-smoking areas at all times.

Substance Abuse

You are expected to be in suitable mental and physical condition while at work, allowing you to perform your job effectively and safely. Whenever use or abuse of any mood altering substance (such as alcohol or other drugs) interferes with a safe workplace, appropriate action must be taken. IWR has no desire to intrude into its project workers’ personal lives. However, both on-the-job and off-the-job involvement with any mood altering substances can have an impact on our workplace and on IWR’s ability to achieve its objectives of safety and security. Therefore, you are expected to report to the workplace with no mood altering substances in your body. While you may make your own lifestyle choices, IWR cannot accept the risk in the workplace which substance use or abuse may create. The possession, sale or use of mood altering substances at the workplace, or coming to work under the influence of such substances shall be a violation of safe work practices and will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal.

Suggestions

We encourage all project workers to bring forward their suggestions and good ideas about how to improve the care and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife. When you see an opportunity for improvement, please talk it over with your immediate supervisor. He or she can help you bring our idea to the attention of the people who will be responsible for possibly implementing it.

Your supervisor is in complete charge of their part of the rehabilitation process. He or she is responsible for the efficient operation. Your supervisor knows most of the answers, and, if not, knows where to get them. Please get to know your supervisor, and when you need help or have questions, complaints, problems or suggestions, contact your supervisor first.

Your supervisor is human, has many responsibilities, and needs your cooperation, assistance, and loyalty. He or she wants to help you – that’s their job – so please ask, and please be willing to meet your supervisor half way. If he or she cannot help you or answer your question, your question will be referred to someone who can. You can expect to be treated fairly and with respect.

Supervisors

For all employment-related matters (such as hiring, pay, benefits), your supervisor will be an employee of the company which hired you (IWR or Chugach North Technical Services). If you are an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own employment-related matters within the terms of your contract with IWR and all related federal, state and local laws.

For work assignments and on-site orientation on this IWR project, your project supervisor may be an IWR employee, an independent contractor, or a Chugach North Technical Services Company employee, depending on the work you are performing.

Theft

Property theft of any type will not be tolerated by IWR. We consider property theft to be the unauthorized use of company services or facilities or the taking of any company property for personal use. No item purchased or supplied by IWR should ever be removed from company premises without express authorization of your immediate supervisor and the proper paper work associated with the situation.

Penalty Clause

The penalty for any incidence of unauthorized possession or removal of company property is immediate removal from the project. All examples of unauthorized possession or removal of company property, regardless of past record will be treated equally. If you are dismissed because of unauthorized possession or removal of company property, the reason for your dismissal will be provided to any future employer that contacts IWR. In addition, you may be subject to prosecution.

Traffic Violations

If you are authorized to operate a company vehicle in the course of your assigned work, or if you operate your own vehicle in performing your job, you will be considered completely responsible for any accidents, fines or traffic violations incurred.

Use of Company Vehicle

If you are authorized to use a IWR vehicle for company business, you must adhere to the following rules:

  • You must be a licensed driver.
  • You are responsible for paying any moving violation tickets. Also, please park appropriately — parking violations will not be paid by IWR.
  • You must not allow persons not authorized by IWR to operate or ride in a company vehicle.

Visitors

Visitors are not permitted in the rehabilitation center without prior permission from your supervisor; no visitors are permitted in the animal quarantine area.

Violations of Policies

You are expected to abide by the policies in this Manual. Failure to do so may lead to your removal from this IWR Project.

You are expected to abide by the policies in this Manual. Failure to do so may lead to your removal from this IWR Project.