Safety & Injury Reporting Policy

Purpose:

The Safety & Injury Reporting Policy ensures that all injuries, near‑misses, and hazardous conditions are reported immediately and handled in a consistent, professional manner. Welding is a high‑risk trade, and timely reporting protects students, instructors, and the integrity of the training environment. This policy aligns with OSHA expectations and Washington State private vocational school requirements.

Immediate Reporting Requirement

All students must immediately report any of the following to the instructor:

  • Injuries (minor or major)
  • Burns, cuts, eye irritation, or respiratory symptoms
  • Equipment malfunctions
  • Unsafe conditions or hazards
  • Near‑miss incidents (an event that could have caused injury)

Reporting is mandatory — not optional.

What Counts as an Injury or Incident

Students must report any of the following:
Injuries

  • Burns (any severity)
  • Cuts or abrasions
  • Eye injuries or sparks to the face
  • Strains or sprains
  • Respiratory irritation
  • Any injury requiring first aid

Near‑Misses
A near‑miss is an event where:

  • No one was injured, but
  • Injury could have occurred if circumstances were slightly different
    Examples:
    • Grinder wheel shattering
    • Sparks contacting exposed skin
    • Tripping hazards
    • Equipment malfunctioning during use

Near‑miss reporting is essential for preventing future injuries.

Instructor Response

First Aid and Emergency Care

When an injury or incident is reported, the instructor will:

  1. Stop all unsafe activity immediately
  2. Assess the student’s condition
  3. Provide or arrange first aid
  4. Determine whether emergency services are needed
  5. Document the incident
  6. Secure or remove unsafe equipment if necessary
  7. Review the incident with the class if it provides a safety learning opportunity

Safety takes priority over training time.

FORGE maintains a stocked first aid kit and ensures instructors are trained in basic first aid.

If emergency care is needed:

  • 911 will be called immediately
  • The student’s emergency contact will be notified
  • The student will not return to the shop until medically cleared

Incident Documentation

Removal from Training After an Injury

All injuries, near‑misses, and hazards are documented using an Incident Report, which includes:

  • Student name
  • Date and time of incident
  • Description of what occurred
  • Equipment involved
  • Witness statements (if any)
  • Instructor actions taken
  • Recommendations for prevention

Documentation protects both the student and the school.

A student may be temporarily removed from training if:

  • They are not medically cleared to return
  • Their injury limits safe participation
  • The instructor determines that continued training poses a risk

Safety always overrides attendance or progress concerns.

Equipment Lockout / Tagout

Student Responsibility

If equipment is involved in an injury or near‑miss:

  • It will be immediately removed from service
  • Tagged as “Out of Service”
  • Inspected before being returned to use
  • Repaired only by authorized personnel

Students may not remove tags or attempt repairs.

Students must:

  • Report injuries and near‑misses immediately
  • Follow all safety instructions
  • Use PPE correctly
  • Avoid horseplay or unsafe behavior
  • Notify the instructor if they feel unwell or unsafe

Failure to report an injury or hazard may result in disciplinary action.

Non‑Retaliation

Safety Culture

Students will not be penalized for reporting:

  • Injuries
  • Hazards
  • Unsafe conditions
  • Near‑misses

Reporting is a sign of professionalism, not weakness.

 

FORGE promotes a safety‑first culture where:

  • Students look out for one another
  • Hazards are addressed immediately
  • Safety concerns are taken seriously
  • Reporting is encouraged and respected

Safety is a shared responsibility.