Frequently Asked Questions

Environmental Health and Safety FAQs

1) Someone told me the floor tile in my office is asbestos. Should I be worried about exposure to asbestos?

Many of the University's buildings were built before the EPA banned the use of asbestos in buildings. The Office of Risk Management has information regarding identified locations of asbestos in most University buildings. If we do not have information on-file regarding your office, we can have the material sampled for asbestos content. If the material in your office is asbestos containing, but it is in good condition and it is not disturbed, it poses no immediate hazard to your health. If the material is damaged, you should contact Risk Management for an evaluation of your office. The University will handle any corrective action in accordance with applicable federal and local regulations.

2) Is the paint in my office/room lead-based paint, and should I be worried about exposure to lead?

Many of the University's buildings were built before lead-based paint (LBP) was banned in 1978. The Office of Risk Management has information regarding identified locations of LBP in most University buildings. If we do not have information on-file regarding your office/room, we can have the paint sampled for lead-content. If the paint in your office/room is lead-based, but is in good condition and is not chipping, flaking, or damaged, it poses no immediate hazard to your health. If the paint is damaged, you should contact Risk Management for an evaluation of your office/room. The University will handle any corrective action in accordance with applicable federal and local regulations.

3) There is a sign that states asbestos/lead abatement will be performed in my building tomorrow; should I come to work that day?

Yes. The University follows all applicable safety precautions in accordance with applicable federal and local regulations to ensure asbestos/lead is removed and handled properly. Unless your supervisor is directed by the Office of Risk Management to relocate employees, the abatement work will be isolated from the rest of the building.

4) How does Risk Management know I will not be exposed to asbestos/lead in my office during the abatement?

During all abatement projects in occupied University buildings, an environmental consulting firm is hired to perform industrial hygiene air monitoring before, during, and after abatement activity. This monitoring will ensure no employees are exposed to asbestos/lead in accordance with regulations established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

5) Facilities fixed a leaking pipe in my office last week. Do I have a mold problem?

The University's Mold Management Program is designed to prevent and eliminate potential indoor mold growth. Any water damaged building materials should be cleaned and dried if possible, or removed from the building. Just because there was a water leak, that doesn't mean you have mold in your work area. If you believe you have mold in your work area, or you see visual mold growth, the Office of Risk Management will perform an investigation and determine what action is necessary.

6) I have several old computers that I need to dispose of, what should I do?

The University has established an Ecycling Program to dispose of old computers and certain electronic equipment (cell phones, copiers, fax machines). The Ecycling website (www.gwu.edu/~ecycling) will explain the process. In a nutshell, if GW owns the equipment, it may have a fixed asset sticker on it. If so, you will have to fill out a change in asset form to get rid of it. If there's no sticker, then you can just call work control at 994-6706 and Transportation will come pick it up from you in a few days. The Change In Fixed Assets form can be found at: :
http://www.gwu.edu/~ecycling/fixed.assets.control.pdf

7) I need to drive a 12 passenger van for a University sponsored trip, what do I need to do in order to drive?

In order to become an approved driver in GWU's motor vehicle safety program, you need to complete the following elements before driving:
• Submit completed "Drivers Authorization Application" with a legible copy of your current driver's license to the Office of Risk Management.
• Complete the on-line van safety training program and obtain a minimum passing score of at least an 80%.
• If driving a vehicle with greater than a 10 seat capacity, the "Passenger Van Safety Acknowledgment" form must be completed and returned to Risk Management.
Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive an email with a USER ID, PASSWORD, and instructions on how to access the online training. The entire process takes about one day from the time Risk Management receives the application.

8) I have some old paint that I need to dispose of, what should I do?

The University’s has a Chemical Waste Management program which will properly dispose of your materials. Please complete a chemical removal request form at http://www.gwu.edu/~riskmgnt/HazWaste.htm.

Worker’s Compensation FAQ’s

1) How does worker’s compensation work?

If you are injured on the job, you are eligible to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits. The first step in filing a claim is to notify your supervisor of your injury or illness immediately. Your supervisor is responsible for completing an Accident Reporting Form promptly on your behalf that documents the details of the injury/illness. Upon completion, your supervisor sends the form to our office (ORM, Support Building, Suite 101, 2025 F Street). When the form is received by our office, it serves as a formal notice to the University that you sustained an accidental injury or illness on the job. Of course, all claims are investigated to determine whether or not it should be accepted.

2) What happen if I am injured and cannot work?

Any absence from work MUST BE authorized by the employee’s treating physician. An employee must be out of work three days (excluding the day of injury) before workers’ compensation pay for the time lost. If an employee loses 1-3 days of work, no TEMPORARY DISABILITY PAYMENT will be made. If the employee loses 4-14 days, temporary disability will begin on day 4. However, if the employee is out of work for 14 consecutive days or more, workers’ compensation disability payments will begin with day one of the absence from work. The rate of payment while on workers’ compensation is 66 2/3 of your average weekly wages. The payments are tax-free.

3) What happens if an employee does not lose time?

The claim is set up only to pay medical expenses related to the injury of illness. The employee should inform the health care provider to send the bills to the Risk Management office at 2025 F Street, N.W., Suite 101, Washington, DC. 20052. Payments will then be made to the provider under the University’ Workers’ Compensation Program.

4) Where can I get the forms to file a Worker’s Compensation claim?

All forms necessary for reporting a work related injury or illnesses are included in the GWU Accident Reporting Kit which all supervisors should have on hand. Accident reporting kit can also be obtained through the Risk Management Office by calling 202-994-3265 or from the Risk Management website at www2.gwu.edu/~riskmgnt.

Insurance FAQ’s

1) I am a resident at GWU and applying for privileges at another hospital and I need the following information regarding my malpractice coverage at GWU:

The name of my insurance carrier, type of coverage, amount and coverage date.

A. The University is self-insured. The name of the self-insurance is The George Washington University Self-Insurance Trust.
B. The type of coverage is Medical Malpractice written on an “Occurrence” form.
C. The limits are $3,000,000 per claim and $6,000,000 in the annual aggregate.
D. The coverage period is from July 1, to June 30 (fiscal year

2) I will be traveling internationally next month for University related business. How do I obtain travel insurance?

If you are a University employee, please complete the International Travel Insurance Questionnaire (http://www.gwu.edu/~riskmgnt/insurance/travelquestions.pdf) and fax to Risk Management at 202-994-0130. The employee program coverage includes general liability insurance, excess auto liability insurance, medical services, travel advice, security and medical evacuation, and repatriation services. The student program, which is provided by International SOS, includes coverage for travel advice, security and medical evacuation, and repatriation services. After receiving your International Travel Insurance package from Risk Management, please register your travel plans online at the International SOS website. The instructions are in your package as to how to logon and input your travel plans. You must register your travel plans in the International SOS Traveler Locator in order to activate your Membership Profile.