Page 31 - CZS Employee Handbook
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the night are to contact the night security officer to open Occasionally, you may be called upon by the Society
the gate. A radio telephone in a steel cabinet is located to participate in an interview or to be photographed or
on the inside of the fence just west of the South Gate filmed in Society activities. Such requests are considered
entrance. Instructions on its use are printed inside the elements of all employees’ jobs and responsibilities. Your
cabinet. Persons having gate keys should also notify the cooperation is expected, of course, but it is also sincerely
night security officer upon exiting the park. appreciated.
Requests for Information Brookfield Zoo is a Safety in the Workplace At the Chicago Zoolog-
well-known venue and a highly visible public destination. ical Society, safety is the top priority. It is the obligation
The Society receives thousands of calls for information of all employees to engage in their work in the most safe
annually. The Society provides prerecorded messages for and healthy manner and to report any unsafe practices
much information, detailing schedules, hours, fees, and or conditions within their work area or within the zoo in
more. Information regarding special events or functions general to their management supervisor or the designated
is maintained as accurately as possible at the switchboard. Safety Representative for their area. Employees should, at
The Society’s special library maintains a catalog of infor- all times, be mindful of the safety of the visiting public,
mation, responds to many requests for information, and fellow employees, and animals, as well as your own safety.
provides assistance with animal-related questions. You will be required to complete certain safety training as
You may occasionally receive inquiries or requests for part of your employment.
information from reporters or other media representatives In order to foster a safe work environment, the Society
or others. Generally, the release of information to the has a Safety Department. In addition to ensuring routine
media is carefully coordinated and timed by our Com- safety inspections and coordinating safety training, Safety
munications staff. We are not in the business of giving Department staff work closely with Safety Representatives
exclusive “scoops.” Furthermore, an individual employee assigned to each work area. Your immediate supervisor
may not be privy to the whole story and all the facts and will provide instructions on the proper and safe perfor-
could convey inaccurate information. Media requests and mance of your job. If you do not receive instructions or
media representatives are to be referred to the Director if you have questions, it is also your obligation to contact
of Public Relations or other persons designated as official your Safety Representative or the Safety Department as
spokespeople by the President/CEO in particular situa- soon as possible.
tions. Do not feel pressured by requests for information The Safety Department maintains files on equipment
or confirmation of reports or demands for information safety and on the use of potentially hazardous materials
to meet “press deadlines.” Do not accept verbal claims by such as chemicals or solvents. Material Safety Data Sheets
media personnel that “The director said it’s okay for us are maintained for all such items. If you have a question
to talk to you.” Your responsibility is to connect reporters about the safety or proper use of chemicals in your work
and media people with our professional Public Relations area, contact the Safety Department. If you believe equip-
staff whose job it is to handle and coordinate our very ment or materials are being used in an unsafe manner
important public relations program and messages. in your work area, you have the right to stop performing
the work in question and to bring the problem to the
attention of your supervisor or the Safety Department. If
an accident occurs, promptly report the incident to your
supervisor and to the Safety Department.
Security The Society maintains a well-trained staff of
police officers who work 24 hours a day/seven days a week
to protect life and property. Our Patrol Officers are also
licensed Emergency Medical Technicians who are trained
to respond to employee and guest injuries, and they staff
SECTION 7: Policy Highlights 29
