Read the January edition of the monthly Health & Safety Management updates.
In accordance with Health & Safety legislation all organisations have to comply with a number of responsibilities. These are:
- To provide a written Health and Safety policy.
- To assess risks to staff, students, stakeholders and any others who could be affected by their activities
- To ensure access to competent health and safety advice
- To arrange for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of preventative and protective measures
- To consult with staff about their risks at work and current preventative and protective measures.
1) Health and Safety policy
We have recently developed a new Health and Safety Policy which provides an overview of how the University intends to manage health and safety. It’s the first time it’s been updated in two years and it’s been made much easier to follow. It’s made up of three levels and contains a number of sections that relate to a specific area.
2) Risk assessment
There is a standard risk assessment template and a number of completed generic assessments ready for use.
Further information about risk assessments will be highlighted in February.
3) Competent health and safety advice
Cathy Day, Head of Safety, Health & Environment, is the appointed “competent person”. Her role is to provide specialist advice on all aspects of occupational safety and health and to put in place systems to monitor the health and safety performance of the University.
4) Effective planning of preventative and protective measures
Cathy Day leads a team of Health & Safety Advisers who provide – amongst other things – advice and guidance on all health and safety matters. They also liaise with the Health & Safety Executive, the Environment Agency, Police, Fire & Rescue Service and other regulatory authorities on matters of health and safety.
5) Consultation with staff
The University’s Health & Safety Committee discuss a range of issues and approve all new Health and Safety policies. All members of staff have a job- family and union representative to whom they can raise issues and obtain information.
Role of Departments
Each department and team is expected to develop their own local arrangements using the information, guidance and training provided by the Staying Safe and Well webpages. Policies, once approved, are not subject to local changes or adaptation.
If you require further information please contact the: University Health, Safety and Environment Service.