People are at the centre of the University’s drive to minimise risk to individuals and the environment. This is highlighted by the University’s commitment to the health, safety and welfare of staff, students, visitors and contractors whilst they are at the University or carrying out its business (see Health, Safety and Welfare policy statement). This can only be achieved if individuals develop and practice a positive attitude to eliminating hazards and minimising risk. The University is supporting its commitment with a health and safety management system.
The University’s management system is modelled on good practice as described in the Health & Safety Executive’s guide to Successful Health and Safety Management (reference 1).
The purpose of the handbook is to provide staff with information about the University’s health, safety and welfare management system and its policies, standards and procedures. The handbook is in three parts:
Part 1, Managing health, safety and welfare This contains the University’s policy on health, safety and welfare as set out by the Vice Chancellor and defines the standards against which the University will assess its performance. The key elements of the management system are set out under the headings Organisation, Operation, and Monitor & Review.
Organisation describes the management and consultative structures, specific information which must be provided, and the mechanisms by which the University co-operates with other organisations where the interaction between the organisations could affect the health, safety and welfare of people.
Operation defines the standards and objectives required for effective planning and implementation of activities such that they are carried out safely and without risk to the health of people. Risk assessment is the basis for planning and developing effective controls and preventative measures. A key control measure is the competence of staff, students and people in other organisations whose activities impact on our health and safety.
Measurement and Review describes how the performance of the organisation and its operation is measured and reviewed against policy, procedures, objectives and external standards. This provides evidence of strengths and weaknesses of the management system and the risks to which people are exposed. These form a basis for deciding to continue or to instigate changes in policy, organisation or operation.
Responsibilities for ensuring that these elements are addressed effectively are stated in each section and are summarised in the ‘Summary of Responsibilities’. Reference is made, where appropriate, to specific procedures that are detailed in Part 2
Quotations from the Health & Safety Executive’s guide to successful health and safety management (reference 1) are included in Part 1 in italics to highlight the purposes behind the requirements.
Part 2, University standards and procedures, contains more detailed instruction on the University’s standards and procedures on specific subjects. The procedures are listed in the ‘contents’ and there is an index of key words. Of particular importance are the instructions on how to respond to emergencies.
In order to be effective the management system and its description in this handbook must be up to date, comprehensive, clear and easy to understand. The Health and Safety department would appreciate your help in drawing to their attention any discrepancies between the contents of this handbook and approved practice within the university.
Reference 1: Successful health and safety management (HSG65), 1997, published by HSE Books, ISBN 0-7176-1276-7