University Safety Policy Statement

UCC Safety Policy (Update) - November 2011 

University Safety Policy ( update) - November 2011.

 

A pdf copy of the updated policy, as signed by Dr. M. Murphy, President of University College Cork may be attached by clicking the policy link University Safety Policies


Introduction

The University welcomes the enhanced safety provisions of  the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.

Under current occupational health and safety legislation, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act current edition, the University,  its constituent Colleges and campus companies are required to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable, (AFARP), the safety,  health and welfare of all employees whilst at work -  where ever such work is conducted. Under this legislation, which replaced the 1989 Act, students at universities are not considered to be employees, however AFARP measures must also be taken to  protect students and visitors to University premises from injury/ill health as a consequence of work conducted by any  employed person.

Under fire safety legislation, the Fire Services Act 1981/2003, the University,  its constituent Colleges and campus companies are required to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable, (AFARP), to prevent the outbreak of fire and ensure the safety of persons on the premises in the event of a fire. Under this legislation, adequate means of escape together with active  and passive fire protection features in buildings and proactive fire safety management measures must  be present/taken to  protect employees,  students and visitors to University premises.

Thus there is a legal requirement to manage and conduct all work safely at all levels within the University. (AFARP). Safety is a key operational responsibility for all employers on campus, for senior executive management, academic heads, heads of function and all managers/supervisors. The University Safety Policy update of November 2011 appended above reflects the afore mentioned

The University has produced school/department safety statement templates which sets out the proactive safety management system and all necessary policies and advice (see elsewhere on this website).  Schools/departments have  utilized these templates to produced the required  safety documentation and to implement the required department safety management system,  hazard identification, risk assessments, risk controls that department management must implement and continually apply ( legal requirement) .

Safety Officers fulfill a legally required advisory and corporate protectective and preventative role. Employees have legal duties to co-operate, attend training and assit their employer. Employees also fulfill voluntary roles such as first aiders and fire marshalls.  Staff safety representatives have legally defined roles/entitlements (no duties). Students and visitors also have obligations to cooperate and act safely.  

It is expected that all parties will discharge their roles diligently and by their actions and with their encouragement, the University will continue to be a safe place in which to work, study and frequent.

Safety precautions must be observed by everyone. The prevention of accidents in offices, libraries, laboratories, stores, workshops, kitchens and other places of work either fixed, temporary or mobile, is a shared duty involving  the person responsible for the work/area and every individual using or entering them. Ensuring the safety of others at work and at study is just as important as the avoidance of personal injury. Safety precautions are there to prevent accidents and ill health and to reduce consequences/losses arising from those that do occur.


University College Cork

Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh

College Road, Cork T12 K8AF

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