The role of the Health & Safety Sub-Committee established in accordance with the University’s Health and Safety at Work Policy is to:
- Monitor the implementation of Health and Safety Policies in accordance with Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act and other appropriate legislation.
- Ensure adequate training for safety representatives, staff and committee members enabling improved communication awareness, risk control and the identification of health and safety issues.
- Reinforce the University’s safety culture and staff participation in identifying and solving health and safety issues.
- Study trends of accidents, dangerous occurrences, ill health and notifiable diseases, so that recommendations may be made to management for corrective action to be taken.
- Examining safety audit reports, including but not limited to, the University’s internal auditors, HSE, Fire Service, Local Authority, to note areas where improvements can be made and implement appropriate action.
- Consider reports and factual information provided by Inspectors, enforcing authorities, HSE, or other regulatory bodies appointed under Health and Safety Legislation.
- Consider reports made by Safety Representatives and implement appropriate action.
- Assist in the development of safety rules and safe systems of work.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of staff and student safety training.
- Monitor the adequacy of Health and Safety communication and publicity.
- Act as a link between the University and the enforcing authority.
- Undertake continual reviews of the University’s Health and Safety Policy and other health and safety organisation documents.
- Ensuring the maintenance of adequate records of proceedings and activities of the Committee.
- Establishing specialist sub-committees to report on topics of concern which require detailed /expert knowledge and discussion.
- Oversee the programme of health and safety training for staff.
- Once a year, review and submit an annual report on health & safety matters to the University Operating Board and the Finance & Resources Committee.
- Report to the University Operating Board and the Finance & Resources Committee.
- Promote a positive and proactive approach to health and safety amongst staff, students and visitors.
- Implement practical guidance from University policies and established procedure on day-to-day operational matters affecting the Health and Safety Groups of the University.
- Advise the Finance & Resources Committee and the University Operating Board on its activities in operational matters referring matters of strategy and enforcement to the Health and Safety Committee where necessary.
- Keep under review the University’s Health and Safety Policy and the corporate disaster recovery plan and to make appropriate recommendations to the Finance & Resources Committee and the University Operating Board for change.
- Devise and oversee the development of well-trained and knowledgeable staff, at Faculty/ departmental level (particularly for off-campus activities), effective management of health and safety issues at the Faculty/ departmental level, good reporting systems, regular review of legislative requirements.
- Receive regular reports from the University’s Health and Safety Officer.
- Receive regular reports from the University’s Health and Safety Groups.
Meetings
The sub-committee will meet at least once a term to discharge the above responsibilities.
Membership
- Chief Operating Officer (Chair)
- Director of Estates and Campus Services
- Health and Safety Officer
- Sport St Mary’s Representation
- HR Services Representation
- Security Operations Manager
- UCU Representative
- UNISON Representative
- Sub-Committee Secretary