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Safety Office

 

Health and Safety Auditing

Health and Safety Auditing 

Auditing is an essential element of the Health and Safety Management system of the University. This requires a structured approach to collecting independent information on the efficiency, effectiveness and, importantly, the reliability of the Health and Safety Management system within departments and institutions of the University. The aims of the University Health and Safety Management and Auditing Procedures system are to establish that: 

  1. There are commitments made to safety and to compliance with the University Health and Safety (H&S) Policy within a Department Safety Statement of Intent. The Head of the Department must sign the Statement and is expected to demonstrate it by the provision of strong leadership in safety for their department. 

  1. There is an effective management structure in place for delivering the policy and ensuring the involvement and participation of staff, students and others. This must be appropriate to the department or institution. 

  1. There are documented and effective arrangements in place for delivering the requirements of the Statement and H&S Policy and for managing the risk areas present within the function. These will lay out any procedures that must be followed and the responsibilities and process to ensure that these systems continue effectively. For example, it is both important that all individuals are aware how to seek first aid in an emergency and that the equipment used like a first aid kit or defibrillator is present, maintained, and within expiry. 

  1. The department has a clear understanding of its safety hazards and risks, which it uses to effectively direct its safety resources. This safety risk profile should be documented and there should be evidence of its regular review and application for decision making. 

  1. There is a planned and systematic approach to implementing the health and safety commitments: 
    5.1 The risk assessment process is an integral part of the management ethos of the department or institution. 
    5.2 There are adequate risk controls in place, which are appropriate for the teaching, learning, research and any work carried out by the department or institution. 

5.3 Levels of competence required to perform safety roles or carry out hazardous activities are clearly defined and suitable instruction, training and supervision are in place to reach and maintain these levels. 

5.4 There is strong and documented cooperation and communication with any other organisations, departments or individuals that are carrying out activities within or alongside the department’s own. 

  1. Health and safety is actively monitored by the department or institution. This should involve inspection and collecting safety information such as training completion, incident data and document review metrics. 

  1. The department or institution learns from all relevant experience and applies the lessons. The safety information that is collected should be formally reviewed by the Head of Department to check the safety risk profile and to set the direction for continual improvement. All safety reviews should be documented. 

If you would like more information about the expectations of management systems here are some useful references.