They threaten the well-being of staff, students and the wider community. They also use up resources that could be put to better use. Governments have recognised this and have passed legislation which requires all organisations, including universities, to manage health and safety in an effective manner. In the University of Aberdeen we focus our health and safety efforts at a departmental level.
All departments create health and safety risks of varying magnitudes.
The University Court requires each department to develop appropriate health and safety management systems to reduce those risks to acceptable levels. The University Health and Safety Policy outlines essential requirements that each department must satisfy with its management system. The University Safety Committee, acting on behalf of the University Court, will monitor compliance by departments with the requirements of the Policy. An excellent organisation should also be a safe organisation. In striving for excellence let us ensure that health and safety play their parts.