The internal responsibility system involves everyone, from senior administration to workers and students and is fostered by Ontario legislation including the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Several provisions of Ontario legislation guide our internal responsibility system. These provisions include the requirement for UW to have a health and safety policy and program. All members of the campus community also have responsibilities for health and safety. Health and safety committees have a role in monitoring the health and safety program.
Departments are responsible for implementing and supervising the program.
The University of Waterloo emphasizes health and safety administration and activities at Faculty and Departmental levels under University Policy 34. Health Services, the Safety Office and Joint Health and Safety Committee act as resources and audit compliance with the program. The role and function of Joint Health and Safety Committee members is outlined in Section 4 of this manual.