Studying and living safely while at Essex is really important. It's not only about keeping safe, it's also about developing skills. Future employers will expect you to understand the importance of health and safety, and to know what to do to protect yourself and others.
The University’s Health and Policy details the responsibilities we all have to look after ourselves and others who may be affected by what we do.
It's a legal requirement to carry out health and safety risk assessments where significant risk has been identified.
Our health and safety arrangements should take account of staff, students and visitors who may be at greater risk of harm from our activities.
Driving can be a very hazardous activity, so it is vital suitable systems are in place to ensure you are safe whilst driving for work.
If you are the event organiser you are responsible for ensuring that appropriate health and safety precautions are in place.
This guidance assists staff responsible for organising field trips to ensure appropriate arrangements for health and safety are in place.
This guidance covers the flying of small unmanned aircraft (eg. drones or model aircraft) on the University’s campuses.
The University is required to ensure the safety of those involved in manual handling, such as lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling or carrying.
Work that includes elements of lone working needs to be risk assessed and steps taken to eliminate or control the risks where necessary.
The University has a duty of care to all staff and students who wish to travel overseas.
The University has a duty of care to its students when travelling and studying/researching/working both in the UK and abroad.
Work at height needs to be properly planned, risk assessed, carried out by competent people and the right equipment used.
The University is required by law to select, test and install work equipment properly, use it carefully and make sure it is maintained in a safe condition.
When you purchase work equipment you are responsible for ensuring it complies with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.
The University is required by law to ensure that staff who use computers are trained in their safe use and have their workstation assessed for risk to their health.
The University has a legal obligation to maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition.
As a student, tenant, contractor or member of staff, you need to be aware of what to do in relation to PAT and the electrical equipment you are responsible for.
It is the responsibility of the Head of Department/section/business unit to ensure PAT is carried out at the appropriate intervals.
External facility management services provided to the University must follow the University’s PAT Standard.
Some items of work equipment require statutory examination and testing in addition to regular maintenance and pre-use checks.
University is required to protect employees and others from exposure to AOR by eliminating or reducing the risk.
The Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Standard applies to EMF at the University that presents a significant risk to health and safety.
The University has strict rules on the use of ionising radiation such as x-rays and radioactive substances.
The University is required to protect the eyes and skin of staff and others from exposure to laser beams by eliminating or reducing the risk.
Guidance on preventing the risk of hearing damage from the effects of noise and vibration.
Non-ionising radiation is radiation that can interact with people, equipment and substances and cause health and safety effects.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires employers to prevent exposure of asbestos to anyone using or working in the University's premises.
Our work, teaching and scientific research involves the use of physical agents that have the potential to cause disease or injury to staff and students.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations require the risks from dangerous substances to be removed or controlled.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) requires that risks arising from hazardous substances are prevented or controlled.
The University’s Legionella Management Policy and Plan sets out our arrangements for managing the risk from legionella.
Preventative measures for workers at risk of contracting Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease).
Hazards to be aware of in catering outlet environments.
Hazards to be aware of in office environments.
The University aims to provide a thermal environment that satisfies the majority of people most of the time.
Enjoy the lakes, but please take care as water can be dangerous. The following rules apply.
Hazards to be aware of in workshop environments.
Health and safety news and bulletins to keep you up to date with information you need to manage health and safety or work safely.
Find out who is your health and safety departmental contact.
The University, UECS and Wivenhoe House Hotel (WHH) each have a policy which sets out our commitment to health and safety and responsibilities.
We have specialists who give advice on the use of ionising radiation, non-ionising radiation, noise and vibration and biological safety.
Our health and safety standards describe how we do things safely at Essex and are our arrangements for meeting legal requirements.
The University is committed to working with the union-appointed safety representatives to achieve a safe and healthy work environment for all.