Stonebridge University is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all students, staff, visitors, and contractors. The university recognises its legal and moral obligations to ensure that health and safety standards are always maintained. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the framework for managing health and safety risks, preventing accidents, and promoting a culture of safety and well-being within the university community.

The university acknowledges that a proactive approach to health and safety is essential for maintaining a productive and supportive environment. This policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of all university community members, the procedures for managing health and safety, and the processes for monitoring and reviewing health and safety practices.

The primary purpose of this Health and Safety Policy is to:

• Establish a comprehensive approach to managing health and safety risks within the university.
• Define the responsibilities of all university community members in maintaining a safe environment.
• Promote a culture of safety and well-being that encourages individuals to prioritise health and safety in all activities.
• Provide clear procedures for risk assessment, incident reporting, and emergency preparedness.
• Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and regulations.

This policy applies to all aspects of university life, including academic and research activities, workplace safety, and interactions with external contractors and visitors.

This policy applies to:

• All students, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students.
• All staff members, including academic, administrative, research, and support staff, whether full-time, part-time, or on fixed-term contracts.
• Visitors and external contractors: Individuals who interact with the university, including contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

The policy covers a wide range of activities and environments, including:

• Academic and research facilities, such as laboratories, lecture halls, and libraries.
• Offices and administrative buildings.
• Recreational and communal areas on campus.
• Off-campus activities, including fieldwork, placements, and university-sponsored events.

The policy also includes considerations for health and safety in online and remote learning environments.

4.1 Health and Safety
Health and safety refers to the conditions and practices that promote the well-being and protection of individuals in the workplace, academic settings, and other environments. This includes preventing accidents, minimising health risks, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

4.2 Risk Assessment
Risk assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and managing potential hazards that could cause harm to individuals. Risk assessments are conducted to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to reduce or eliminate risks.

4.3 Hazard and Incident Reporting
Hazard reporting involves identifying and reporting potential hazards that could cause harm, while incident reporting involves documenting any accidents, injuries, or near-misses that occur.

4.4 Reasonable Adjustments
Reasonable adjustments refer to modifications or accommodations made to ensure that individuals with disabilities or health conditions can access university facilities, services, and opportunities equally with others.

Stonebridge University is guided by the following principles in managing health and safety:

5.1 Creating a Safe and Healthy Environment
The university will take all reasonable steps to create a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, and visitors. This includes ensuring that facilities, equipment, and resources meet health and safety standards and that individuals are informed about potential risks and how to manage them.

5.2 Continuous Improvement and Compliance
The university is committed to continuously improving its health and safety practices through regular risk assessments, audits, and reviews. Compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and regulations will be a priority.

5.3 Inclusivity and Accessibility
The university will ensure that health and safety measures are inclusive and accessible to all members of the community, including individuals with disabilities or specific health needs. This includes making reasonable adjustments and providing accessible facilities and support services.

Effective health and safety management requires the active participation and cooperation of all members of the university community. The following sections outline the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders:

6.1 Responsibilities of All Members of the University Community

• Take reasonable care of their health and safety and others who may be affected by their actions.
• Comply with the university’s health and safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Report any hazards, incidents, or near-misses to the appropriate authority.
• Participate in health and safety training and awareness programs as required.

6.2 Senior Management and Governance Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for health and safety management within the university.
• Ensure that adequate resources are allocated to implement and maintain health and safety measures.
• Monitor compliance with health and safety legislation and university policies.

6.3 Health and Safety Committee Responsibilities

• Develop and review health and safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Oversee the implementation of health and safety initiatives and monitor their effectiveness.
• Review incident reports and risk assessments and recommend actions to improve safety.

6.4 Health and Safety Representatives

• Serve as contact points for health and safety matters within their departments or units.
• Regular inspections and risk assessments should be conducted to identify potential hazards.
• Support the implementation of health and safety initiatives and guide staff and students.

6.5 Responsibilities of External Contractors and Visitors

• Comply with the university’s health and safety policies and procedures while on university premises.
• Ensure that their activities do not pose a risk to the health and safety of others.
• Report any incidents or hazards to university staff promptly.

Stonebridge University has established comprehensive procedures to manage health and safety risks effectively. The following sections outline essential health and safety procedures:

7.1 Risk Assessment and Management

• Risk assessments will be conducted for all university activities, including academic, research, and administrative functions.
• Risk assessments will identify potential hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and recommend control measures to mitigate or eliminate risks.
• Risk assessments will be reviewed and updated regularly, especially when new activities or changes in operations occur.

7.2 Hazard Identification and Reporting

• All members of the university community are encouraged to use the university’s hazard reporting system to report potential hazards, such as faulty equipment, unsafe working conditions, or health risks.
• Reported hazards will be investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.

7.3 Incident and Accident Reporting

• All incidents, accidents, and near-misses must be reported to the Health and Safety Office using the university’s incident reporting form.
• The university will investigate incidents to determine their cause and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
• Incident reports will be reviewed by the Health and Safety Committee and used to inform continuous improvement efforts.

7.4 Emergency Procedures and Preparedness

• Emergency procedures, including fire evacuation, lockdown, and medical emergencies, will be established and communicated to all members of the university community.
• Regular emergency drills will ensure preparedness and familiarise individuals with emergency procedures.
• The university will provide information on emergency contacts and procedures through signage, handbooks, and training sessions.

7.5 First Aid and Medical Support

• First aid facilities and trained personnel will be available in all university buildings and high-activity areas, such as laboratories and workshops.
• First aid kits will be regularly inspected and stocked according to legal requirements and risk assessments.
• The university will provide access to on-site or nearby medical support for emergencies, and all students and staff will be informed of the procedure for seeking medical assistance.

7.6 Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures

• Fire safety equipment, including alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting, will be installed and maintained in all university buildings.
• Fire evacuation plans will be displayed in each building, and evacuation routes will be kept free of obstructions.
• Regular fire drills will ensure all students, staff, and visitors know evacuation procedures.
• Designated fire wardens will be trained and assigned to each building to assist in evacuations and ensure people’s safe and orderly movement during emergencies.

The university is committed to ensuring that all academic and research activities are conducted safely and following best practices. The following sections outline specific considerations for health and safety in academic and research settings:

8.1 Safe Laboratory and Research Practices

• All laboratory activities must comply with the university’s laboratory safety guidelines and protocols.
• Risk assessments will be conducted for each research project or experiment to identify potential hazards and determine appropriate control measures.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles, must be worn as required, and students and staff must be trained in its proper use.
• Hazardous substances and equipment must be stored, handled, and disposed of following legal requirements and university procedures.

8.2 Fieldwork Safety

• Fieldwork activities, including research trips and off-campus studies, must be planned and managed with consideration for health and safety risks.
• Risk assessments must be completed for all fieldwork activities, and staff and students must be briefed on potential hazards, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
• Communication plans must be established to ensure fieldwork participants can maintain contact with the university and access support in emergencies.

8.3 Online and Remote Learning Safety Considerations

• The university will ensure that online and remote learning environments are safe and accessible for all students, including those with disabilities or specific health needs.
• Staff and students will be guided on ergonomic practices, including workstation setup, to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other health issues related to prolonged use of computers and digital devices.
• The university will monitor, and address health and safety concerns related to online learning platforms, tools, and resources.

Stonebridge University is committed to promoting workplace health, safety, and wellbeing. This section outlines specific health and safety considerations for office environments and work-related activities:

9.1 Office Safety and Ergonomics

• Workstations, chairs, and other office equipment will be designed and arranged to promote good posture and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
• Staff will be provided with guidance on ergonomic practices, including adjusting chairs, desks, and monitors to create a comfortable and safe working environment.
• Regular inspections of office spaces will be conducted to identify and address potential hazards, such as tripping or electrical safety issues.

9.2 Managing Work-Related Stress

• The university will promote a supportive and positive working environment by implementing policies and practices to reduce work-related stress.
• Staff will have access to resources and support services, including counselling and mental health programs, to help them manage stress and maintain their well-being.
• Workloads and expectations will be regularly reviewed to ensure that staff are well-rested, and reasonable adjustments will be made where necessary.

9.3 Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

• The university will provide comprehensive mental health support services for students and staff, including counselling, workshops, and peer support groups.
• Awareness campaigns and initiatives will be organised to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage individuals to seek support.
• Managers and supervisors will receive training on supporting their teams’ mental health and well-being, including recognising signs of distress and providing appropriate assistance.

Effective health and safety management requires ongoing training and awareness programs. Stonebridge University will provide training and development opportunities to ensure that all university community members are knowledgeable about health and safety practices and their responsibilities.

10.1 Staff Health and Safety Training Programs

• All staff members will receive health and safety training during their induction. This training will cover general health and safety principles, emergency procedures, and their specific responsibilities.
• Specialised training will be provided for staff working in high-risk areas, such as laboratories, workshops, and fieldwork settings.
• Refresher training will be offered periodically to ensure that staff remain informed about any health and safety policies or procedures changes.

10.2 Student Health and Safety Induction

• All students will receive health and safety information during their induction, including guidance on reporting hazards and emergencies.
• Students participating in specific academic activities, such as laboratory work or fieldwork, will receive additional training on safe practices and risk management.
• The university will provide online resources and workshops to promote health and safety awareness among students.

10.3 Specialist Health and Safety Training

• Specialist training will be provided for individuals with specific health and safety roles, such as fire wardens, first aiders, and health and safety representatives.
• Training programs will be tailored to the needs of each role and will include practical exercises and assessments to ensure competency.
• The university will keep records of all health and safety training and monitor compliance to complete all required training.

Regular monitoring and reviewing health and safety practices are essential for maintaining a safe and compliant environment. Stonebridge University will implement the following procedures to monitor health and safety performance and identify areas for improvement:

11.1 Health and Safety Audits

• Health and safety audits will be conducted periodically to evaluate compliance with health and safety policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Audits will include inspections of facilities, equipment, documentation, and interviews with staff and students.
• The results of health and safety audits will be reported to senior management, and action plans will be developed to address any areas of non-compliance or concern.

11.2 Continuous Monitoring and Risk Reviews

• The university will conduct regular risk reviews to assess the effectiveness of risk management strategies and identify emerging risks.
• Risk reviews will consider changes in operations, activities, or facilities that could impact health and safety.
• The university will use the findings from risk reviews to update risk assessments, procedures, and control measures as necessary.

11.3 Reporting and Documentation

• All health and safety incidents, audits, risk assessments, and training records will be documented and maintained following legal and regulatory requirements.
• Health and safety performance reports will be regularly presented to the Health and Safety Committee and senior management.
• The university will use health and safety data to identify trends, measure progress, and inform continuous improvement efforts.

The Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains relevant, effective, and compliant with changes in legislation, regulations, and best practices. Reviews will consider feedback from staff, students, and other stakeholders and findings from audits, inspections, and incident reports.

Policy updates will be communicated to all university community members through multiple channels, including email, the university website, and training sessions. The Health and Safety Committee will oversee the review process and recommend any necessary changes to the policy.

Stonebridge University is committed to ensuring that this policy is accessible to all members of the university community. The policy will be:

• Published on the university’s website and included in staff and student handbooks.
• Upon request, it is made available in alternative formats, such as large print, audio, or translated versions.
• It is promoted through training sessions, awareness campaigns, and university communications.

Clear communication of the policy’s principles and procedures will help ensure that all university community members understand their rights and responsibilities.

Compliance with this Health and Safety Policy is mandatory for all university community members. The university will take appropriate action to enforce the policy and address non-compliance, including:

• We provide guidance and support to individuals who need assistance meeting health and safety standards.
• We are issuing formal warnings or disciplinary actions for repeated or serious breaches of the policy.
• They are reporting significant incidents of non-compliance to external authorities, as required by law.

The Health and Safety Committee will monitor compliance and ensure appropriate measures are in place to support adherence to health and safety standards.

Incidents of malpractice and maladministration may be reported in the following ways:

By email: qtd@stonebridge.university

By post:
For the attention of the Director of Quality, Training and Development
Stonebridge University
6 Hill View Studios,
160 Eltham Hill,
London,
SE9 5EA

By phone: +44 7438 541824

Opening hours: 9:30am-5:30pm (UK) Mon-Fri

Stonebridge University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all students, staff, visitors, and contractors. This Health and Safety Policy outlines the university’s approach to managing health and safety risks, promoting wellbeing, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

All university community members are encouraged to engage with this policy and contribute to a culture of safety and responsibility. By working together, the university can create an environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential.