Working off site policy 1

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1 UHS&E Level 2 Policy Working off site Policy BACKGROUND Any type of work or official university activity that takes place away from the university is covered by this policy. This includes but is not restricted to: o Home working and working from home; o Travel for work; o All University business overseas; o Visits e.g. for conferences, external teaching or examining, research; o Student placements, internships, or Study Abroad; o Field work and expeditions; o Sporting visits as representatives of the University. Travel for work does not include the daily commute between home and the regular place of work. Working away from the main Claverton Down campus at other sites within the Bath postcode area that are owned or controlled by the university is not included in this policy. Students working at additional jobs or doing routine coursework in their private residences is outside the control of the university and therefore beyond the scope of this policy. Working outside the UK: o The Health and Safety at Work Act does not extend to countries outside the UK. The legislation of the country concerned is effective for any activity taking place in that country. o Many countries have workplace legislation similar to the Health and Safety at Work Act but this cannot be assumed to be the case. o Whether criminal charges would arise from incidents occurring outside the UK would be a matter for the authorities in that country. o HSE have indicated that any incident occurring overseas is outside UK jurisdiction and they will not investigate or take action in relation to the actual circumstances of the incident itself. o HSE can, however, consider circumstances relating to activities carried out in Great Britain to support an overseas visit which Working off site policy 1

2 LEGISLATION may reveal systemic failings in the management of overseas visits. This could include general management arrangements, e.g. risk assessments for the activities, training and competence of staff, co-operation and co-ordination with other parties. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act1974 Health and Safety legislation applies wherever in the UK a person is working. A workplace exists wherever employees are doing work even when they are not on University premises. The University has a duty to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of its employees at work. Employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and not to put others at risk. At sites controlled by other employers, the primary responsibility for health and safety arrangements rests with that employer. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 The duties of these regulations apply to the management of all work activities. Risk assessment will include a greater element of dynamic assessment as there are likely to be aspects of the work or work environment that are not under the university s control. It is all the more important that off-site workers are able to identify and evaluate individual risk, and to take appropriate action to minimise it. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 Employers must provide, or ensure that there are provided, adequate and appropriate first aid equipment and facilities for the circumstances to enable first-aid to be rendered to their employees if they are injured or become ill wherever they are working. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 A workplace includes outdoor workplaces and therefore the provisions of these regulations would where relevant include field work. These regulations do not apply to domestic premises and therefore would not apply to home working or working at home. Other regulations as appropriate specific to the nature of the work, for example: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 Control of Noise Regulations 2005 Diving at Work Regulations 1997 Working off site policy 2

3 Electricity at Work Regulations 1999 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1999 All regulations related to a person s work activity apply wherever they are working in the UK. UNIVERSITY POLICY The University of Bath is committed to the maintenance of a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and students of the University wherever they are working. All work taking place off university premises will be organised so as to minimise the risks to the health and safety of staff and students. As far as is reasonably practicable, risks will be assessed before work starts and will where reasonably practicable be controlled to the same standard as would be required for work on campus. RESPONSIBILITIES Employees / Students Will comply with the findings of the risk assessment and work according to any instructions given by their line manager / supervisor / placements officer. Will communicate with their line manager / supervisor / placements officer if there are difficulties that cannot be resolved without assistance. Will report any incident or accident while working off-site to the University Health, Safety & Environment Service (UHSE) as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case immediately on return to the university. (Students will report to their supervisor / placements officer as appropriate.) Line Managers / Supervisors Will complete risk assessments for all off-site working and communicate the findings to relevant workers. Will consult with workers to ensure that suitable control measures are implemented for all off-site working. Will ensure that all workers are adequately informed, instructed, trained and appropriately supervised while carrying out work off-site. Will ensure that any incident or accident occurring to a student or a member of their team while working off-site is reported to UHSE as soon as reasonably practicable. Working off site policy 3

4 Student Supervisors / Placements Officers Will ensure so far as is reasonably practicable that risks have been suitably controlled and that students are appropriately prepared for their planned activities. Will ensure that, where the student is not under the direct supervision of university staff, there is a means of communication between the student and the university in case of difficulty. Will ensure that any incident or accident occurring while working off-site, to a student under their supervision, is reported to UHSE as soon as reasonably practicable. Heads of all Departments Will ensure that risk assessments have been completed and are proportionate to the level of risk. Will ensure that all significant hazards are identified and suitable control measures are in place to minimise risks. Will ensure that sufficient resources are provided to enable line managers, supervisors, and placements officers to fulfil their roles. Learning and Teaching Enhancement Office Will consult with UHSE in respect of sections of QA statements relevant to the health and safety of students working off-site. University Health, Safety & Environment Service Will provide specialist advice and guidance to the University on the control and management of risks from off-site working. Will liaise with the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Office in respect of QA statements relevant to the health and safety of students working offsite. Will review this policy biennially or after significant change whichever is the soonest. FURTHER INFORMATION Further information is available on the Staying Safe and Well website. Insurance information is at See also university guidance on International Travel for University Staff and Students on University Business. Working off site policy 4

5 QA6: Quality Assurance Code of Practice - Placement Learning and Study Abroad. Working off site policy 5