Safety and Occupational Health has changed its name to . The change reflects the Directorate鈥檚 wider role in supporting all aspects of health including wellbeing.
Historically the Health and Safety service within UK organisations has tended to emphasise safety risk but over the past few years the Health and Safety Executive has highlighted that wellbeing and health risks are rapidly becoming a major issue. The University needs to reflect this change.
, who started as the new Director of Health and Safety in February, says:
鈥淲e鈥檒l still continue to be the main point of contact for the Occupational Health service but we want the directorate to be seen聽more broadly to recognise our growing role in dealing with wellbeing, mental and physical health affected by work and occupational related disease. We鈥檒l work in partnership with聽other departments to make sure health and safety is integrated in everything we do.鈥�
The Directorate is undergoing a number of other changes聽which will include new additions to the team.聽Cathy continues:
鈥淭he University already has a good health and safety management system which will be enhanced by a clearer and simpler health and safety structure. We鈥檒l increase self-help resources, online training and signposting e.g. for stress management.”
Cathy also hopes to identify Wellbeing Champions across the Faculties and Directorates who can help promote good practice, undertake wellbeing risk assessments and support future health campaigns.
Overall, the aim is to embed a more consistent approach which will reduce duplication and bureaucracy. To enable this, the central team have recently been subject to a number of staffing changes to reflect the new approach.
Over the coming months,聽Health and Safety聽will be looking for feedback from staff based on聽following questions:
- Are you happy with the service you currently get from Health and Safety?
- Is there additional support you would like to see provided?
If you’d like to comment, please contact聽your Health and Safety Officer or email the team via the .