Wit H&S Booklet

Your Health Your Safety Health & Safety Information Booklet

Table of Contents Welcome............................................................................................................. 3 Health & Safety Policy........................................................................................... 4 Accident Reporting................................................................................................ 5 Emergency Info: Fire Safety............................................................................................................ 9 Fire Assembly Points.............................................................................................. 10 Contacting the Emergency Services......................................................................... 11 Contact Telephone Numbers................................................................................... 12 First Aid............................................................................................................... 13 Medical Treatment................................................................................................. 14 Automated External Defibrillator (AED) ................................................................... 15 AED Availability on Campus................................................................................... 16 Work Safely: Chemical Safety.................................................................................................... 17 Electrical Safety.................................................................................................... 19 Gas Cylinder........................................................................................................ 21 Gas Leak............................................................................................................. 23 House Keeping..................................................................................................... 24 Machinery Safety.................................................................................................. 25 Manual Handling.................................................................................................. 26 Noise.................................................................................................................. 27 Office Safety........................................................................................................ 28 Personal Protective Equipment................................................................................. 29 Portable Tools/Equipment....................................................................................... 30 Working at Heights............................................................................................... 31 Your Health: Counselling Service - Students................................................................................ 33 Employee Well-Being Programme............................................................................ 34 Harassment & Bullying........................................................................................... 35 Pregnant & Nursing Employees............................................................................... 36 Smoking.............................................................................................................. 37 Stress................................................................................................................... 38 Consultation: Consultation Procedures......................................................................................... 39 Safety Representatives........................................................................................... 40 Training: Contractor Induction Training.................................................................................. 41 Health & Safety Training........................................................................................ 42

Welcome

Health & Safety Policy

Welcome to the Waterford Instittute of Technology health and safety booklet. This booklet will provide you with information and guidance on the principles of health and safety at the institute.

It is the policy of Waterford Institute of Technology to promote high standards of health and safety within the Institute and to ensure that the best practicable methods of compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 and associated legislation are achieved.

It is important that you read this booklet carefully, paying particular attention to its advice and instruction.

This booklet is applicable to all Staff, Students, Visitors and Contractors at the Institute.

Thank you for taking the time to read this booklet and remember health & safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Mary O’Doherty, Health & Safety Officer

In addition to our commitment to the safety of our staff and students, it is our policy to ensure the safety of visitors and members of the public and to discharge our duties to contractors and others who may be affected by our activities.

The Institute undertakes to ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement the health & safety policy. The Executive Board will therefore ensure that: • Adequate resources are provided to ensure that proper provision can be made for health and safety.

• Adequate numbers of suitably trained personnel are available to undertake all work activities.

• Sufficient resources are available to provide necessary information and training with respect to health and safety.

All members of the Institute are expected to demonstrate their commitment towards a safe and healthy work and study environment by complying with the Institute’s health and safety policy and associated procedures.

Accident Reporting An Accident can be described as an unplanned event that results in injury, ill-health, damage to or loss of plant, materials etc.

Contractors & Visitors: If you are a contractor or visitor and have an accident while at the Institute report it immediately to one of the following: • Your designated WIT contact person • The Medical Centre • The Health & Safety Officer

How do I report an Accident?

Staff & Students: If you are a staff member or student and have an accident while at the Institute or during Institute activities off-campus report it immediately to one of the following: • • • •

Your Manager or Supervisor Your Lecturer or Course Leader The Medical Centre The Health & Safety Officer

Please ensure that an Incident Report Form has been completed and sent to the Health & Safety Officer.

Please ensure that an Incident Report form has been completed and sent to the Health & Safety Officer.

Why should I report an Accident?

• To ensure you get the medical treatment you need.

• To allow for corrective action to be taken to prevent a re-occurrence of the accident.

• WIT is obliged to report certain type of accidents to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

Incident Report Forms are available from the Health & Safety Office (safety@wit.ie), Institute website (www.wit.ie), your School Office, Moodle and the Medical Centre.

Emergency Info Work Safely Your Health Consultation Training

Emergency Info:

Emergency Info:

Fire Safety

Fire protection systems are provided to ensure the safety of everyone at the Institute. Under no circumstances should any individual interfere with or misuse any of the fire equipment, fire alarm systems, fire doors or fire extinguishers.

If I discover a fire what should I do?

Raise the alarm by activating the nearest break glass unit (red square box with glass panel). To activate use your thumb to apply pressure on the black dot in the centre panel of the unit.

Fire Assembly Points

Assembly points are located in the car park areas of each campus.

To locate your closest assembly points check the fire evacuation maps in the room you are in or alternatively proceed to the closest car park where the assembly point will be clearly identifiable.

ALWAYS REMEMBER Always evacuate if you hear the fire alarm, do not assume it’s a drill.

On hearing the fire alarm all building users must: 55 Ensure the safe shutdown of equipment/electricity/gas in use 55 Evacuate the building by the nearest exit route 55 Close all doors after you 55 Proceed to the assembly point

Do Not: 44 Go upstairs for any reason 44 Go to lockers/workstations etc. to collect personal belongings 44 Use the lift 44 Re-enter the building until the “all-clear” has been given

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Emergency Info:

Emergency Info:

Contacting the Emergency Services

If you need to contact the emergency services follow the advice below: Dialling from WIT landline: Dial (9)-999 or (9)-112. (Please note you need to dial “9” first to get an outside line).

Dialling from non-WIT landline or from mobile phone: Dial 999 or 112 When connected: 1. Ask for the correct service i.e. Fire, Ambulance, Gardai and give the following information: • • • • • •

Your name Telephone number Campus location Exact location on campus Type of incident Type of injury (if known)

Contact Telephone Numbers

Medical Emergency: Emergency Services Institute Nurse Medical Centre Nurse Medical Centres: • Main Campus • College Street • Barronstrand Street

Waterford Regional Hospital Caredoc Useful Contact Numbers: Bord Gáis ESB Emergency Estates Office

Garda Confidential Garda Síochána Health & Safety Authority (HSA)

2. Don’t hang up until the operator clears the line After you contact the Emergency Services please contact the porter on duty or the security office (087-9400888) and advise them of the situation.

Health & Safety Office Institute Chaplain Institute Counsellor Security Office Student’s Union

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999/112 (087) 2724422 (085) 7739055 (051) 302873 (051) 845671 (051) 852999 (051) 848000 1850 334 999

1850 20 50 50 1850 372 999 (051) 302678 (051) 302859 (051) 302748 1800 666 111 (051) 874888 (01) 6147000/ 1890 289 389 (051) 845517 (051) 302617 (051) 302475 (051) 302878 (087) 9400888 (051) 374744

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Emergency Info: First Aid

First Aid First aid refers to the provision of treatment in lifethreatening situations (e.g. heart stoppage or severe bleeding) pending medical help or treatment for minor injuries (e.g. cuts or bruises). First aid facilities and qualified first aiders are available throughout the Institute. A full listing of first aiders is available from your School Office, the health & safety noticeboard, the Institute website or Moodle.

ALWAYS REMEMBER Always ensure you know where the Medical Centres are located, who the first aiders are, and where the nearest first aid equipment is located.

Emergency Info: Medical Treatment

Medical Treatment If your injury is minor it can be dealt with by an on-site first aider.

If your injury requires medical attention please attend the Medical Centre on campus.

If the Medical Centre is closed please attend your own G.P., the Caredoc (after hours) or the Accident & Emergency Department at Waterford Regional Hospital.

If your injury is serious contact the emergency services immediately. Dial 999 or 112 (remember if your calling from a WIT landline you need to dial “9� to get an outside line).

Occupational First Aid Training Occupational first aid training is available to all staff and is run over a minimum of 3 days or 24 hours.

Following succession completion of the training you will be registered as an Occupational First Aider for the Institute and will be trained and recertified as competent at least once every 2 years. If you would like to participate please contact the Health & Safety Office.

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Emergency Info:

Emergency Info:

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

AED Availability on Campus

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used to administer an electric shock to a person who is having a cardiac arrest. It is designed to allow nonmedical personnel to save lives.

Main Campus:

Two pads connected to the AED are placed on the victim’s chest. A computer inside the AED analyses the patient’s heart rhythm and determines if a shock is required to save the victim. If a shock is required, the AED uses voice instructions to guide the user through saving the person’s life.

AED Training AED training is available to all staff. If you would like to participate in an AED training course please contact the Health & Safety Officer.

Trained AED personnel are available throughout each campus, their contact details are available at each of the AED locations, the health & safety noticeboard, your School Office, the Institute website or Moodle.

Remember: Report any faults or missing AEDs to the Health & Safety Office

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• Engineering & Science Building: beside WIT card machine in atrium area • Business School Building: beside WIT card machine outside the SPAR shop • Tourism & Leisure Building: corridor outside Human Performance Laboratory and ground floor atrium area beside porter’s desk • O’Connell Bianconni Nursing and Health Science Building: ground floor atrium area beside stairwell • Luke Wadding Library: foyer area opposite circulation desk • Walton I.T. Building: ground floor atrium area inside main door • Multi Purpose Hall: first floor area beside lockers College Street: • Main Building: opposite the porter’s desk • St Dominic’s Building: across from porter’s desk beside entrance Applied Technology Campus: • Main Building: atrium area beside AG26 • Apprentice building: block laying workshop West Campus: • Arclabs Research & Innovation Centre: behind reception • R2 Research Building: inside main entrance Granary Building: • Granary Building: across from lifts on the ground floor

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Work Safely:

Work Safely:

Chemical Safety

Many chemical substances can be potentially harmful, however if the appropriate precautions are taken they can be used safely and without any harm to the individual. Prior to using any chemical substance always refer to its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for guidance and information on the composition of the chemical, what protective clothing is required, what first aid and fire fighting measures need to be taken etc.

MSDS are available from your lecturer/supervisor or the departments technical staff.

ALWAYS REMEMBER Laboratory Requirements All individuals handling chemicals in laboratories must: 55 Wear a laboratory coat and safety glasses/goggles (minimum requirement) 55 Refer to the MSDS for additional PPE requirements

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Chemical Safety

Do: 55 Always read the label on any container 55 Label any container you fill with a chemical 55 Wear the recommended protective equipment 55 Carry out instructions carefully when transferring chemicals from one vessel to another. The use of contaminated containers may be dangerous 55 Always use earthing leads when transferring flammable liquids 55 Use specially provided carriers for transporting bottled chemicals 55 Keep all toxic materials in clearly labelled, well sealed containers 55 If you are handling these containers read any warning labels and follow the instructions. When necessary, use any special handling devices, if provided

Do Not: 44 Look up if a drip from a leak hits you, move away first 44 Taste or allow unknown products to come into contact with your skin and only smell them with caution 44 Misuse any chemical or hazardous substance

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Work Safely:

Work Safely:

Electrical Safety

Misuse of electricity can result in fire, explosion, personal injury and even death. If for any reason there is an electrical fault, either partial or total, the Estates Office should be immediately contacted to attend to and remedy the matter.

Do: 55 Report broken, ineffective or damaged electrical equipment such as loose connections and frayed cables to the Estates Office 55 Ensure that no one can come into contact with such equipment until it is repaired 55 Ensure that there is clear access to distribution boards and similar installations in case isolation is required in an emergency 55 Assume all electrical circuits are live 55 Keep scaffolding poles, cranes, vehicles and ladders well away from overhead wires 55 Switch off at the socket before removing the plug 55 Learn what to do in case of electric shock 55 Switch off equipment when you have finished with it

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Electrical Safety

Do Not: 44 Attempt unauthorised use, repair or maintenance 44 Overload extension leads or electrical sockets 44 Interfere with a junction box. (e.g. jam wires in sockets with matchsticks or nails) 44 Run power tools from lamp sockets so they cannot be earthed 44 Force a plug into the wrong fuse for the current that the equipment is carrying 44 Hang cables on nails or leave them lying around where they can get damaged or wet 44 Use equipment with the earth wire pulled out of its terminal 44 Misuse an earthing clamp on welding sets

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Work Safely:

Work Safely:

Gas Cylinder

Special care is required in the storage and use of gas cylinders. Their contents may be at high pressure, flammable or potentially harmful.

Do: 55 Store cylinders correctly in a well-ventilated area 55 Store in an upright position & secure to prevent falling 55 Store full cylinders separate from empty cylinders 55 Clearly label and segregate full and empty cylinders 55 Check the contents of the cylinder. Don’t rely totally on the colour-coding 55 Always open the cylinder valve slowly; close the cylinder valve only sufficiently enough to shut off the gas. Do not use excessive force 55 Report leaking cylinders immediately 55 Keep cylinders and valves clean

ALWAYS REMEMBER Undergraduate, Apprentice and Postgraduate students are not permitted to handle, transport or change gas cylinders.

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Gas Cylinder

Training Requirements All persons handling gas cylinders and manifold cylinder pallets must complete a safe handling and use of industrial gases training course. Only staff who attend this training are authorised to work with gas cylinders.

Do Not: 44 Drop cylinders or allow them to strike each other violently 44 Allow oil or grease to contaminate a cylinder and its fittings 44 Use cylinders as rollers or work supports 44 Keep cylinders on wet surfaces or soft earth - it will accelerate corrosion 44 Open a high-pressure hydrogen cylinder directly to the atmosphere - it may ignite 44 Mix gases in a cylinder 44 Test for leaks with a flame - always use soapy water 44 Use cylinders with leaking or damaged connections 44 Tamper with safety devices on valves or cylinders

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Work Safely:

Work Safely:

Gas Leak

If you suspect a gas leak, notify the Estates Office and/or Bord Gais immediately: Estates Office: 051-(30)2678, (30)2859, (30)2748 Bord GĂĄis Emergency Number: 1850 20 50 50

If you are unable to contact a member of staff from the Estates Office or alternatively if it is outside normal working hours, contact the porter on duty or the security office (087-9400888) and report the suspected leak.

Do Not: 55 Smoke, light matches or turn electrical switches on/off 55 Open doors and windows to ventilate the area

House Keeping

Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips.

Do: 55 Keep your workplace tidy. If you do spill anything clean it up immediately 55 Use proper routes and walkways 55 Avoid shortcuts and make full use of handrails 55 Wear appropriate footwear 55 Report damage or obstruction to the Estates Office eg; handrails, fencing, and poorly lit areas. A prompt report can prevent a fall 55 Make sure that any temporary openings in walkways are securely fenced off

Do Not:

ALWAYS REMEMBER If you smell gas report it, don’t assume someone else has.

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44 Leave obstructions in walkways 44 Allow the leads of portable tools and lights to trail where someone may trip over them 44 Walk blind, make sure that you can see around or over anything you are carrying

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Work Safely:

Work Safely:

Machinery Safety

Manual Handling

Plant and Machinery pose serious risks in the workplace e.g. entanglement, crushing, cutting or severing, burns, electric shock etc.

Manual Handling means more than simply lifting or carrying something. The term is used to describe activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding or restraining an object, animal or person. It also covers activities that require the use of force or effort such as pulling an object or operating tools. Manual handling injuries mostly affect the back, but can also cause severe problems to the limbs, muscles, tendons and the heart and because these injuries tend to take longer to heal they have a more profound effect on longer term health.

In order to protect your back, limbs etc during manual handling activities, the following correct manual handling techniques should be adhered to:

How can I protect myself?

Do: 55 Prior to commencing the job assess the risk. Ensure that you are fully aware of all the hazards associated with the equipment that you are about to use 55 Be familiar with electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic power supplies to the equipment 55 Always ensure that the correct guards are fitted to the equipment e.g. fixed guards 55 Become familiar with the emergency stop buttons and check that they are operational 55 Always ensure you have adequate training for the equipment you are about to use 55 Report any faults to your manager/supervisor

• Assess the task i.e. L.I.T.E - Load, Individual, Task, Environment • Ensure you have a broad stable base (foot placement is important) • Bend your knees • Keep your back straight (though not necessarily vertical!)

• Take a firm grip • Keep your arms in line with the body • Lift with your legs & keep the weight close to the centre of gravity • Turn feet in the direction of movement

Do Not: 44 Use any equipment that the guards have been removed from and always report any faults to your manager/ supervisor 44 By-pass guards on equipment 44 Use equipment without the proper training

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Remember: Wear suitable personal protective equipment when operating machinery

Remember: Advice on training is available from the Health & Safety Office

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Work Safely:

Work Safely:

Noise

Office Safety

Noise is measured in decibels dB(A). The noise level (the loudness) is measured on a scale from a silent 0dB(A) to 140 dB(A) in the noisiest situations.

Risk from noise such as noise induced hearing loss depends not only on the noise levels but also on the length of time you have been exposed to the noise. The amount of noise exposure over the whole working day is called the daily personal noise exposure (LEP,d).

Ensure your safety in the office by adhering to the following: 55 Be sure the pathway is clear before you walk 55 Close drawers completely after every use 55 Avoid excessive bending, twisting, and leaning backward while seated 55 Secure electrical cords and wires away from walkways 55 Always use a step-stool/stepladder for overhead reaching, never stand on chairs 55 Clean up spills immediately 55 Report loose carpeting or damaged flooring to the Estates Office 55 Store heavy objects on lower shelves 55 Try to store materials inside cabinets, files, and lockers

Loud noise can cause irreversible hearing damage, which accelerates the normal hearing loss that occurs as we grow older. Exposure to loud noise can also cause tinnitus, interference with communications and stress.

How do I know if I am exposed to excessive noise?

Do Not:

• Basically if you cannot hear clearly what someone is saying when they are 2 metres away, the level of noise is likely to be around 85 dB(A) • If you cannot hear someone clearly when you are about 1 metre away, the level is likely to be around 90 dB(A) or higher • If your concerned about noise in your work area contact your Manager or the Health & Safety Officer

44 Obstruct aisles, corners, or passageways 44 Obstruct fire equipment, extinguishers, exits or doors 44 Carry anything that obscures your vision 44 Stack material in such a way that it will fall over

Remember: Ergonomic assessments are available from the Health & Safety Office

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Work Safely:

Work Safely:

Personal Protective Equipment

Portable Tools/Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to all equipment designed to be worn or held by an employee, student, visitor or contractor for protection against hazards likely to endanger the individual’s health and safety at work and includes any addition or accessory designed to meet this objective.

When using portable tools or equipment follow the guidance below.

Do: 55 Use the correct tool for the job.

55 Keep your hands behind the cutting edge when using cutting tools.

55 Keep unsheathed knives, chisels and other sharp tools in a safe place - not in your pocket.

55 Keep your tools clean and in good condition. Protect the edges of sharp tools when carried and also when stored.

55 Ensure that all electrical equipment is properly grounded and checked regularly.

Do: 55 Use the protective clothing and equipment provided and for the intention that it was provided 55 Make sure it offers adequate protection for the job 55 Follow any instructions for its use 55 Take good care of it and report any defects to your supervisor 55 Make use of barrier creams where appropriate 55 Make sure you know the location of emergency equipment 55 Get advice from your manager/supervisor and ACT on it

Do Not:

Do Not: 44 Use damaged/defective or contaminated equipment 44 Return defective equipment

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Remember: Wear suitable personal protective equipment when operating tools/ equipment

44 Lift or drag power tools by their cables 44 Allow cables to run across floors and/or access routes 44 Attempt to change or dress an abrasive wheel unless you are trained and authorised to do so 44 Take your eyes off the job - pay attention to what you are doing 44 Use equipment with the earth wire pulled out of its terminal 44 Alter, adapt or interfere with the design function of the tool

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Work Safely:

Work Safely:

Working at Heights

Working at Heights

Portable Ladders When using portable ladders, the following suggestions for controlling risks should be considered:

Do Not: 44 Do not use domestic ladders 44 Do not climb higher than the third rung from the top of the ladder 44 Do not use defective or damaged ladders 44 Do not place ladders in vehicle or pedestrian traffic areas 44 Do not use metal ladders or wire reinforced ladders where electrical hazards exist

Do: 55 Use the correct ladder for the job 55 Ensure ladders are adequately supported at the base 55 Set the ladder at a slope of 1 to 4 - ladders must be angled one out and four up 55 Ensure the ladder is at least one metre above the access level 55 Ensure the ladder is firmly secured, tied off or held firmly by another person. (The ties should be attached to the stiles of the ladder and not the rungs) 55 Only one person may be on a ladder at a time, with three body limbs on the ladder at all times 55 Climb and descend facing the ladder 55 Only work on a job within easy arm’s reach from the ladder 55 Wear slip resistant footwear when using ladders 55 Clean off footwear and ladder rungs before using the ladder 55 Ensure stepladders are only used in the fully open position

Roof Work Access to the roof areas is permitted to authorised personnel only. Please contact the Estates Office regarding roof access.

Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs) • A safety harness must be worn at all times when operating/working in a MEWP • MEWPs may only be used in favourable weather conditions. Please contact the Estates Office for authorisation to work • MEWPs may only be operated by trained and authorised personnel

Remember: Advice on training is available from the Health & Safety Office

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Your Health:

Your Health:

Counselling Service - Students

WIT Student Counselling service offers psychological counselling to currently registered full time students.

Counselling is provided by a team of professionally qualified and accredited Counsellors and the service is directed by a Registered Psychologist.

Counselling provides a safe, supportive and confidential environment in which students can discuss any emotional or psychological difficulties they may be experiencing. This service is offered free of charge and operates by appointment only.

To make an appointment Counselling is available by appointment only. To make an appointment: Tel: 051-302878 or e-mail studentcounselling@wit.ie.

When phoning or e-mailing to request an appointment please leave your name and phone number. Your call or e-mail will be responded to as soon as possible.

Employee Well-Being Programme

The Institute’s Employee Well-Being Programme is a completely independent and confidential counselling, referral and support service which enables employees to discuss work or personal issues in confidence.

The EWP is available to all employees and their immediate family and offers both telephone and faceto-face counselling services for a range of issues such as: • • • • • • •

Addiction Anxiety/Depression Eating Disorders Stress Family Difficulties Relationship Problems Personal Difficulties

• • • • • • •

Health Related Issues Trauma/Shock Bereavement Work-Related Issues Domestic Issues Marital/Family Difficulties Bullying/Harassment

If you need to talk in complete confidence contact the independent EWP counsellors by calling: Tel. No.: 1800 995 995

Location The Student Counselling Service is located at R13 behind the Student Union building in the same block as the Clubs & Society’s office. Our College St office is at AL10, located directly opposite the Dance Studio.

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Telephone counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to listen, support and help you.

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Your Health: Harassment & Bullying

Harassment is defined as any act or conduct which is unwelcome and reasonably regarded as offensive, humiliating or intimidating by reference to the statutory grounds namely: gender, marital status, family stature, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or traveller community membership.

Bullying is a type of harassment comprising repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one of more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment, which could reasonably be regarded as undermining the individual’s right to dignity at work.

The Institute is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment in which all employees and students have the opportunity to fulfil their potential with dignity.

The Institute’s policy “Respect & Dignity at Work for Staff & Students” is available from the Human Resources Office.

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Your Health: Pregnant & Nursing Employees

Pregnancy is regarded as part of everyday life and its health and safety implications can be adequately addressed by normal health and safety management procedures. Some hazards in the workplace may affect the health and safety of new and expectant mothers and/or their unborn child.

You should advise your Manager and/or the Human Resources Manager if you are pregnant as soon as possible. This information is passed to the Health & Safety Officer who will complete a pregnancy risk assessment to identify tasks that may present a risk to pregnant or breast feeding employees.

This assessment examines physical, chemical and biological agents, processes and working conditions which may affect the health and safety of new and expectant mothers. In addition it also assesses the exposure of breastfeeding employees to risks which could damage their health or safety for as long as they continue to breastfeed.

Following this assessment controls will be introduced if necessary to reduce/eliminate any risk that may be present.

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Your Health:

Your Health:

Smoking

Stress

“Working Together For Cleaner Air�

The Institute is fully committed to establishing a healthy environment for all staff and students by introducing and maintaining a smoke-free policy. The objective of this policy is to eliminate exposure of staff and students to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).

ETS is the involuntary intake of smoke by a person other than the actual smoker and is a complex mixture of several thousand compounds and contains many toxic agents that are known to cause heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Since many people spend a considerable part of their adult lives at work, it is important that their work environment is as free as possible of health risks.

Stress can be broadly defined as the negative reactions people have to aspects of their environment and is interpreted by everyone differently. It occurs when an individual perceives an imbalance between the demands placed on them and their ability to cope. Work related stress is stress which is caused or made worse by working.

Smoke Free Policy Smoking is prohibited in all areas inside all buildings at the Institute and in all Institute owned or leased vehicles.

Employees should contact the HR Manager if they feel subject to work related stressors. An Employee WellBeing Programme (EWP) is available to all employees and their immediate family and is an independent confidential counselling, referral and support service enabling employees to discuss work or personal issues in confidence.

Smoking Cessation Programmes Guidance and information is available to staff and students who choose to stop smoking. Details of this assistance can be obtained from the:

The main hazards resulting in workplace stress include poor working relationships, dull repetitive work, demanding tasks, poor communication, lack of control, bullying and harassment.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

Students should contact their course leader, student counsellors or the chaplain for further information.

Medical Centres: 051-302873/845671 Students Union: 051-302648/302275

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Consultation:

Consultation:

Consultation Procedures

Consultation on health and safety is vital to ensure that health and safety is managed effectively. It helps promote a positive health and safety culture and ensures that everyone is given an opportunity to influence the health and safety policies that affect them.

All health and safety matters should be communicated through: • • • •

Your Manager/Supervisor The Health & Safety Officer (Ext. 5517, safety@wit.ie) The Safety Representatives (safetyrep@wit.ie) The Joint Consultative Committee Members (details can be obtained from the Health & Safety Officer or WIT’s website)

Safety Representatives

Safety Representatives are appointed by employees to act on their behalf with the employer on health and safety matters.

A Safety Representative may consult with, and make representations to management on safety, health and welfare matters relating to the employees in the place of work. The intention of this consultation is to prevent accidents and ill health, to highlight problems and identify means of overcoming them.

The Institute’s Safety Representatives represent employees on all campuses and hold the position for a 3-year term.

ALWAYS REMEMBER Contact the Safety Reps by emailing: safetyrep@wit.ie

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Training:

Training:

Contractor Induction Training

The Institute has introduced an online training programme for all our contractors and sub-contractors to ensure that the best practicable methods of compliance with health and safety legislation are achieved. The WIT Contractor Induction Training course must be completed by all contractors and subcontractors working on WIT property.

The training course will take approximately 20 minutes to complete and following successful completion of the course, contractors will receive a unique WIT SafetyPass. The WIT SafetyPass should be presented to your designated contact at the Institute and validated prior to commencing work on-site.

Health & Safety Training

Preventing accidents and ill health is a key priority for everyone at work. Providing health and safety instruction, information and training will help in this goal by ensuring that staff are competent to undertake the tasks assigned to them and by helping develop a positive health & safety culture.

Health and safety training is available to all staff in a wide variety of courses. In addition specialised training is available to staff who deal with emergency situations or for those who undertake high risk tasks.

ALWAYS REMEMBER All health and safety training is provided by competent approved training providers.

Each WIT SafetyPass is valid for 1 year.

To access the course: Log onto the WIT Learning Centre: www.witinduction.com and click Register Now.

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If you would like to participate in a training course please advise your Head of Department/Central Service Manager, the CPD Coordinator or contact the Health & Safety Office.

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Useful Websites • • • • • • • • • • • •

Health & Safety Authority (HSA): www.hsa.ie National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO): www.niso.ie Construction Industry Federation (CIF): www.cif.ie Injuries Board: www.injuriesboard.ie Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII): www.rpii.ie National Employment Rights Authority (NERA): www.employmentrights.ie Aware: www.aware.ie Drink Aware: www.drinkaware.ie Grow: www.grow.ie Let Someone Know: www.letsomeoneknow.ie Please Talk: www.pleasetalk.ie Your Mental Health: www.yourmentalhealth.ie

Additional Information HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICE Mary O’Doherty, Health & Safety Officer, WIT, Cork Road, Waterford.

Tel: (051) 845517 Email: safety@wit.ie Web: www.wit.ie

HEALTH & SAFETY AUTHORITY (HSA) Head Office, The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce Street, Dublin 1.

Tel: 1890 289 389 or (01) 6147000 Email: wcu@hsa.ie Web: www.hsa.ie

Notes

Waterford Institute of Technology Cork Road, Waterford, Ireland. t: +353-51-302000 w: www.wit.ie Health & Safety Office Waterford Institute of Technology t: +353-51-845517 e: safety@wit.ie