Inspections

The purpose of an inspection programme is to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to promote improvement of standards of health and safety within the School of Engineering.

The inspection programme aims to formally inspect at least 40 hazard containing spaces per year. Selection of spaces for inspection will take into account the inherent health and safety hazards presented by those areas including known previous and existing issues.

The inspection process will be carried out by the Health and Safety Officer and may also involve members of:

• the School’s Health and Safety Committee;
• the Senior Management Team;
• Trade Unions (worker representatives); or
• those with specialist knowledge when required.

 

The formal inspection programme will use the inspection template here.

The inspection process will:

• begin with a formal notification to the space owner of the planned inspection which will be given no later than 5 working days prior to inspection. The notification will include the date, time, scope of inspection, inspection template, and notice to have a senior member of the laboratory / workshop present at the time of inspection;
• potentially involve assessment of relevant documents including but not limited to risk assessments, safe systems of work, maintenance and training documents;
• potentially involve interviewing people and observing work conditions, standards and practices where work activities are carried out;
• result in the release of an inspection report on the School of Engineering staff intranet, which will also include an action plan and any comments in response to actions;
• require follow up on actions by the Health and Safety Officer to ensure completion by the Health and Safety Officer; and
• result in updated versions as appropriate being published on the School of Engineering inspection intranet page.

 

Management Health and Safety Tour

Management health and safety tours are an informal opportunity for senior management to support health and safety through visible leadership, whilst also providing a chance to discuss, observe and review safety issues with staff in the workplace.

The School of Engineering Management health and safety tour takes place at least 3 times a year and will follow a route of particular interest.

Those involved in the tour should include:

• members of the Senior Management Team;
• the Facilities Manager;
• members of the technical management team; and
• the departmental Health and Safety Officer.