Oxford Brookes University Health, Safety, Welfare and Environment Committee (OBUHSWEC)

  • OBUHSN-05 ISSUE 11 March 2021 

    Introduction

    1. This Health and Safety Notice should be read and understood by all employees  of Oxford Brookes University. It should also be read and understood by members  of the student body.

    2. The Oxford Brookes University Health, Safety, Welfare and Environment Committee  (OBUHSWEC) meets twice each semester or at such times as may be required by  emergencies or to consider other urgent business. A member of the Vice  Chancellors Group (VCG) nominated by the Vice-Chancellor will chair the  meetings of the committee.  

    Terms of reference

    1. The function of the committee is to promote cooperation between management  and employees throughout the University to develop and implement appropriate  measures that will ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees at work.  Whilst management is ultimately responsible for ensuring that this policy is being  fulfilled and for the regular and effective monitoring of health and safety  procedures, the committee is responsible for approving the arrangements for  ensuring the continued wellbeing of staff, students and visitors. 

    2. The terms of reference of the committee shall include: 

      4.1 the development, introduction and monitoring of health and safety  standards and safe systems of working; 

      4.2 reporting to management on any unsafe or unhealthy conditions and  practices together with recommendations for remedial action; 

      4.3 examination of safety audits and inspection reports together with  recommendations for improvement; 

      4.4 the review of accident statistics and trends; 

      4.5 consideration of reports from appointed safety advisers and safety  representatives; 

      4.6 analysis of information and reports provided by enforcing authority  inspectors; 

      4.7 reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of safety and health  communications in the workplace; 

      4.8 reviewing the effectiveness of health and safety training; and 

      4.9 promoting the health, safety and welfare of the University's workforce.

    Membership

    1. The membership of the committee has been structured in order to secure wide representation of staff and management from across the University. Management  representation is aimed at ensuring adequate authority to give proper  consideration to views and recommendations, and will include those with the  appropriate knowledge and expertise to provide the necessary information on  official policy, teaching needs and technical matters in relation to premises, plant,  machinery and equipment.

    2. The formal membership of the committee is given in the ‘Formal Membership of the OBUHSWEC’ Appendix 1. The current  membership by name of appointee is listed in ‘Current Membership of the OBUHSWEC’ Appendix 2.
    3. This Health and Safety Notice is issued after due consultation between Management and Employee representatives.

    Appendices

    1. Appendix 1 - Formal membership of the OBUHSWEC
    2. Appendix 2 - Current membership of the OBUHSWEC