The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 provides the legislative framework to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards of health and safety at work. It places a duty upon employers to safeguard so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees, including the provision and maintenance of safe plant and systems of work.
Although the main responsibility for compliance with the Act rests with the employer, every employee also has a responsibility to ensure that no one is harmed as a result of their acts or omissions during the course of their work.
Employees have a duty under the Act, to take reasonable care to avoid injury to themselves and others and to co-operate with employers and others in meeting statutory requirements. The Act also requires employees not to interfere with or misuse any assistance provided to protect their health, safety and welfare in compliance with the Act.
Employers and employees also have a duty to ensure the safety of the many patients, visitors and students who come on to the site.
Overall Health and Safety Policy within the University Hospital Directorate is governed by the policies of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Copies of all of the UHB’s health and safety policies can be accessed from the Policies and Procedures section.
The UHB has set out four principles that govern health and safety policy:
Both the University Dental Hospital and Community Dental Service recognise that the health and safety of its patients, staff and students and that environment in which they work, are of primary importance.
In recognition of the specialist nature of the work undertaken in UDH, local rules have been developed. All staff and students are expected to be familiar with the rules that are relevant to their role and responsibilities. These are available on a password protected section of the website and are not intended for the general public.