Safety Responsibilities

Formal Management Roles

President, Údarás na hOllscoile and University Management Team

The President, Údarás na hOllscoile and University Management Team have overall responsibility for ensuring that University of Galway discharges it’s employer responsibilities as required by the Safety, health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated regulations. They have accountability for the strategy and key decisions of the University and how this impacts on health and safety standards. See University of Galway Safety Statement Part 2.2

Head of Units

Heads of Colleges/Schools/Research Institutes or Support Services are responsible for the management of health and safety matters within the area of the University under their control. See University of Galway Safety Statement Part 2.2.2 for their specific responsibilities and see Unit Health & Safety Management for further information.

Principal Investigators and Academic Supervisors

Principal Investigators and supervisors have responsibility for the health and safety of staff and students in their research groups. See University of Galway Safety Statement Part 2.2.2.4 for their specific responsibilities and Principal Investigators webpage for further information.

Line Managers/Supervisors

Line Managers and Supervisors are responsible for the safe management and supervision of staff and the day to day implementation of a safe system of work for their staff.

Employees

What is the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 provides for all our safety, health and welfare at work by requiring the President, Údarás na hOllscoile and UMT as the employer to meet the specific employer duties such as providing a safe place of work.  

As an employee, what are my duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005?

As an employee, we must: 

• Take care of your own safety, health and welfare & do not jeopardise the safety of others.
• Use preventative measures provided, e.g. correct procedures, PPE.
• Attend safety training.
• Report defects or problems with systems of work that could affect safety
• Report accidents.
• Not be under the influence of intoxicants such that it impacts on safety.

Is there a summary of what I need to do as an employee of University of Galway?

Please see Safety in University of Galway, Our Priority, Duty & Responsibility / Sábháilteacht in OÉ Gaillimh – Ár dTosaíocht, ár nDualgas, ár bhFreagracht for further information.

Safety Support Roles

Safety Co-ordinators

A Health and Safety Co-ordinator is a staff member appointed by the Head of Unit to assist the Head in the effective management of safety within their Unit. The Head remains responsible for ensuring that they manage workplace safety within their unit as this responsibility cannot be delegated.  See Unit Safety List of Heads and Safety Co-Ordinators. 

Unit Health and Safety Committees

The Unit Health and Safety Committees is appointed by the Head of Unit where required. Their role is to oversee specific health and safety issues within the Unit on behalf of the Head of Unit.  This will be set out in the Unit Safety Statement.

Fire Marshals

Each Head of Unit must appoint staff to assist in the fire safety evacuation of their particular areas. Training is provided and there is further guidance in the University of Galway Safety Statement Part 5 Fire & Emergency Procedure entry. For more information see: Fire Safety Information webpage.

Occupational First Aiders

First Aid is the skilled provision of treatment for a casualty, using the facilities and materials available while awaiting the arrival of qualified medical assistance. For more information see: Occupational First Aiders.