A Safety Statement is a plan, in writing, which specifically must identify the hazards, assess the risks, identify the controls to be put in place, identify the persons responsible and resources necessary to secure the safety of persons at work.  It is required by Section 20 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

The University has prepared a comprehensive Safety Statement (Policy) document, which addresses the major safety management, consultation and operational issues that apply to NUI Galway.  Each University College, School, Research Institute and Suppport Service must prepare and annually update their own local Safety Statement (Safety Statement - School/College Part 4) and this page guides you on the preparation/updating of this document.

STEPS ON PREPARATION  (See Downloads & Links for Documents)
Step 1 - Background Information
Please view the following:
* NUI Galway Updating your Safety Statement Course (slide presentation). 
* Risk Assessment - A Practical Approach
* Reviewing your Safety Statement

Step 2 - The Safety Statement Form
A Sample Safety Statement form (2010)
A Sample Safety Statement for a typical office

Step 3 - Completion of the Form
For guidance on the completion of the form see Part 3 of the NUI Galway Safety Statement Policy.

Step 4 - Incorporate Other Risk Assessments
Your safety statement needs to include details of other legally required risk assessments.  As an example (because computers are in virtually all works areas) all computer workstations need to be assessed and referenced in the Safety Statement.

Step 5 - Declarations, Local Availability and Review of Safety Statements
* The Safety Statement Declaration is signed by the Head. 
* The completed Safety Statement for your College/School/Research Institute/Support Service should be kept in your Safety Statement Manual (Part 4) or on the local intra-net for local use, reference and updating.
* Use the Safety Management Checklist (General and Specialist versions) to periodically review, consult on and improve local safety management.
* This local Safety Statement must be at least annually updated or more frequently where required or if new hazards arise.