Your Health

Health & Safety Information Booklet

Your Safety

Table of ContentsWelcome ............................................................................................................ 3Health & Safety Policy .......................................................................................... 4Accident Reporting ............................................................................................... 5

Emergency Info:Fire Safety ........................................................................................................... 9Fire Assembly Points ............................................................................................. 10Contacting the Emergency Services ........................................................................ 11Contact Telephone Numbers .................................................................................. 12First Aid .............................................................................................................. 13Medical Treatment ................................................................................................ 14Automated External Defibrillator (AED) ................................................................... 15AED Availability on Campus .................................................................................. 16

Work Safely:Chemical Safety ................................................................................................... 17Electrical Safety ................................................................................................... 19Gas Cylinder ....................................................................................................... 21Gas Leak ............................................................................................................ 23House Keeping .................................................................................................... 24Machinery Safety ................................................................................................. 25Manual Handling ................................................................................................. 26Noise ................................................................................................................. 27Office Safety ....................................................................................................... 28Personal Protective Equipment ................................................................................ 29Portable Tools/Equipment ...................................................................................... 30Working at Heights .............................................................................................. 31

Your Health:Counselling Service - Students................................................................................ 33Employee Well-Being Programme ........................................................................... 34Harassment & Bullying .......................................................................................... 35Pregnant & Nursing Employees .............................................................................. 36Smoking ............................................................................................................. 37Stress .................................................................................................................. 38

Consultation:Consultation Procedures ........................................................................................ 39Safety Representatives .......................................................................................... 40

Training:Contractor Induction Training ................................................................................. 41Health & Safety Training ....................................................................................... 42

Health & Safety PolicyIt is the policy of Waterford Institute of Technology to promote high standards of health and safety within the Institute and to ensure that the best practicable methods of compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 and associated legislation are achieved.

In addition to our commitment to the safety of our staff and students, it is our policy to ensure the safety of visitors and members of the public and to discharge our duties to contractors and others who may be affected by our activities.

The Institute undertakes to ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement the health & safety policy. The Executive Board will therefore ensure that:

• Adequateresourcesareprovidedtoensurethatproperprovisioncanbemadeforhealthandsafety.

• Adequatenumbersofsuitablytrainedpersonnelareavailabletoundertakeallworkactivities.

• Sufficientresourcesareavailabletoprovidenecessaryinformationandtrainingwithrespecttohealthandsafety.

All members of the Institute are expected to demonstrate their commitment towards a safe and healthy work and study environment by complying with the Institute’s health and safety policy and associated procedures.

WelcomeWelcome to the Waterford Instittute of Technology health and safety booklet. This booklet will provide you with information and guidance on the principles of health and safety at the institute.

It is important that you read this booklet carefully, paying particular attention to its advice and instruction.

This booklet is applicable to all Staff, Students, Visitors and Contractors at the Institute.

Thank you for taking the time to read this booklet and remember health & safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Mary O’Doherty,Health & Safety Officer

Accident ReportingAn Accident can be described as an unplanned event that results in injury, ill-health, damage to or loss of plant, materials etc.

How do I report an Accident?

Staff & Students:If you are a staff member or student and have an accident while at the Institute or during Institute activities off-campus report it immediately to one of the following:

• YourManagerorSupervisor• YourLecturerorCourseLeader• TheMedicalCentre• TheHealth&SafetyOfficer

Please ensure that an Incident Report Form has been completed and sent to the Health & Safety Officer.

Contractors & Visitors:If you are a contractor or visitor and have an accident while at the Institute report it immediately to one of the following:

• YourdesignatedWITcontactperson• TheMedicalCentre• TheHealth&SafetyOfficer

Please ensure that an Incident Report form has been completed and sent to the Health & Safety Officer.

Why should I report an Accident?

• Toensureyougetthemedicaltreatmentyouneed.• Toallowforcorrectiveactiontobetakentopreventare-occurrenceoftheaccident.• WITisobligedtoreportcertaintypeofaccidentstotheHealthandSafetyAuthority(HSA).

Incident Report Forms are available from the Health & Safety Office (safety@wit.ie),Institute website (www.wit.ie), your School Office, Moodle and the Medical Centre.

Emergency Info

Work Safely

Your Health

Consultation

Training

9 10

Emergency Info:Fire Safety

Fire protection systems are provided to ensure the safety of everyone at the Institute. Under no circumstances should any individual interfere with or misuse any of the fire equipment, fire alarm systems, fire doors or fire extinguishers.

If I discover a fire what should I do?Raise the alarm by activating the nearest break glass unit (red square box with glass panel). To activate use your thumb to apply pressure on the black dot in the centre panel of the unit.

On hearing the fire alarm all building users must:

5 Ensurethesafeshutdownofequipment/electricity/gasinuse

5 Evacuatethebuildingbythenearestexitroute5 Closealldoorsafteryou5 Proceedtotheassemblypoint

Do Not:

4 Goupstairsforanyreason4 Gotolockers/workstationsetc.tocollectpersonalbelongings

4 Usethelift4 Re-enterthebuildinguntilthe“all-clear”hasbeengiven

Emergency Info:Fire Assembly Points

Assembly points are located in the car park areas of each campus.

To locate your closest assembly points check the fire evacuation maps in the room you are in or alternatively proceed to the closest car park where the assembly point will be clearly identifiable.

Always evacuate if you hear the fire alarm, do not assume it’s a drill.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

11 12

Emergency Info:Contacting the Emergency Services

If you need to contact the emergency services follow the advice below:

Dialling from WIT landline: Dial (9)-999 or (9)-112. (Please note you need to dial “9” first to get an outside line).

Dialling from non-WIT landline or from mobile phone: Dial 999 or 112

When connected:1. Ask for the correct service i.e. Fire, Ambulance,

Gardai and give the following information:• Yourname• Telephonenumber• Campuslocation• Exactlocationoncampus• Typeofincident• Typeofinjury(ifknown)

2. Don’t hang up until the operator clears the line

After you contact the Emergency Services please contact the porter on duty or the security office (087-9400888) and advise them of the situation.

Contact Telephone Numbers

Medical Emergency:Emergency Services Institute NurseMedical Centre Nurse Medical Centres:• MainCampus• CollegeStreet• BarronstrandStreet

Waterford Regional HospitalCaredoc

999/112(087) 2724422(085) 7739055

(051) 302873(051) 845671(051) 852999(051) 8480001850 334 999

Useful Contact Numbers:Bord GáisESB EmergencyEstates Office

Garda ConfidentialGarda SíochánaHealth & Safety Authority (HSA)

Health & Safety OfficeInstitute ChaplainInstitute Counsellor

Security OfficeStudent’s Union

1850 20 50 501850 372 999(051) 302678(051) 302859(051) 3027481800 666 111(051) 874888(01) 6147000/1890 289 389(051) 845517(051) 302617(051) 302475(051) 302878(087) 9400888(051) 374744

Emergency Info:

13 14

Medical TreatmentIf your injury is minor it can be dealt with by an on-site first aider.

If your injury requires medical attention please attend the Medical Centre on campus.

If the Medical Centre is closed please attend your own G.P., the Caredoc (after hours) or the Accident & Emergency Department at Waterford Regional Hospital.

If your injury is serious contact the emergency services immediately. Dial 999 or 112 (remember if your calling from a WIT landline you need to dial “9” to get an outside line).

Medical Treatment

Emergency Info:First Aid

First AidFirst aid refers to the provision of treatment in life-threatening situations (e.g. heart stoppage or severe bleeding) pending medical help or treatment for minor injuries (e.g. cuts or bruises). First aid facilities and qualified first aiders are available throughout the Institute. A full listing of first aiders is available from your School Office, the health & safety noticeboard, the Institute website or Moodle.

Always ensure you know where the Medical Centres are located, who the first aiders are, and where the nearest first aid equipment is located.

Occupational First Aid TrainingOccupational first aid training is available to all staff and is run over a minimum of 3 days or 24 hours. Following succession completion of the training you will be registered as an Occupational First Aider for the Institute and will be trained and recertified as competent at least once every 2 years. If you would like to participate please contact the Health & Safety Office.

Emergency Info:

ALWAYS REMEMBER

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Emergency Info:Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used to administer an electric shock to a person who is having a cardiac arrest. It is designed to allow non-medical personnel to save lives.

Two pads connected to the AED are placed on the victim’s chest. A computer inside the AED analyses the patient’s heart rhythm and determines if a shock is required to save the victim. If a shock is required, the AED uses voice instructions to guide the user through saving the person’s life.

AED TrainingAED training is available to all staff. If you would like to participate in an AED training course please contact the Health & Safety Officer.

Trained AED personnel are available throughout each campus, their contact details are available at each of the AED locations, the health & safety noticeboard, your School Office, the Institute website or Moodle.

AED Availability on Campus

Main Campus:• Engineering&ScienceBuilding:

besideWITcardmachineinatriumarea• BusinessSchoolBuilding:

besideWITcardmachineoutsidetheSPARshop• Tourism&LeisureBuilding:

corridoroutsideHumanPerformanceLaboratoryandgroundflooratriumareabesideporter’sdesk

• O’ConnellBianconniNursingandHealthScienceBuilding:groundflooratriumareabesidestairwell

• LukeWaddingLibrary:foyerareaoppositecirculationdesk

• WaltonI.T.Building:groundflooratriumareainsidemaindoor

• MultiPurposeHall:firstfloorareabesidelockersCollege Street:• MainBuilding:oppositetheporter’sdesk• StDominic’sBuilding:acrossfromporter’sdeskbeside

entranceApplied Technology Campus:• MainBuilding:atriumareabesideAG26• Apprenticebuilding:blocklayingworkshop

West Campus:• ArclabsResearch&InnovationCentre:behindreception• R2ResearchBuilding:insidemainentrance

Granary Building:• GranaryBuilding:acrossfromliftsonthegroundfloor

Emergency Info:

Remember:Report any faults or missing AEDs to the Health & Safety Office

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Work Safely:Chemical Safety

Work Safely:Chemical Safety

Many chemical substances can be potentially harmful, however if the appropriate precautions are taken they can be used safely and without any harm to the individual. Prior to using any chemical substance always refer to its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for guidance and information on the composition of the chemical, what protective clothing is required, what first aid and fire fighting measures need to be taken etc.

MSDS are available from your lecturer/supervisor or the departments technical staff.

Laboratory RequirementsAll individuals handling chemicals in laboratories must:

5 Wearalaboratorycoatandsafetyglasses/goggles(minimumrequirement)

5 RefertotheMSDSforadditionalPPErequirements

Do:

5 Alwaysreadthelabelonanycontainer5 Labelanycontaineryoufillwithachemical5 Weartherecommendedprotectiveequipment5 Carryoutinstructionscarefullywhentransferringchemicalsfromonevesseltoanother.Theuseofcontaminatedcontainersmaybedangerous

5 Alwaysuseearthingleadswhentransferringflammableliquids

5 Usespeciallyprovidedcarriersfortransportingbottledchemicals

5 Keepalltoxicmaterialsinclearlylabelled,wellsealedcontainers

5 Ifyouarehandlingthesecontainersreadanywarninglabelsandfollowtheinstructions.Whennecessary,useanyspecialhandlingdevices,ifprovided

Do Not:

4 Lookupifadripfromaleakhitsyou,moveawayfirst4 Tasteorallowunknownproductstocomeintocontactwithyourskinandonlysmellthemwithcaution

4 Misuseanychemicalorhazardoussubstance

ALWAYS REMEMBER

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Work Safely:Electrical Safety Electrical Safety

Misuse of electricity can result in fire, explosion, personal injury and even death. If for any reason there is an electrical fault, either partial or total, the Estates Office should be immediately contacted to attend to and remedy the matter.

Do:

5 Reportbroken,ineffectiveordamagedelectricalequipmentsuchaslooseconnectionsandfrayedcablestotheEstatesOffice

5 Ensurethatnoonecancomeintocontactwithsuchequipmentuntilitisrepaired

5 Ensurethatthereisclearaccesstodistributionboardsandsimilarinstallationsincaseisolationisrequiredinanemergency

5 Assumeallelectricalcircuitsarelive5 Keepscaffoldingpoles,cranes,vehiclesandladderswellawayfromoverheadwires

5 Switchoffatthesocketbeforeremovingtheplug5 Learnwhattodoincaseofelectricshock5 Switchoffequipmentwhenyouhavefinishedwithit

Do Not:

4 Attemptunauthoriseduse,repairormaintenance4 Overloadextensionleadsorelectricalsockets4 Interferewithajunctionbox.(e.g.jamwiresinsocketswithmatchsticksornails)

4 Runpowertoolsfromlampsocketssotheycannotbeearthed

4 Forceaplugintothewrongfuseforthecurrentthattheequipmentiscarrying

4 Hangcablesonnailsorleavethemlyingaroundwheretheycangetdamagedorwet

4 Useequipmentwiththeearthwirepulledoutofitsterminal

4 Misuseanearthingclamponweldingsets

Work Safely:

21 22

Work Safely:Gas Cylinder Gas Cylinder

Special care is required in the storage and use of gas cylinders. Their contents may be at high pressure, flammable or potentially harmful.

Do:

5 Storecylinderscorrectlyinawell-ventilatedarea5 Storeinanuprightposition&securetopreventfalling5 Storefullcylindersseparatefromemptycylinders5 Clearlylabelandsegregatefullandemptycylinders5 Checkthecontentsofthecylinder.Don’trelytotallyonthecolour-coding

5 Alwaysopenthecylindervalveslowly;closethecylindervalveonlysufficientlyenoughtoshutoffthegas.Donotuseexcessiveforce

5 Reportleakingcylindersimmediately5 Keepcylindersandvalvesclean

Training RequirementsAll persons handling gas cylinders and manifold cylinder pallets must complete a safe handling and use of industrial gases training course. Only staff who attend this training are authorised to work with gas cylinders.

Do Not:

4 Dropcylindersorallowthemtostrikeeachotherviolently

4 Allowoilorgreasetocontaminateacylinderanditsfittings

4 Usecylindersasrollersorworksupports4 Keepcylindersonwetsurfacesorsoftearth-itwillacceleratecorrosion

4 Openahigh-pressurehydrogencylinderdirectlytotheatmosphere-itmayignite

4 Mixgasesinacylinder4 Testforleakswithaflame-alwaysusesoapywater4 Usecylinderswithleakingordamagedconnections4 Tamperwithsafetydevicesonvalvesorcylinders

ALWAYS REMEMBER

Work Safely:

Undergraduate, Apprentice and Postgraduate students are not permitted to handle, transport or change gas cylinders.

23 24

Work Safely:Gas Leak

If you suspect a gas leak, notify the Estates Office and/or Bord Gais immediately:

Estates Office: 051-(30)2678, (30)2859, (30)2748Bord Gáis Emergency Number: 1850 20 50 50

If you are unable to contact a member of staff from the Estates Office or alternatively if it is outside normal working hours, contact the porter on duty or the security office (087-9400888) and report the suspected leak.

Do Not:

5 Smoke,lightmatchesorturnelectricalswitcheson/off5 Opendoorsandwindowstoventilatethearea

If you smell gas report it, don’t assume someone else has.

Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips.

Do:

5 Keepyourworkplacetidy.Ifyoudospillanythingcleanitupimmediately

5 Useproperroutesandwalkways5 Avoidshortcutsandmakefulluseofhandrails5 Wearappropriatefootwear5 ReportdamageorobstructiontotheEstatesOfficeeg;handrails,fencing,andpoorlylitareas.Apromptreportcanpreventafall

5 Makesurethatanytemporaryopeningsinwalkwaysaresecurelyfencedoff

Do Not:

4 Leaveobstructionsinwalkways4 Allowtheleadsofportabletoolsandlightstotrailwheresomeonemaytripoverthem

4 Walkblind,makesurethatyoucanseearoundoroveranythingyouarecarrying

House Keeping

ALWAYS REMEMBER

Work Safely:

25 26

Plant and Machinery pose serious risks in the workplace e.g. entanglement, crushing, cutting or severing, burns, electric shock etc.

How can I protect myself?

Do:

5 Priortocommencingthejobassesstherisk.Ensurethatyouarefullyawareofallthehazardsassociatedwiththeequipmentthatyouareabouttouse

5 Befamiliarwithelectrical,hydraulicorpneumaticpowersuppliestotheequipment

5 Alwaysensurethatthecorrectguardsarefittedtotheequipmente.g.fixedguards

5 Becomefamiliarwiththeemergencystopbuttonsandcheckthattheyareoperational

5 Alwaysensureyouhaveadequatetrainingfortheequipmentyouareabouttouse

5 Reportanyfaultstoyourmanager/supervisor

Do Not:

4 Useanyequipmentthattheguardshavebeenremovedfromandalwaysreportanyfaultstoyourmanager/supervisor

4 By-passguardsonequipment4 Useequipmentwithoutthepropertraining

Work Safely:Machinery Safety

Work Safely:Manual Handling

Manual Handling means more than simply lifting or carrying something. The term is used to describe activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding or restraining an object, animal or person. It also covers activities that require the use of force or effort such as pulling an object or operating tools. Manual handling injuries mostly affect the back, but can also cause severe problems to the limbs, muscles, tendons and the heart andbecause these injuries tend to take longer to heal they have a more profound effect on longer term health. In order to protect your back, limbs etc during manual handling activities, the following correct manual handling techniques should be adhered to:

• Assessthetaski.e.L.I.T.E-Load,Individual,Task,Environment

• Ensureyouhaveabroadstablebase(footplacementisimportant)

• Bendyourknees• Keepyourbackstraight(thoughnotnecessarilyvertical!)• Takeafirmgrip• Keepyourarmsinlinewiththebody• Liftwithyourlegs&keeptheweightclosetothecentre

ofgravity• Turnfeetinthedirectionofmovement

Remember:Advice on training is available from the Health & Safety Office

Remember:Wear suitable personal protective equipment when operating machinery

27 28

Noise is measured in decibels dB(A). The noise level (the loudness) is measured on a scale from a silent 0dB(A) to 140 dB(A) in the noisiest situations. Risk from noise such as noise induced hearing loss depends not only on the noise levels but also on the length of time you have been exposed to the noise. The amount of noise exposure over the whole working day is called the daily personal noise exposure (LEP,d).

Loud noise can cause irreversible hearing damage, which accelerates the normal hearing loss that occurs as we grow older. Exposure to loud noise can also cause tinnitus, interference with communications and stress.

How do I know if I am exposed to excessive noise?

• Basicallyifyoucannothearclearlywhatsomeoneissayingwhentheyare2metresaway,thelevelofnoiseislikelytobearound85dB(A)

• Ifyoucannothearsomeoneclearlywhenyouareabout1metreaway,thelevelislikelytobearound90dB(A)orhigher

• IfyourconcernedaboutnoiseinyourworkareacontactyourManagerortheHealth&SafetyOfficer

Work Safely:Noise Office Safety

Ensure your safety in the office by adhering to the following:

5 Besurethepathwayisclearbeforeyouwalk5 Closedrawerscompletelyaftereveryuse5 Avoidexcessivebending,twisting,andleaningbackwardwhileseated

5 Secureelectricalcordsandwiresawayfromwalkways5 Alwaysuseastep-stool/stepladderforoverheadreaching,neverstandonchairs

5 Cleanupspillsimmediately5 ReportloosecarpetingordamagedflooringtotheEstatesOffice

5 Storeheavyobjectsonlowershelves5 Trytostorematerialsinsidecabinets,files,andlockers

Do Not:

4 Obstructaisles,corners,orpassageways4 Obstructfireequipment,extinguishers,exitsordoors4 Carryanythingthatobscuresyourvision4 Stackmaterialinsuchawaythatitwillfallover

Work Safely:

Remember:Ergonomic assessments are available from the Health & Safety Office

29 30

Work Safely:Personal Protective Equipment

Work Safely:Portable Tools/Equipment

When using portable tools or equipment follow the guidance below.

Do:

5 Usethecorrecttoolforthejob.5 Keepyourhandsbehindthecuttingedgewhenusingcuttingtools.

5 Keepunsheathedknives,chiselsandothersharptoolsinasafeplace-notinyourpocket.

5 Keepyourtoolscleanandingoodcondition.Protecttheedgesofsharptoolswhencarriedandalsowhenstored.

5 Ensurethatallelectricalequipmentisproperlygroundedandcheckedregularly.

Do Not:

4 Liftordragpowertoolsbytheircables4 Allowcablestorunacrossfloorsand/oraccessroutes4 Attempttochangeordressanabrasivewheelunlessyouaretrainedandauthorisedtodoso

4 Takeyoureyesoffthejob-payattentiontowhatyouaredoing

4 Useequipmentwiththeearthwirepulledoutofitsterminal

4 Alter,adaptorinterferewiththedesignfunctionofthetool

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to all equipment designed to be worn or held by an employee, student, visitor or contractor for protection against hazards likely to endanger the individual’s health and safety at work and includes any addition or accessory designed to meet this objective.

Do:

5 Usetheprotectiveclothingandequipmentprovidedandfortheintentionthatitwasprovided

5 Makesureitoffersadequateprotectionforthejob5 Followanyinstructionsforitsuse5 Takegoodcareofitandreportanydefectstoyoursupervisor

5 Makeuseofbarriercreamswhereappropriate5 Makesureyouknowthelocationofemergencyequipment

5 Getadvicefromyourmanager/supervisorandACTonit

Do Not:

4 Usedamaged/defectiveorcontaminatedequipment4 Returndefectiveequipment

Remember:Wear suitable personal protective equipment when operating tools/equipment

31 32

Work Safely:Working at Heights

Work Safely:Working at Heights

Portable LaddersWhen using portable ladders, the following suggestions for controlling risks should be considered:

Do:

5 Usethecorrectladderforthejob5 Ensureladdersareadequatelysupportedatthebase5 Settheladderataslopeof1to4-laddersmustbeangledoneoutandfourup

5 Ensuretheladderisatleastonemetreabovetheaccesslevel

5 Ensuretheladderisfirmlysecured,tiedofforheldfirmlybyanotherperson.(Thetiesshouldbeattachedtothestilesoftheladderandnottherungs)

5 Onlyonepersonmaybeonaladderatatime,withthreebodylimbsontheladderatalltimes

5 Climbanddescendfacingtheladder5 Onlyworkonajobwithineasyarm’sreachfromtheladder

5 Wearslipresistantfootwearwhenusingladders5 Cleanofffootwearandladderrungsbeforeusingtheladder

5 Ensurestepladdersareonlyusedinthefullyopenposition

Do Not:

4 Donotusedomesticladders4 Donotclimbhigherthanthethirdrungfromthetopoftheladder

4 Donotusedefectiveordamagedladders4 Donotplaceladdersinvehicleorpedestriantrafficareas

4 Donotusemetalladdersorwirereinforcedladderswhereelectricalhazardsexist

Roof WorkAccess to the roof areas is permitted to authorised personnel only. Please contact the Estates Office regarding roof access.

Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPs)

• Asafetyharnessmustbewornatalltimeswhenoperating/workinginaMEWP

• MEWPsmayonlybeusedinfavourableweatherconditions.PleasecontacttheEstatesOfficeforauthorisationtowork

• MEWPsmayonlybeoperatedbytrainedandauthorisedpersonnel

Remember:Advice on training is available from the Health & Safety Office

33 34

Your Health:Counselling Service - Students

Your Health:Employee Well-Being Programme

WIT Student Counselling service offers psychological counselling to currently registered full time students. Counselling is provided by a team of professionally qualified and accredited Counsellors and the service is directed by a Registered Psychologist. Counselling provides a safe, supportive and confidential environment in which students can discuss any emotional or psychological difficulties they may be experiencing. This service is offered free of charge and operates by appointment only.

To make an appointment Counselling is available by appointment only. To make an appointment: Tel: 051-302878 or e-mail studentcounselling@wit.ie.

When phoning or e-mailing to request an appointment please leave your name and phone number. Your call or e-mail will be responded to as soon as possible.

Location The Student Counselling Service is located at R13 behind the Student Union building in the same block as the Clubs & Society’s office. Our College St office is at AL10, located directly opposite the Dance Studio.

The Institute’s Employee Well-Being Programme is a completely independent and confidential counselling, referral and support service which enables employees to discuss work or personal issues in confidence. The EWP is available to all employees and their immediate family and offers both telephone and face-to-face counselling services for a range of issues such as:

• Addiction• Anxiety/Depression• EatingDisorders• Stress• FamilyDifficulties• RelationshipProblems• PersonalDifficulties

• HealthRelatedIssues• Trauma/Shock• Bereavement• Work-RelatedIssues• DomesticIssues• Marital/FamilyDifficulties• Bullying/Harassment

If you need to talk in complete confidence contact the independent EWP counsellors by calling:

Tel. No.: 1800 995 995

Telephone counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to listen, support and help you.

35 36

Your Health:Harassment & Bullying

Harassment is defined as any act or conduct which is unwelcome and reasonably regarded as offensive, humiliating or intimidating by reference to the statutory grounds namely: gender, marital status, family stature, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or traveller community membership.

Bullying is a type of harassment comprising repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one of more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment, which could reasonably be regarded as undermining the individual’s right to dignity at work.

The Institute is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment in which all employees and students have the opportunity to fulfil their potential with dignity.

The Institute’s policy “Respect & Dignity at Work for Staff & Students” is available from the Human Resources Office.

Pregnancy is regarded as part of everyday life and its health and safety implications can be adequately addressed by normal health and safety management procedures. Some hazards in the workplace may affect the health and safety of new and expectant mothers and/or their unborn child.

You should advise your Manager and/or the Human Resources Manager if you are pregnant as soon as possible. This information is passed to the Health & Safety Officer who will complete a pregnancy risk assessment to identify tasks that may present a risk to pregnant or breast feeding employees.

This assessment examines physical, chemical and biological agents, processes and working conditions which may affect the health and safety of new and expectant mothers. In addition it also assesses the exposure of breastfeeding employees to risks which could damage their health or safety for as long as they continue to breastfeed.

Following this assessment controls will be introduced if necessary to reduce/eliminate any risk that may be present.

Your Health:Pregnant & Nursing Employees

37 38

“Working Together For Cleaner Air”The Institute is fully committed to establishing a healthy environment for all staff and students by introducing and maintaining a smoke-free policy. The objective of this policy is to eliminate exposure of staff and students to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). ETS is the involuntary intake of smoke by a person other than the actual smoker and is a complex mixture of several thousand compounds and contains many toxic agents that are known to cause heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Since many people spend a considerable part of their adult lives at work, it is important that their work environment is as free as possible of health risks.

Smoke Free PolicySmoking is prohibited in all areas inside all buildings at the Institute and in all Institute owned or leased vehicles.

Smoking Cessation ProgrammesGuidance and information is available to staff and students who choose to stop smoking. Details of this assistance can be obtained from the:

Medical Centres: 051-302873/845671Students Union: 051-302648/302275

Your Health:Stress

Stress can be broadly defined as the negative reactions people have to aspects of their environment and is interpreted by everyone differently. It occurs when an individual perceives an imbalance between the demands placed on them and their ability to cope. Work related stress is stress which is caused or made worse by working.

The main hazards resulting in workplace stress include poor working relationships, dull repetitive work, demanding tasks, poor communication, lack of control, bullying and harassment.

Employees should contact the HR Manager if they feel subject to work related stressors. An Employee Well-Being Programme (EWP) is available to all employees and their immediate family and is an independent confidential counselling, referral and support service enabling employees to discuss work or personal issues in confidence.

Students should contact their course leader, student counsellors or the chaplain for further information.

Your Health:Smoking

ALWAYS REMEMBER

39 40

Consultation:Consultation Procedures

Consultation:Safety Representatives

Consultation on health and safety is vital to ensure that health and safety is managed effectively. It helps promote a positive health and safety culture and ensures that everyone is given an opportunity to influence the health and safety policies that affect them.

All health and safety matters should be communicated through:

• YourManager/Supervisor• TheHealth&SafetyOfficer(Ext.5517,safety@wit.ie)• TheSafetyRepresentatives(safetyrep@wit.ie)• TheJointConsultativeCommitteeMembers(detailscan

beobtainedfromtheHealth&SafetyOfficerorWIT’swebsite)

Safety Representatives are appointed by employees to act on their behalf with the employer on health and safety matters.

A Safety Representative may consult with, and make representations to management on safety, health and welfare matters relating to the employees in the place of work. The intention of this consultation is to prevent accidents and ill health, to highlight problems and identify means of overcoming them.

The Institute’s Safety Representatives represent employees on all campuses and hold the position for a 3-year term.

Contact the Safety Reps by emailing:safetyrep@wit.ie

ALWAYS REMEMBER

41 42

Training:Contractor Induction Training

The Institute has introduced an online training programme for all our contractors and sub-contractors to ensure that the best practicable methods of compliance with health and safety legislation are achieved. The WIT Contractor Induction Training course must be completed by all contractors and sub-contractors working on WIT property. The training course will take approximately 20 minutes to complete and following successful completion of the course, contractors will receive a unique WIT SafetyPass. The WIT SafetyPass should be presented to your designated contact at the Institute and validated prior to commencing work on-site.

Each WIT SafetyPass is valid for 1 year. To access the course:

Log onto the WIT Learning Centre: www.witinduction.com and click Register Now.

Training:Health & Safety Training

Preventing accidents and ill health is a key priority for everyone at work. Providing health and safety instruction, information and training will help in this goal by ensuring that staff are competent to undertake the tasks assigned to them and by helping develop a positive health & safety culture.

Health and safety training is available to all staff in a wide variety of courses. In addition specialised training is available to staff who deal with emergency situations or for those who undertake high risk tasks.

All health and safety training is provided by competent approved training providers.

If you would like to participate in a training course please advise your Head of Department/Central Service Manager, the CPD Coordinator or contact the Health & Safety Office.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

Useful Websites• Health & Safety Authority (HSA): www.hsa.ie• National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO): www.niso.ie• Construction Industry Federation (CIF): www.cif.ie• Injuries Board: www.injuriesboard.ie• Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII): www.rpii.ie • National Employment Rights Authority (NERA): www.employmentrights.ie• Aware: www.aware.ie• Drink Aware: www.drinkaware.ie• Grow: www.grow.ie• Let Someone Know: www.letsomeoneknow.ie• Please Talk: www.pleasetalk.ie• Your Mental Health: www.yourmentalhealth.ie

Tel: (051) 845517Email: safety@wit.ieWeb: www.wit.ie

Tel: 1890 289 389 or (01) 6147000Email: wcu@hsa.ieWeb: www.hsa.ie

Additional InformationHEALTH & SAFETY OFFICE

HEALTH & SAFETY AUTHORITY (HSA)

Mary O’Doherty,Health & Safety Officer,WIT, Cork Road,Waterford.

Head Office,The Metropolitan Building,James Joyce Street,Dublin 1.

Notes

Health & Safety OfficeWaterford Institute of Technologyt: +353-51-845517e: safety@wit.ie

Waterford Institute of TechnologyCork Road, Waterford, Ireland.t: +353-51-302000w: www.wit.ie