Personnel
Work Placements, Field Trips & International Travel
Work Placements, Field Trips & International Travel
Students on Placements
University of Worcester like all other employers has a statutory duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees. The University also has a responsibility to manage its business so as to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of non-employees, which will include students. The University also has a responsibility to the staff and customers of the placement provider, for example not to place a student who is known to present a danger to them.
The legal situation would appear to be, although this has never been tested in court, is that University of Worcester has some responsibility for the health and safety of students whilst on placement. It may even be the case that students remain University of Worcester’s responsibility, even though the institution may have no control over the student’s activities on placement.
The placement provider, under the Health and Safety legislation, has to do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the safety of their employees and others who may be put at risk (e.g. students on placement). Visiting tutors must comply with good health and safety practice on visit to the student and the placement. They must also respond to information and take such action as would be appropriate to ensure a student’s safety whilst on placement. Students themselves have a responsibility to take care of their own health and safety and that of their colleagues.
Responsibilities and Requirements of University of Worcester Departments
- There should be clear written information and guidelines on the placement for both providers and students.
- The department should notify the student in writing of the academic and welfare support services that are available whilst on placement.
- There should be an identified point of contact at the University for students whilst they are away on placement.
- There should be an identified point of contact at the University for the placement provider.
- Legal, financial and health and safety responsibilities should be documented and copies kept within the department. These may be covered as part of a major contract for placements e.g. nursing and midwifery.
- There should be a written agreement between the placement provider and University of Worcester which confirms the placement.
Responsibilities and Requirements of the Placement Provider
- These should be explicit, clear and available in written format.
- Health and safety and insurance matters should be covered.
- Placement providers and students should have a copy of these.
Responsibilities and Requirements of the Student
- These should be explicit, clear and available in written format.
- Students should prepare themselves adequately for the placement and ensure that they are aware of ethical and health and safety issues involved in the placement.
- Students and placement providers should have a copy of these.
Work Placement Providers Health & Safety Questionnaire
UCEA Health and Safety Guidance for the placement of Higher Education students
Guidance on Work & Travel Abroad
This guidance is for all employees of University of Worcester likely to travel and or work overseas on behalf of the University. Where applicable, it should also be given to members of the student body.
Overseas Travel Risk Assessment