Health and safety
Health and Safety
The University takes health and safety seriously therefore we take certain measures to ensure that we exercise our duty of care when students are on placement.
The Engineering Department health and safety process for students is:
- On arrival at the Department, all students are given a briefing by the Health and Safety Officer regarding the potential hazards and dangers within the Department. Emphasis is given during the talk that these hazards and dangers also exist outside the Department. Students in Year Two will be given a refresher.
- Students complete a risk assessment form prior to going on a placement. This must be completed by undergraduates who will be working away from the University of Cambridge. If you are undertaking a placement to meet the Industrial Experience requirement, a risk assessment must be completed.
The form should be submitted in advance of the activity and resubmitted if there are any changes to plans following submission of the form.
All students undertaking a placement to meet the course requirements will be issued with a report template which contains information on health and safety, a checklist and a letter for any prospective employer outlining our responsibilities.
The Department of Engineering employs a full time Health and Safety Officer who can advise on any matters relating to health and safety. Should you need any specific help or advice, please be in touch.
In the UK any organisation over five people is legally required to register with the Health and Safety Executive and they are subject to the possibility of inspection. Employers and Public Liability Insurance is compulsory and the certificates must be publicly displayed. Copies of the Department's policies are located in several public areas. If you are in any doubt as to whether the company has insurance or not, ask to see the certificates.
Students working abroad are subject to the health and safety policies of each different country and these will vary accordingly.
Insurance
The host organisation has a legal duty of care to look after students on placement. There are no special insurances required to host a student but it is expected that the company will be registered with the FCA and have Employer Liability and Public Liability (as is standard practice for UK businesses) or the equivalent if in another country.