Safety health checks: A snapshot of your department's culture

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What is a Safety Health Check?

The Safety Health Check is a tool used to assess the overall safety culture of departments across UCL.  It involves a series of nine questions designed to gauge the experiences of Safety Advisors as they move around the campus. 

The results of the Safety Health Checks are shared with the respective department to facilitate targeted action.  By addressing the identified areas for improvement, departments can take proactive steps to enhance their safety culture and reduce the risk of accidents.

Recent findings

While many departments have demonstrated positive safety practices, the most common non-conformance we have observed is in the area of housekeeping.  This includes maintaining clean and organised workspaces, proper disposal of waste and addressing potential hazards such as spills or clutter.

Over the past six months (April to September), we conducted 81 Safety Health Checks. Of these, 16 non-conformances were recorded against housekeeping, representing approximately 20% of all non-conformances.

Why is housekeeping so important?

Cluttered and untidy workspaces can pose serious safety hazards.  Tripping hazards, blocked exits, and accumulation of waste can increase the risk of accidents.  Food leftovers will attract flies and mice.

In laboratories, where hazardous materials and equipment are common, good housekeeping can prevent spills, contamination, and other dangerous incidents.  In offices, keeping walkways clear and ensuring that electrical cords are properly managed can prevent trips and falls.

Tips for improvement

Here are some tips to help your department address housekeeping issues and improve its safety score:

• Clear walkways: Ensure walkways are free of obstacles and clutter.
• Material and equipment storage: Store materials and equipment in designated areas to prevent tripping hazards.
• Spill response: Have a plan in place for promptly cleaning up spills to minimise the risk of slips and falls.
• Hazard reporting: Educate people about the importance of good housekeeping and encourage them to report any potential hazards, such as spills or broken equipment.

Where can I get further information?

> Read about cleaning services at UCL
> Waste, reuse and recycling services at UCL
> Submit a cleaning request via MyCampus

Want to learn more about Safety Health Checks or discuss specific concerns? Please contact us.

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