24 August 2009 Lincoln University takes 'total wellbeing' approach to Health and Safety

 

 

"Lincoln University is a specialist land-based university supporting education and research focused on New Zealand's vital land-based primary industries. While our focus is on the land, it is our people, the staff and students, who breathe life into the University.

 

"I am tremendously proud of the commitment from everyone to making sure that we can all contribute to the University's mission in a safe and healthy working environment," says Adrian.

 

"Through a Health and Safety management system endorsed at the top - by the University's governing body, the Lincoln University Council - Lincoln pursues a proactive approach to Health and Safety throughout its 54-hectare campus and associated properties.

 

"Lincoln University does not view Health and Safety as a separate component of campus life, something to be pulled out and activated only when needed. On the contrary, it is always there as an integral part of all the University's operations.

 

"Health and Safety at Lincoln University is viewed holistically, with an emphasis on total wellbeing. A safe and healthy working environment is an absolute precondition for happy and contented staff and students. To this end, a Wellness Programme for Lincoln University staff has been developed and successfully trialled. Not only have there been encouraging results for individuals' physical and mental wellbeing but positive indications of employee engagement and job satisfaction are also evident through the programme.

 

Lincoln University continues to excel in all of the Health and Safety audit processes such as maintaining Tertiary WSMP accreditation, certified (through MAF) Quarantine and
Containment facilities, radiation safety audits and building compliance checks. This success is underpinned by a robust Health and Safety infrastructure with central and area Health and Safety Committees and an Institutional Bio-Safety Committee, together with a strong commitment to Health and Safety by the Vice-Chancellor, senior managers and other staff.

 

"I would suggest that we have exceeded 'best practice' in a lot of areas," says Adrian.

Lincoln University's new School of Landscape Architecture building is an example of a facility in which Health and Safety features were incorporated as part of the Health and
Safety consultation process. One particularly striking element is the timber shuttering on the north side which is at angles to maximise the amount of sunlight coming into the building in winter, thus assisting warmth and working comfort, but also set to deflect undue sunlight penetration and associated discomfort in summer.

 

"By building Health and Safety awareness into campus life we believe we are providing a safe and healthy environment. This allows everyone to maximise their potential and achieve their goals knowing that there is a rigorous Health and Safety system in place.

 

"The University is delighted that for the second year in a row it is a finalist in the ACC Workplace Safety Category of the Champion Canterbury Awards.

 

"Lincoln University regards its staff and students as its prime assets and being a finalist in this event is a fine way of acknowledging everyone's efforts in ensuring Health and Safety on the campus."