FOREWORD
The Department of Pathology recognizes that occupational safety and health is integral to our research, education, and clinical services, and is a top priority for all staff, students, contractors and visitors at departmental workplaces. Our safety policy and practices are aligned with the stringent guidelines and accreditation requirements of the NUS Office of Risk Management and Compliance (ORMC). We are committed to maintaining a robust system that supports excellence in education, research, and clinical services, upholding the highest standards of Safety and Health (S&H) in line with NUS vision of being a leading global university shaping the future.
The Department of Pathology is committed to fostering a positive, safe and healthy culture within the department, and to ensuring that all staff, students, visitors, and contractors comply with departmental guidelines and applicable government legislations.
Safety and Health Policy Statements
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Safety and Health Management System
The department has established guidelines and management strategies to proactively identify, assess, and control Safety & Health (S&H) hazards. This is to prevent accidents and injuries, and to enhance the physical and psychological wellbeing of our staff and students. - Safety and Health Roles and Responsibilities
All staff, students, visitors and contractors are responsible for complying with the Department S&H Policy, applicable guidelines and required training. The accountability for S&H begins with the Head of Department/Safety Officer and extends through the Deputy Safety Officer, Safety Coordinators, Department Safety Committee members and all staff. We work collaboratively to continually improve the Department S&H performance. All Principal Investigators (PIs) and Section Supervisors must ensure a safe work environment for their staff.
- Legal Compliance
The Department fully complies with all legislation, guidelines and standards set by the Government, NUS ORMC and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
- Safety training
The Department will provide adequate and appropriate safety training for all staff, students and visitors as stipulated by NUS ORMC and department guidelines. Training may include safety induction programs, department orientation, e-learning, on-the-job training, and task-based competency assessments, where applicable.
- Risk Assessments
The Department will proactively conduct risk assessments for all research, education, clinical and administrative work. Risk assessments must be conducted before the commencement of any task and will be reviewed whenever there is a change in the procedure, any incidents/accident or at least once every two years - whichever occurs first.
- Accident and Incident Reporting
All accidents/ incidents and near-misses must be reported and investigated. Prompt and appropriate corrective measures will be implemented in accordance with recommendations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Annual reviews will be conducted to monitor incident frequency and address root causes to prevent recurrence.
- Communication
Policies shall be communicated to all members of the Department. Safety updates will be shared through safety notice boards, email communications, safety orientations and regular meetings. Staff may also raise concerns or provide feedback through their safety leads or by emailing the Department Safety and Health Management Committee (DSHMC).
- Review and Continuous Improvement
The Department will continuously improve its safety performance through regular reviews of policy, guidelines and control measures. Measurable targets shall be set and periodically reviewed. Annual safety inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance.
The S&H Management System will also be reviewed yearly to ensure the highest standards are maintained.
A/Prof Victor Lee
Head of Department
Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
National University of Singapore