Appendix A9.17
Policy on health and safety for disabled people
We will treat all disabled employees, students, contractors, workers and visitors with respect and dignity, both in the provision of a safe working environment and in helping them gain access to our facilities. We recognise that a workplace which is accessible and safe for people with disabilities, is also safer and more accessible for all.
1. Our commitment to disabled people
We aim to do this by ensuring:
- the health and safety of disabled people is fully considered and given a high priority
- health and safety procedures, as far as reasonably practical, assists the employment of disabled people
- health and safety policies and guidance treats everyone with dignity and respect, avoiding direct or indirect discrimination
- reasonable adjustments are made to the work of disabled people to assist their selection or continuation in employment
- sensitive and timely risk assessments are produced which ensure that the level of risk for disabled people is comparable to other staff conducting similar work
- you are involved in helping us understand the effects on workplace health and safety of your disability or long term health condition
- Health and Safety Advisers and HR Managers coordinate their activities to ensure that all aspects are covered
- consent is sought from a disabled individual before contacting their doctor or specialist consultant for advice on options for workplace adjustments
2. Your commitment
There is no legal requirement on anyone to disclose a disability. All disabled people have a right to confidentiality. However, if you have a disability or long term health issue, you should tell us about it so that you can:
- work with us on any "reasonable adjustments" that may be needed
- assist in producing a risk assessment, if necessary
3. Occupational health
The Occupational Health Advisor will provide a confidential service to anyone who wishes to discuss a known or potential disability i.e. a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities.
4. Disabled person's risk assessment
A specific risk assessment will be completed, when necessary, to consider any additional or increased risk resulting from a disability. The risk assessment will describe further precautions that may be appropriate and these precautions may form part of the reasonable adjustments for a disabled person. These additional precautions may also impact on staff who work with a disabled person. For all new disabled staff, the risk assessment will be completed as part of the recruitment process. In certain circumstances, we may also need to develop a personal emergency evacuation plan.
The risk assessment and emergency plan will involve the disabled person and their supervisor or colleagues and will not rely on assumptions. Other specialist staff should be involved as needed e.g. Occupational Health Advisor, Health and Safety Advisor, Disability Employment Advisor, Estates Building Supervisor etc. All risk assessments and emergency plans will be periodically reviewed, particularly when there has been a change in the persons health condition.
Last updated 19/10/2012
Amendment 147 - October 2012