SAFETY CULTURE AND WAY FORWARD:

A CASE OF STUDY
OF
UNIVERSITY OF UYO

BY

MR. ITA U. BENSON

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 INTRODUCTION
As an institution of higher learning, the University of Uyo has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy
environment for its students, staff, and faculty members.

A positive safety culture is essential for preventing accidents, ensuring compliance with regulations, and
promoting a culture of responsibility and accountability. However, maintaining a strong safety culture
requires continuous effort and improvement.

This presentation explores the current state of safety culture at the University of Uyo, identifying strengths
and areas for improvement. Through a comprehensive analysis, we will examine the existing safety
policies, procedures, and practices, as well as the challenges and opportunities for growth.

Most importantly, we will outline a way forward, proposing practical strategies and recommendations for
enhancing safety culture and ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for our academic community.
Let's work together to create a culture of safety and well-being at the University of Uyo.
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OVERVIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY CULTURE IN ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS

A positive safety culture promotes a proactive and preventative approach to identifying and mitigating
hazards, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
This leads to:
Reduced injuries and illnesses

Minimized property damage and financial losses

Enhanced reputation and credibility

Increased student and staff engagement and productivity

Improved compliance with regulations and standards

Support for academic excellence and innovation

By prioritizing safety culture, academic institutions demonstrate their commitment to the welfare and
success of their community members, creating an environment conducive to learning, growth, and
achievement. 3
THESIS STATEMENT

"This study examines the current state of safety culture at the

University of Uyo, identifying gaps in policy, practice, and

perception, and proposes a multifaceted approach to

improvement, including enhanced training and awareness

programs, incident reporting and analysis, and stakeholder

engagement, to foster a proactive and inclusive safety culture

that prioritizes the well-being of students, staff, and faculty, and

promotes a safe and healthy academic environment."

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CURRENT STATE OF SAFETY CULTURE AT UNIVERSITY OF UYO
The University of Uyo, has a developing safety culture, with a mix of strengths and weaknesses.

While the institution has established some safety policies and procedures, their effectiveness is hindered by inadequate

awareness, poor implementation, and limited resources.

Existing Safety Policies and Procedures

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Summary of Existing Safety Policies and Procedures

Emergency
General Safety Response Laboratory
Plan Safety
Policy Guidelines
(Fire, First Aid,
Evacuation)

o Security Protocols (campus access, surveillance)

o Incident Reporting Forms

o Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines

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CHALLENGES TO SAFETY CULTURE

Despite the importance of safety culture, several barriers hinder its development and effectiveness at the
University of Uyo.
Some of the key challenges include:
- Lack of resources: Limited funding and infrastructure hinder the implementation of safety measures and
emergency response plans.
- Inadequate training: Insufficient safety training and awareness programs for students, staff, and faculty
members lead to a lack of understanding and engagement.
- Poor communication: Ineffective communication channels and inadequate reporting systems prevent
timely response and resolution of safety incidents.
- Limited stakeholder engagement: Inadequate involvement of students, staff, and faculty members in
safety decision-making and initiatives.
- Cultural and attitude barriers: Complacency, lack of accountability, and prioritization of academic goals
over safety concerns.

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BEST PRACTICES IN SAFETY CULTURE

- Set a Clear Safety Culture Vision and Strategy

- Define, Work and Measure a Safety Process and Culture within the Institution
- Ensure Multi-Level Leadership Drive
- Establish Clear Roles, Targets, and Accountability
- Design Consistent and Preventative Processes, Integrated and Aligned with Academic Processes and Goals
- Focus on Innovative Performance, Leading Indicators and Metrics
- System-based Root Cause Analysis

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Here are some successful safety initiatives from other academic institutions:

- Regular training sessions

- Online exam sessions
- Webinars to provide an overview of ISO 45001
- Illustration of some of the main challenges that Institutions face in regards to this
standard

Here are some international best practices and standards

- ISO 45001:2018 - OHSAS 18001

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WAY FORWARD
Recommendations for Improving Safety Culture at University of Uyo
1. Regular Training and Awareness Programs:
- Conduct regular safety training sessions for students, staff, and faculty members.
- Organize workshops and seminars on specific safety topics, such as laboratory safety, fire safety, and
emergency response.
- Develop online safety courses and modules for easy access.
2. Incident Reporting Systems:
- Establish a robust incident reporting system for reporting safety incidents, near-misses, and hazards.
- Ensure easy accessibility and anonymity for reporting incidents.
- Develop a clear investigation and response protocol.
3. Student and Staff Engagement:
- Form a Safety Ambassador Program, involving students and staff in safety promotion and awareness.
- Establish a Safety Committee, representing various departments and faculties.
- Organize safety campaigns, competitions, and events to encourage participation and engagement
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.4. Safety Policy and Procedure Review:
- Review and update safety policies and procedures regularly.
- Ensure clear communication and accessibility of safety information.

5. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment:

- Conduct regular hazard identification and risk assessments.
- Develop and implement control measures to mitigate identified risks.

6. Emergency Preparedness and Response:

- Develop and regularly update emergency response plans.
- Conduct regular drills and exercises to ensure preparedness.

7. Collaboration and Partnerships:

- Foster partnerships with local emergency services and safety organizations.
- Collaborate with other academic institutions to share best practices and expertise.

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PROPOSED STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING STUDENT AND STAFF ENGAGEMENT

1. Incentivize Safety Participation: Offer rewards or recognition for reporting incidents,

participating in safety training, or contributing to safety initiatives.
2. Safety Champions: Appoint safety champions among students and staff to promote safety and
encourage peers to get involved.
3. Safety Week: Organize an annual Safety Week with events, workshops, and activities to raise
awareness and promote safety culture.
4. Student-Led Safety Initiatives: Encourage student-led safety initiatives, such as safety clubs
or organizations, to promote ownership and engagement.

By implementing these recommendations and strategies, the University of Uyo can enhance its
safety culture, increase student and staff engagement, and provide a safer and healthier
environment for academic pursuits.

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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Timeline:

❑ Month 1-2: Establish Safety Committee and conduct stakeholder analysis

❑ Month 3-4: Develop and implement safety training programs for students, staff, and faculty

❑ Month 5-6: Establish incident reporting system and conduct hazard identification and risk assessment

❑ Month 7-8: Develop and implement emergency response plans and conduct drills

❑ Month 9-10: Review and update safety policies and procedures

❑ Month 11-12: Launch safety awareness campaigns and initiatives

❑ Month 13-14: Evaluate and monitor progress, adjust strategies as needed

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STUDENTS SAFETY COMMITTEE STAFF

• Participate in safety training and • Develop and • Attend safety training and awareness
awareness programs implement safety programs
• Report incidents and hazards strategies • Implement safety policies and
• Join Safety Ambassadors Program procedures
• Conduct hazard
• Report incidents and hazards
identification and
FACULTY risk assessment MANAGEMENT
• Incorporate safety into curriculum • Provide resources and support for safety
• Review and
and research initiatives
update safety
• Participate in safety training and • Establish and chair Safety Committee
policies and
awareness programs • Review and update safety policies and
procedures
• Report incidents and hazards procedures
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CONCLUSION

In conclusion, fostering a robust safety culture is crucial for the well-being of the University of Uyo

community. This case study has highlighted the importance of safety culture, identified areas for

improvement, and proposed strategies for enhancing safety practices.

Key points include:-

• Safety culture is a shared responsibility among students, staff, faculty, and management.

• Regular training and awareness programs are essential for promoting safety knowledge and behaviors.

Incident reporting systems and hazard identification are critical for identifying and mitigating risks.

Emergency response plans and drills ensure preparedness in the event of an incident.

• Continuous evaluation and monitoring are necessary for sustaining a safety culture.

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LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO FOSTER A SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY AT UNIVERSITY OF
UYO! WE CALL ON STUDENTS, STAFF, FACULTY, AND MANAGEMENT TO:

Embrace safety as a shared responsibility

Participate in safety training and awareness programs

Report incidents and hazards

Support safety initiatives and campaigns

Collaborate to create a safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of all community members

Together, we can create a safe and healthy environment that supports

academic excellence, innovation, and growth.
Let's unite to make safety a core value at University of Uyo!
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