6  Health and Safety

6.1 Liability for accidents for third party

When on placement, students are acting under the direction of the placement provider where work is being carried out. Arising from that relationship, such an agency would be liable for any accident caused by a student within it.

It is recognised that it may not always be possible to arrange placements with agencies who have the resources that enable them to be adequately insured and that, because of the nature of the work in agencies, students may have to use their own initiative in dealing with unexpected situations.

If an accident arises in such circumstances and it can be proved that the body responsible for the agency is not liable, the student involved might be relieved by the University of that liability, but only to the extent that it would have been covered by commercial insurance.

Notwithstanding these provisions, students are required to exercise due care and diligence in carrying out their duties and can be held personally responsible for any accidents resulting from any wilful or reckless act.

6.2 Injuries sustained by students

The University may be liable for injuries suffered by students when on duty. Duty includes work at the placement provider, but not travelling to or from the provider. The University has no liability for loss or damage to a student’s property including a motor vehicle used when travelling to and from an agency or when parked. Students should arrange for appropriate insurance cover.