The promotion of a safe and healthy working environment for the entire academic community is one of UMinho’s key priorities.
Accordingly, the University maintains a proactive approach to occupational health and safety, with a strong focus on risk prevention, continuous improvement, and emergency preparedness. Through the implementation of preventive measures and effective emergency response procedures, UMinho seeks to minimise occupational risks and prevent workplace accidents and incidents.
An occupational risk is the possibility that a worker may suffer injury, illness or other adverse effects as a result of their work activities.
Effective workplace safety depends on the identification, assessment and control of risks, together with the implementation of suitable preventive and protective measures. Ensuring that all workers are aware of potential hazards and adequately protected is fundamental to the prevention of occupational accidents and work-related health risks.
In the area of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE), UMinho has established requirements and procedures applicable to the entire academic community and to all external organisations, contractors and service providers undertaking activities on University premises.
These requirements are designed to ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental standards, minimise occupational risks, and safeguard the wellbeing of all persons involved in or affected by such activities.
Emergency management on UMinho premises involves the coordinated management of risks throughout all phases of an emergency: preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.