Work Environment Policy at the University of Borås, Reg. 734-17
 
The goal is for the University of Borås to be an attractive employer and a first choice when prospective students apply to educational programmes. The university is characterised by openness, curiosity, creativity and flexibility.
 
This policy is based on the Work Environment Act, the Swedish Work Environment Authority's regulations, and the Discrimination Act. It forms the basis for the development of university-wide goals for work environment efforts and the annual action plan, as well as specific local goals and action plans adapted to each Faculty /Department.
 
The work environment is to be developed in such a way as to create the conditions for job satisfaction, development opportunities, good health, safety, and security and to combat ill health due to organisational and social conditions for both employees and students. Work and study conditions should, as far as possible, be adapted to people’s different physical and psychological conditions and take into account the idea that everyone should be able to participate with equal opportunities. A good physical and psychosocial work environment is a prerequisite for everyone to feel well-being and job satisfaction and thus be able to achieve good results in work and studies.
 
In the university's work environment efforts, legal requirements and other requirements are considered to constitute a minimum level goal and our work is to focus on continuous improvement. Work environment efforts are to be a natural part of day-to-day operations and are to be carried out proactively and systematically in order to prevent ill health, risks, and accidents. To clarify how well the work environment efforts are working, health and safety inspections and a larger employee and student survey are to be carried out at regular intervals.
 
The employer has the primary responsibility for the work environment and the managers are the representatives in this area. Before work environment responsibilities are given to managers, they must have completed work environment training. The employer is to ensure that the conditions are in place to put this knowledge into practice. Employees and students are represented by safety representatives, but everyone is obliged to actively participate in the systematic work environment efforts and to take responsibility for drawing attention to risks and shortcomings. Each manager, employee, and student is to take personal responsibility for the shared work environment and set an example in order to contribute to a positive work setting.
 
Please note: This document has been translated from Swedish into English. If the English version differs from the original, the Swedish version takes precedence.