Health And Well-Being

INTRODUCTION AND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

The aim of this report is to look at what Rhodes, in terms of policies, procedures and programmes, offers the staff and students as regards to their well-being, that is, their health and safety. These programmes, policies and procedures must be looked at in light of legislative framework.

Firstly, in the making of programmes, policies and procedures, the Constitution must be at all times kept in mind, most especially the Bill of Rights. This is because the Constitution is the supreme law, and any conduct inconsistent with it is invalid. The Bill of Rights ensures that any policies enacted by the University will not infringe upon the basic human rights of any person, nor can it discriminate against any person.

Secondly, there are legislative acts which have been passed with which the University must comply. The first of these is the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, which provides for the health and safety of persons at work and for the health and safety of persons in connection with the use of plant and machinery; the protection of persons other than persons at work against hazards to health and safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work; to establish an advisory council for occupational health and safety; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

The second is the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993 which provides for compensation for disablement caused by occupational injuries or diseases sustained or contracted by employees in the course of their employment, or for death resulting from such injuries or diseases; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

The report will look at to what extent these programmes, policies and procedures have adhered to the legislative framework, as well as their scope and quality. In the instances where the programmes, policies and procedures are found lacking, recommendations and improved programmes, policies and procedures will be made.

SAFETY

The first area to be looked at will be safety at Rhodes. Rhodes' main programme in relation to the safety and security of its students is the Campus Protection Unit (CPU).

The core objectives of the CPU are:

* To satisfy the needs of staff, students and parents for a safe and secure environment for academic studies and activities thereby enhancing the quality of the Rhodes experience.

* To contribute to the overall purpose of Rhodes as a provider of life skills by educating people in proactive measures to reduce security and safety hazards.

* To strive to earn the respect and confidence of the Rhodes community by projecting an image of courtesy, concern and competence and by providing a quick and knowledgeable response to emergency situations.

The team includes CPU and Hi-Tec guards and operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The team also includes a number of students who assist on the CPU Help desk and provide additional security bicycle patrols at night.

The main problem of the CPU guards is their accessibility. Granted, there are established paths (the Blue and Green routes) which are routinely patrolled, but these only cover a certain part of campus. Students have the option of asking for an escort home, but it also takes these escorts a while (about twenty minutes)