Plenary day for prevention assistants
On Monday, November 20, 2023, the University of Montpellier held a plenary meeting for its prevention assistants. This meeting promotes dialogue between those involved in prevention at the University of Montpellier and fosters a network that is essential to the effective functioning of our prevention system.
At the university, each structure, department, and division has its own prevention officer. There are a total of 215 officers attached to their respective unit directors, including 170 UM agents and 45 partner agents (CNRS, Inserm, School of Chemistry, IRD, UPVM, etc.).
An indispensable role
From storing hazardous products in laboratories to providing disinfectant equipment, and from workplace layout issues to recurring elevator malfunctions, the tasks of prevention assistants are varied and depend greatly on the structures in which they work. As the primary point of contact for employees, they also make proposals to improve working conditions, anticipate potential obstacles and hazards, and provide solutions.
Conversations with experts
During this plenary session, all 215 employees had the opportunity to listen to and engage in dialogue with a number of experts, including: Valérie Bultel, secretary of the specialized training program in health, safety, and working conditions (F3SCT); Colonel Roland Huon, UM safety and security advisor; Estelle Seidowsky, UM prevention doctor; and Ali Caliskan from Asecos, a company specializing in the manufacture of fireproof safety cabinets for the storage of flammable products and gas cylinders.
The afternoons were devoted to visits: the Jardin des Plantes with head gardener Emmanuel Spicq, and the historic medicine building with Caroline Ducourau, director of scientific culture and historical heritage, and Marie-Angéline Pinail, collections manager.