I am not sure it is appropriate for a h&s policy, which has a legal standing, to include responsibilities for pupils who have no legal duty within that policy. I think it is good practice for pupils to understand their personal responsibilities for themselves and others. Therefore, could this not be articulated in some other form of documentation?

Hmmm... If this were a "regular" workplace, rather than a school, would we be concerned if there was a statement outlining what we expect of visitors? They're not employees either. Clukes doesn't tell us the age of the pupils - which I think is relevant - but assuming secondary or older, I think to be able to point to something in a legal document which outlines what's expected of them is part of their preparation for the world of work. The wording supplied says "pupils are expected..." rather than "pupils have a responsibility to...", and as long as this expectation is backed up in other documents - like a code of conduct - then I think it's perfectly fair to have it in the school H&S policy. The only thing I might change is to add "...and this expectation is outlined in the school rules / code of conduct / whatever". The whole section is then clearly a statement about an important part of the arrangements for Health and Safety in the school.

I don't know fancy someone suggesting that pupils can be held responsible for anything. You can't hold pupils responsible for thier own behaviour. When a pupil mis-behaves it is down to the parents or the teacher winding them up by asking them to stop doing something. So if they were held responsible for thier own safety or the safety of others by 'thier' actions there would be an outcry. even those pupils who are in the old 5th year, year something or other in todays talk, cannot be held responsible and they are nearly ready for work.

I was, and couldn't sit down afterwards!

No one is saying that pupils should not be accountable for their actions - just don't put it in the h&s policy and use other mediums to convey the message.

Hi all thanks for the considered responses. This is a secondary school so the pupils are of an age up to starting work and my thoughts mirror Paul Duells in that it may help them in preparing for work. Maybe a rider stating this is an expectation is a good idea that will appease those who get scared when something outside the box is included. The pupils are what the school is all about, so I just thought what a strong message to include such a commitment. Steve pupils would be made aware of the contents of the policy in relation to what is relevant to them.