Insurance and Risk Management
The Department of EHS & RM is tasked with implementing health and safety measures and with making contingency plans to limit risks and prepare for when things go wrong. We conduct policy audits and enforce compliance to standards, serve as liaisons with auditors; and provide support, education and training to faculty, students and staff to build risk awareness.
Risk Management is defined as the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential loss exposures arising from operational factors, and making decisions about balancing the cost of risks with our University's mission. Risk management also includes the prevention of injuries on campus, and prevention of property damage.
- Risk assessment involves analyzing risks as well as identifying, describing and estimating the risks affecting the University.
- Risk evaluation involves comparing estimated risks with criteria established by the University such as costs, legal requirements and environmental factors, and evaluating the University's previous handling of risks, establishing and quantifying the level of risk the University is prepared to accept.
- Risk reporting is accomplished in different ways for different audiences (for example, to the Minnesota State board so they understand the most significant risks; to college deans and/or vice presidents to ensure they are aware of risks relevant to their college/division; and to individuals to ensure they understand their accountability for individual risks).
Are you, or is your department hosting an event/activity on campus?
All University employees must manage the risks associated with their department's/division's operations to avoid unnecessary costs and liabilities.
Because voluntary participation in various activities on campus involves the risk of personal injury or damage to property, it is important for participants to know they voluntarily and knowingly assume all risks associated with such physical activities, be they recreational, academic and/or team-building in nature. Event hosts/organizers are required to complete an Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability, Indemnification and Release (Microsoft Word document) prior to the event. Following the instructions carefully, complete the Assumption of Risk waiver 8-10 business days prior to your event, and send it to the Department of EHS & RM, 111 Wiecking Center.
