Risk Management & Safety

Insurance Claim Filing

The investigation or settlement of claims against the university should not be undertaken by an individual, department, or other unit. If you become aware of a claim, or if someone presents a claim against the university, the claim should be referred to the Risk Management Office.

Under no circumstances should an individual, department, or other unit of the university pay money to settle a claim.

Insurance Requirements for Vendors & Contractors

The University requires a Certificate of Insurance from any vendor providing a service under contract with the University. It is the responsibility of departments to obtain certificates of insurance from all vendors/contractors who perform services on campus. A certificate is not a binding document. This certificate is proof that a person or company has insurance. It requires that notice be given to the certificate holder 30 days prior to the policy being canceled or amended. The certificate is an indication that a policy is in effect.

Bryant University should be named as an additional insured for General Liability and Umbrella Liability. The additional insured status should be noted on the certificate.

All contractors/vendors should have the following minimum insurance limits, unless approved in advance by the Director of Purchasing, Auxiliary Services, and Risk.

• Commercial General Liability – $1,000,000 per occurrence/$3,000,000 annual aggregate Products Liability – $1,000,000 per occurrence/$3,000,000 annual aggregate. (This is only needed if a product is being purchased by the university).
• Commercial Automobile Liability $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit
• Workers Compensation – Statutory
• Employers’ Liability – $1,000,000
• Umbrella Liability – $1,000,000 per occurrence

These are the most common insurance requirements requested by the university; however, other lines of insurance coverage may be required for certain types of exposure and limits of liability may vary depending on the type of contract.  Examples of other insurance that may be required are:

• Cyber/Data Breach (for any contract where a vendor has access to PII of students or employees): $1,000,000 per claim
• Professional Liability (Architects, Engineers, Healthcare are examples): $1,000,000 per claim/$3,000,000 annual aggregate
• Pollution Liability (for any contractor working with hazardous materials): $1,000,000 per claim/$3,000,000 annual aggregate

It is also recommended that insurance carriers have a minimum A.M. Best rating of A or better. Ratings indicate the size and financial stability of the insurance company. The agent shown on the certificate can provide you with information regarding these ratings.

Certificates of Insurance should be submitted via the Vendor COI Upload Form.

Automobile Liability and University Vehicle Use

Please reference the university’s fleet policy for info on university vehicle use and insurance. The policy can be found here: 

Certificate of Insurance Request

If a vendor requires a Bryant University certificate of insurance with the vendor named on the COI, users should submit a request using the “Certificate of Liability Insurance Request Form”. See link to form below under Documents and Forms.

If the vendor only requires a generic certificate of insurance showing Bryant’s insurance coverages, see link to “Bryant Certificate of Insurance (generic)” below under Documents and Forms.

Document Retention Policy

To be in alignment with industry best practices, the university has established a policy for document retention regarding insurance related documents. This retention policy aims to safeguard the university from claims that could be filed retroactively and ensures appropriate record keeping for insurance and legal matters.

Environmental Health and Safety

Bryant University is committed to protecting the health and safety of all members of the University community and our environment. The mission of the University's EHS Department is to:

• Provide facilities and operations that are safe and healthful;
• Strive to prevent all occupational injuries and illnesses by emphasizing safety management, education and training, and safe work practices;
• Comply with all applicable health, safety, and environmental laws and regulations;
• Minimize waste; and reuse/recycle material when it is economically and environmentally appropriate;
• Ensure that health, safety and environmental protection is a principle consideration in the design, construction, and renovation of all buildings and facilities; and,
• Be open and communicate broadly our health, safety, and environmental activities and performance.

All members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, and contractors, are expected to be cognizant of, and conform with, University policies and procedures and share the responsibility for minimizing risks to health, safety and the environment.

Faculty and supervisory staff must ensure that employees and students work in a safe, healthful, and environmentally responsible manner while also complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and University policies and procedures. 

EHS Programs

Students

Employees

Science Laboratories

Facilities Departments