Occupational Health and Safety Policy - Policy 000241

1. Introduction

The University of Newcastle and its senior management are committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of the working environment for its staff, students, contractors and visitors. As a consequence of this the University encourages all members of the University community to regard accident prevention and working safely as a collective and individual responsibility.

2. Commitment

The University recognises its corporate responsibility under the NSW OH&S Act (2000) and associated legislation. Managers and supervising academics have a key responsibility with regard to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of staff, students, contractors and visitors. In fulfilling this responsibility, managers have a duty to provide and maintain so far as practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risks to health. The University is therefore committed to:

Undertaking risk management activities to adequately manage risks to persons in the work environment, including review of changes to work methods and practices;
Compliance with all relevant legislation standards, and other requirements to which the university subscribes;
Ensuring that plant, equipment and substances are safe and without risk to health when used in accordance with standard operating procedures;
Providing, monitoring and maintaining systems for the safe use, handling, storage and transportation of plant, equipment and substances;
Maintaining safe systems of work, the work premises and the work environment, including systems to adequately manage emergency response;
Providing adequate facilities to protect the welfare of all employees;
Providing appropriate OH&S training to all employees;
Providing information and supervision for all staff and students enabling them to work and study in a safe and healthy manner;
Consultation with all University employees and contractors to enhance the effectiveness of the OH&S Management System;
Providing adequate resources, including finances, to facilitate the fulfilment of the University’s OH&S responsibilities;
Regular review and evaluation of Health and Safety Management systems including audits and workplace inspections;
The establishment of measurable objectives and targets to ensure continued improvement aimed at elimination of work-related injury and illness.

3. Responsibility and Accountability

The Vice Chancellor has ultimate responsibility for the implementation and review of the University OH&S policy, and delegation of OH&S management responsibilities. In fulfilling the objectives of this policy, management is committed to regular consultation with staff to ensure that the policy operates effectively and that health and safety issues are regularly reviewed.

In this regard, Academic and Administrative managers are responsible and accountable for day-to-day OH&S within their areas of responsibility, and have the authority to fulfil those responsibilities. The Health and Safety unit is available to consult and advise regarding specific OH&S matters and to assist with the development and implementation of OH&S system procedures and programs. The OH&S responsibilities of management at all levels, staff, students and contractors, are detailed further in the document 'Roles & Responsibilities for OH&S'.

4. Managers and Supervisors (including academics supervising students)

Are responsible for the effective implementation and regular review of this OH&S policy;
Must observe, implement and fulfil responsibilities under the Acts and Regulations which apply to OH&S within the University environment, and will endeavour to comply with Australian Standards and approved NSW Codes of Practice;
Must ensure that the agreed procedures for regular consultation between management and those with designated and elected OH&S responsibilities are followed;
Are responsible for ensuring that the University OH&S management system is implemented, effective and consistent with the University's objectives;
Must ensure that all significant risks associated with hazards in their operations are identified, controlled, registered and reviewed in consultation with employees;
Must ensure all incidents within their area of control are reported and investigated, and basic causes and control strategies identified.

5. Staff and Students

Are required to take reasonable care of themselves and others in the workplace;
Have a responsibility to actively participate in the program;
Have a responsibility to comply with relevant University OH&S management system policies, procedures and programs, as appropriate;
Must not bypass or misuse systems or equipment provided for OH&S purposes;
Must report any unsafe conditions that come to their attention.

6. OH&S Committee

Is consulted regarding the University OH&S Management system, including policy, procedure, and program review and implementation.

7. Contractors and Sub-Contractors

Are required to comply with the OH&S policies, procedures and programs of the University;
Must observe directions on health and safety from designated officers of the university.

8. Review

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be identified and targets set to monitor and improve overall OH&S performance. This policy will be regularly reviewed as required by legislation and organisational changes or, as a minimum, every 2 years.