Hazards, incidents and injuries
Injuries and illnesses are preventable, our process for preventing injuries and illnesses involves:
- identifying and managing health and safety risks
- reporting when a hazard, near miss (an incident that could have resulted in injury, illness or danger to health) or injury occurs to ensure an investigation is completed and action is taken to eliminate the chance of injury or reoccurrence and to make our workplace safe.
Reporting incidents is required under NSW Work Health and Safety legislation. Click here for more information about reporting work place incidents and injuries. The University's Certificates of Currency are listed under Resources at the bottom of the page.
It is the responsibility of the person involved in the incident, or the person who identified the hazard to use the online incident reporting system to report hazards, near misses or injuries. This system ensures the people responsible receive notification quickly so that an investigation can be completed and action taken to reduce the risk. The Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team are also notified so they can follow up and provide assistance when required.
Information for students
It is also important for students to report injuries, illnesses, hazards and near misses as soon as possible. Students can access AIMS to log a health and safety incident report. Alternatively, email the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team at healthandsafety@newcastle.edu.au or call 4033 9999 and select number 5 for assistance and support. Further information about Student Health and Safety can be found here.
Log an incident report online
Non-work related illnesses and injuries
There is a range of support available if you have a non-work related illness or injury that impacts on your ability to carry out the inherent requirements of your role. Please see the Health and Safety Guideline (HSG) 5.5: Non-workers compensation illnesses and injuries for full details.
- Talk to your Supervisor about your illness or injury and how it is impacted by the regular work environment or substantive duties.
- Contact Sarah Williamson for for a confidential conversation.
With your consent, Sarah will liaise with you and your treatment providers to seek feedback on restrictions and support to ensure a safe and sustainable return to work. Where practical, the Health and Safety Advisor will develop a Well to Work Plan. This plan may include working reduced hours for a period of time, aids and equipment.
You may also be able to access incapacity benefits from UniSuper, see their webpage for more information or call them directly on 1800 331 685.
For conditions that will last for greater than two years external providers, such as the Job Access Employment Assistance Fund (EAF), may be engaged to offer assistance and support.
Instances of sexual assault and sexual misconduct
All forms of sexual assault and/or sexual harassment are inconsistent with the values of the University of Newcastle (University).
The University will not tolerate sexual assault or sexual harassment in any form. The University is committed to providing a safe environment that supports individuals in their study, work, or University endeavours.
The University is committed to a zero harm and zero tolerance position on sexual assault and sexual harassment and to positively preventing and responding to allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Staff have an important role to play in ensuring the University is a safe and supportive place to work and study. Information about reporting an instance of sexual harm relating to staff is available here and for students here.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.