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Occupational health, safety, welfare and injury management

POLICY NUMBER: C-6.4

DATE OF APPROVAL: 16 December 1991, C-12/91-59.1

AMENDMENTS: March 1992, February 2001, November 2001, June 2002, October 2003, May 2007

REFERENCE AUTHORITY: Vice Chancellor

CROSS REFERENCES: 

OHSW&IM Strategic Plan 2006-2008
OHSW&IM system
OHSW&IM responsibilities
Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986
Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1995
Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986
Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation (General) Regulations 1999
Policy HR-25.1 Performance Management
Policy HR-29.1 Ionising Radiation
Policy HR-30.0 Non-Ionising Radiation Safety
WorkCover Performance Standards for Self Insurers (1998)
AS/NZS 4804:2001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques
AS/NZS 4801:2001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems – Specification with guidance for use
AS/NZS 4360:2004 – Risk Management

 

Policy statement 

The University is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for staff, students, contractors and visitors, and to the continuous improvement of injury prevention and injury management programs with the goal of achieving the highest possible standards. In the event of a work related injury, the University will provide effective claims management and rehabilitation assistance aimed at supporting injured employees through their period of illness or injury and then promoting optimal recovery and a safe return to work (where possible).

This commitment is in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act (1986), the Workers’ Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (1986) and Regulations (1999), and the WorkCover Corporation Performance Standards for Self Insurers (1998).

 

Definitions

Hazard: is a situation that has the potential to cause injury or illness, harm to health, and/or danger to property or the environment.

Health: includes both physical and psychological health.

Health and Safety Representative (for the purposes of the OHS&W Act 1986): is a person elected by a designated work group to represent that work group on occupational health and safety matters.

Injury Management: is the provision of workers’ compensation and rehabilitation services.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): are indicators used to measure, monitor and evaluate the successful implementation and effectiveness of a management system, in accordance with policy, objectives and targets.

OHSW&IM: means Occupational Health, Safety, Welfare and Injury Management.

Performance Standards for Self-Insurers: the minimum standards set by the WorkCover Corporation Board by which exempt employers, who manage their own risk, are evaluated.

Review: is an examination of the effectiveness, suitability and efficiency of a management system, its elements and components.

Safety: is a state in which persons are or feel protected, as far as practical, from the risk of injury.

Senior Management Group: comprises the Vice Chancellor, Pro Vice Chancellors and Executive Directors.

Welfare: is the general wellbeing of persons.

Workplace: is any location where University activities of staff and students occur; it includes field locations, overseas travel locations, work placements, all external spaces, vehicles, aircraft and ships.

 

Principles 

  1. The University is committed to providing and maintaining a high standard of health, safety, security and wellbeing for all people within the workplace.
  2. The University recognises that the health, safety and wellbeing of its people are integral to the success of the University's operations and therefore OHSW considerations have priority in teaching, learning, research and all support functions.
  3. The University through its Senior Management Group will monitor and evaluate OHSW&IM performance and ensure a process of continuous improvement.
  4. The University will comply with legislative requirements (Acts, Regulations, Codes of Practice and Australian Standards) by the development and implementation of policies, procedures and safe systems of work designed to achieve healthy, safe and injury-free work environments.
  5. The University through its Senior Management Group will promote and nurture an organisational culture that adopts health and safety as an integral component of its management philosophy.
  6. Adequate resources will be allocated to develop and support the University’s occupational health, safety, welfare and injury management system.
  7. Responsibilities for health and safety will be clearly defined throughout all levels of the University.
  8. OHSW&IM responsibility and accountability statements will be included in all staff performance management plans.
  9. The University will implement equitable claims management processes in accordance with the Workers’ Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (1986) and the WorkCover Performance Standards. Claims management will include the provision of rehabilitation assistance which involves early intervention, effective case management practices, and the use of collaborative processes to enable a safe and effective return to work (where possible).
  10. OHSW&IM principles will be integrated into operational management practices by incorporating a hazard management approach to teaching, learning, research and associated support functions.
  11. Supported by Senior Management Group, strategic and local area OHSW&IM planning will incorporate objectives (actions) and targets (Key Performance Indicators).
  12. Adequate OHSW&IM information, instruction, training and supervision will be provided to enable all staff to carry out their roles efficiently and to fulfil their individual responsibilities and accountabilities.
  13. A safe and healthy working environment will be achieved in consultation with staff and health and safety representatives, and through continually improving systems for managing health and safety.

 

Evaluation

This policy will be reviewed on at least a three yearly cycle and evaluated for its effectiveness in delivering policy objectives and improved OHSW&IM performance. Recommendations will be reported to the Vice Chancellor.

 

Further information or assistance

Further information or assistance is available from:

 

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