HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

 

Approving Authority:	University Council
Approval Date:	1 August 2011
Approved Document No:	2011/0006024
Review Date:	2013
Policy Adviser:	Health & Safety Team, Central HR Services

 

Description of the Policy:

This policy describes the University's commitment to managing workplace health and safety

 

Related Policies, Procedures & Forms:

First Aid Policy and Guidelines

Workers' Compensation

Rehabilitation Policy

Incident/Hazard Report Form

Griffith University Smoking Policy

Reporting & Recording of Work-caused Injury, Illnesses and Occurrences

Staff Counselling Services Policy

Children on Campus

Electrical Safety Policy

Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Policy

Contractor Safety Handbook

 

Links to external documents:

Workplace Health & Safety Act 1995

Workplace Health & Safety Regulation 2008

Workplace Health & Safety Qld

Federal Gene Technology Act 2000

Electrical Safety Act 2002

Electrical Safety Regulation 2002

Radiation Safety Act 1999

Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001

Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/plant_code.pdf

 

This document is available in Word format for downloading.  Click here to download this document. 

 

 Introduction Scope Application Delegations

1.0       Introduction

The University has an obligation under the Workplace Health & Safety Act 1995 to ensure the workplace health and safety of each of its employees, and to ensure that other persons (such as students, visitors, contractors) are not exposed to risks to their health and safety arising out of the University's activities. The University also recognises the importance of a healthy and safe work and study environment for the well-being and productivity of staff and students, and as a principle of business sustainability.

 

This policy applies to all staff, students, visitors and contractors at Griffith University.

 

Griffith University aims for excellence in workplace health and safety, as it does in all its fields of activity and is committed to ensuring the health, safety and well-being of its staff, students, contractors and visitors while undertaking work, study or research activities.

 

The University requires those responsible for all University activities whether on or off campus to comply with relevant workplace health and safety legislation, codes of practice, and established good practice including Australian Standards, as well as University policies and procedures.

 

3.1           Responsibilities

The Vice Chancellor has ultimate responsibility for the health and safety of all people affected by the University's activities.

 

Senior managers  (Deputy Vice Chancellors, Pro-Vice Chancellors, Deans, Administrative Directors, Heads of School, Centre Directors) are required to:

·         ensure that this policy is effectively implemented within their areas of control

·         ensure risks to health and safety are identified and assessed, and appropriate controls measures are implemented

·         ensure staff and contractors complete health and safety induction

·         ensure students and staff are provided with relevant health and safety training and supervision to enable them to learn and work safely

·         ensure workplace inspections are conducted (minimum of annually is recommended)

·         ensure health and safety performance is monitored, measured and reported

·         support managers and supervisors in ensuring health and safety policies and procedures are implemented, including effective communication of relevant information

·         hold managers and supervisors accountable for workplace health and safety in areas under their control

·         allocate appropriate resources to ensure effective implementation of the policy

 

Managers and supervisors are required to:

·         ensure that work/study/research areas under their control are safe

·         ensure that the behaviour of all persons in areas under their control is in accordance with relevant legislation and University health and safety policy and procedures

 

Staff, students, visitors and contractors are required to:

·         comply with University health and safety policies and procedures

·         conduct their activities in a manner which prevents personal injury or injury to others, and/or damage to property

·         cooperate with and actively participate in the University's safety management systems

·         report incidents and any unsafe conditions or acts that come to their attention

 

3.2        Consultation

The University's Executive Group oversees the development and communication of health and safety policy, and the implementation of the University's safety management systems. 

 

The University is committed to regular consultation with staff through Health and Safety Committees to ensure that safety management systems are operating effectively and that health and safety issues are regularly reviewed.

 

 

·         The Vice Chancellor has ultimate responsibility for the implementation and review of the University Health and Safety Policy, delegation of health and safety management responsibilities, and the allocation of appropriate resources. 

·         The University's Executive Group is responsible for broad health and safety policy and strategy, and the implementation of the Health and Safety Management Plan.

·         Senior managers (Deputy Vice Chancellors, Pro-Vice Chancellors, Deans, Administrative Directors, Heads of School, Centre Directors) are responsible for ensuring that health and safety management strategies are implemented at academic group and element level.  This includes responsibility for managing risks, maintaining communication/consultative mechanisms and monitoring the effectiveness of health and safety activities within their area of responsibility.