Services we offer
Advice, information, support
We provide advice and information on all matters related to risk management and workplace health and safety. You should first contact your supervisor or Health and Safety Representative (pdf, 15kb).
Health and Safety Implementation Teams (HSITs) can request our assistance or attendance at selected meetings.
Audiometric testing
Staff whose exposure to workplace noise levels exceeds the exposure standard (as outlined in the Noise Exposure Guidelines) should undertake audiometric tests every two years (odd numbered years).
New staff who commence work in an area which exceeds the exposure standard are required to undertake an audiometric test within one month of their commencement. This should be organised by the School/Section through a local hearing clinic.
Chemical safety
The ChemWatch database is a searchable database of current Safety Data Sheets to assist staff and students in the preparation of their workplace chemical registers, chemical risk assessments, etc.
We provide an annual chemical disposal program. Relevant areas are notified of the program in advance of the scheduled date. Please log a job through Workday (Create Case / OHS Enquiry) if you have chemicals for disposal.
Devices for loan
A range of equipment is available for loan to staff, including electrical testers, noise meter, temperature loggers, light meter, and sit-stand desk/modules. These items can be pre-booked by contacting Ext 8305.
Ergonomic assessments
Staff are encouraged to work through the Ergonomic self-assessment checklist in the first instance. If issues arise as a result of the self-assessment, staff may request an ergonomic assessment of their workstations.
The WorkSafe 'Officewise - A Guide to Health and Safety in the Office' document may also assist, as it provides guidance on job design in office work, office layout, workstations and equipment, and general health and safety issues in the office.
First aid
We supply items for official University first aid kits. Supplies can be ordered by logging a completed First Aid Order Form (pdf, 30kb) via Workday (Create Case / OHS Enquiry).
We provide and service a number of defibrillators at all campuses.
Hazard and injury reporting
The University has a legal obligation to record and maintain information about hazards and injuries. To ensure this information is kept accurately, hazards, incidents, near-misses and injuries must be reported.
A HAZARD is an immediate and present risk that can be resolved in a straightforward way.
An INJURY is where physical or mental harm occurs to an individual.
Hazards and Injuries should be logged via Workday.
A Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control report should be completed when there is a foreseeable or ongoing hazard that may need to be controlled immediately via an organisational approach. Ideally, it is undertaken for foreseeable hazards rather than a reaction to an existing hazard. HIRACs are reviewed annually to ensure they are still applicable.
Planning and reporting
Annual plan
Around October each year each Institute/Directorate is required to submit an OHS Plan for the forthcoming year to the Dean/Director, with a copy to Health, Safety and Wellbeing. The Plan must be based on the Annual OHS Plan Template (docx, 210kb), and should be submitted by the end of December. The Schools/Directorates then implement their Plan throughout the year, ensuring compliance with the following reporting requirements:
Quarterly report
At the end of every quarter, each Institute/Directorate is required to provide to their DVC a completed Quarterly Summary Health and Safety Report (docx, 67kb).
Annual report
At the end of each year, Institutes/Directorates are required to submit to their DVC (with a copy to Health, Safety and Wellbeing) a report on their OHS activities for that year.
Training
Training in a range of OHS-related topics is available each semester. We can tailor specific training programs for your staff, or to meet a particular requirement. Contact us to discuss your training needs.