Workplace Health and Safety

University of New England

3

Casual Staff Induction

Compliance and Legislation

Common and Statutory laws require that you:

• Exercise common law duty of care • Comply with WHS Act 2011 WHS Regulation 2011

and other legislation• Take reasonable care of your own health and

safety• Take reasonable care that your acts or omissions

do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons

• Follow reasonable instructions

Policy

The University observes the relevant National and New South Wales Codes of Practice.

The University has also adopted the safety principles and practices as set out in AS/NZ4804 Occupational Health and Management Systems -

General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques and, where appropriate,

other Australian standards.

Policy

YOU MUST COMPLY WITH UNE

POLICIES

Duty of care

The Vice-Chancellor, as Chief Executive

Officer, and a person conducting a business or

undertaking (PCBU) has the primary duty of care for the safety

and well being of staff and students.

Ultimately, however, WHS is everyone’s

responsibility; therefore all people

in the University have a duty of care to ensure the safety of themselves and

others.

Policies - Staff Responsibilities

All staff must: report to their immediate supervisor any situation which they have

reason to believe could present a risk; report any incident, or injury to health which arises on University

property or as a result of a University activity; use equipment appropriately and not interfere or misuse anything

provided for their safety; co-operate with management by following instructions and

wearing protective clothing or equipment if it is provided and they have been instructed in its use; and

ensure that they do not hinder the provision of assistance to an injured worker.

Incident Reporting

Incidents and dangerous occurrences must be reported within 24 hours.It is the employee's responsibility to report any work-related injury or illness to the relevant supervisor or head of school, directorate or college as soon as possible following first aid and medical treatment. Incident forms can be obtained from the WHS webpage.

Emergency Procedures

The University has documented procedures in place for

responding to emergency situations

In life-threatening emergencies dial 000:

After calling the ambulance, fire or police service, call 2099 for

UNE Security back up assistance

Emergency Procedures (cont.)

In non life-threatening emergencies:Dial 2099 immediately to report:

• Suspected fire• Non life-threatening medical conditions

• Security emergencies• Gas leaks

• Chemical spills; and• Other emergencies

Poisons Information 131 126

Evacuation Procedures

UNE regularly conducts fire drills and emergency

evacuation

Evacuation Procedures (cont.)

In case of fire: Do not attempt to combat a fire - this

should be left to professionally trained personnel;

Staff are to take any students or visitors with them during an evacuation of the building;

Do not waste time! Leave behind anything that you cannot pick up immediately and carry easily in one hand;

Evacuate the building via the fire stairs or signed exits. Do not use lifts;

Evacuation Procedures (cont.)

Obey directions from Security Officers or emergency wardens;

Move quickly - do not run; Make sure your name is checked; Do not return to the building until the 'all

clear' is given. This would normally be advised by the Chief Warden or Emergency Services Personnel in attendance.

Videos

We highly advise that you watch available laboratory induction videos

Staff>Working>Health, Safety + Support>Workplace Health & Safety>Laboratory

Induction Videos

http://www.une.edu.au/staff-current/working/health,-safety-and-support/workplace-health-and-safety/laboratory-induction-videos

Personal Safety and security

BE SAFEBreakages or other damage to locks, windows and doors should be reported to Safety & Security on x2099, or by email on security@une.edu.au.Entry/exit doors should not be wedged open as this can interfere with security monitoring and provide access to unauthorised persons. Never lend anyone your ID access card or divulge your PIN.Safety & Security Officers are available to escort you between your workplace and vehicle if you are working after hours.Anticipate potential hazards.Familiarising yourself with the shortest, most well lit route to your vehicle. Report any person acting suspiciously on campus.Emergency HELP phones are strategically located around the campus, so make yourself aware of the location of your nearest one.

Personal Safety and emergencies

Emergency services numbers are located on Emergencynotices in all buildings of each campus.

Information to give when making an emergency call:•Your name;•Service needed;•Details of emergency;•Location of emergency, i.e. campus building, floor and room number;•Safety status of any personnel.

Hazards and Risks

Workplace Health and Safety legislation requires that all

foreseeable hazards are identified and the risks arising

from these hazards are eliminated or controlled

Hazards and Risks (cont.)

In general, hazards can be grouped into six categories: Physical; Mechanical/electrical; Chemical; Biological; Psychological; Other hazards that may be identified through risk

assessment

Hazardous Substances

All hazardous materials and dangerous goods must be correctly labelled and stored.

Material safety data sheets and/or information must be available for all hazardous materials and dangerous goods and must be accessible at all times.

Ergonomics

Guidelines for sitting and using computer workstations:• The top of your computer screen should be at eye level; lower for bifocal

wearers.• Screen distance ideally should be at arm’s length.• Document holder (if used) adjustable to screen height.• Chair backrest should provide firm lower back support.• Chair back and seat should be easily adjustable for height and tilt by user.• Keyboard height should promote relaxed arms with forearms horizontal.• Thighs should be parallel to the floor.• There should be ample legroom under the work surface.• Feet should be placed firmly on the floor or footrest.• Take regular breaks.• Do exercises to relax your muscles

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping includes:• Maintaining clear and well-lit traffic ways and aisles by not

placing materials and equipment where it could be hazardous.

• Floors that are level and free of electrical cords across walkways.

• Free-standing fittings that are stable or secured to walls or floors.

• Filing cabinets that do not open into aisles.• An awareness of faulty equipment such as overloaded

circuits, broken plugs and sockets.• Ensuring that hazardous situations are referred to

appropriately qualified personnel.

Electrical Safety

General safety precautions when using electrical equipment include:• Make sure you do not use frayed or damaged electrical

cables;• No piggybacking (double adapters)• Not carrying or suspending power tools by their leads;• Not working with electrical tools in metal enclosures or

in damp places unless the tools are cordless or a Residual Current Device (RCD) is utilized;

• Not allowing extension leads to be coiled tightly when in use - they may overheat;

• Not standing on metal ladders when using electric power tools

Prohibited Practices

Prohibited practices include:• Working under the influence of alcohol and/or prohibited

drugs;• Smoking in all enclosed areas and in University vehicles;• Bringing firearms, knives, or offensive/illegal weapons on

site;• Tampering or interfering with University property;• Interfering with safety equipment;• Riding skateboards and using roller blades on campus

Local Induction

Your immediate supervisor will provide site specific induction

Policies

Copies of current policies are located on UNE policy website

http://www.une.edu.au/policies

• WHS policy• WHS Statement • Children in the Workplace policy• Fieldwork policy • First Aid policy • Smoke free environment policy• Hazardous Substance policy • Work at Height policy

Thank you