4.01e Information for New Staff
The University of New England WHS (previously OHS) Responsibilities
The University of New England has a legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for its employees, students and visitors.
There is the general requirement under Common Law and also specific requirements placed on the University under various Acts and Regulations. The main piece of legislation is the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safty Regulations 2011 and the adopted National Codes of Practice.
Induction
All new staff are required to attend a general UNE Induction organised by the Organisational Culture and Development Team. They are also required to have a site specific safety induction within their work area carried out by the supervisor of their work area.
An on-line WHS induction will be available shortly.
Good Management Practice
UNE recognises good WHS practice as good management practice. The University of New England Work Health and Safety policy commits it to providing a safe and healthy environment for work and study.
University management, through its senior officers, Heads of Schools, Heads of Cost Centres, Heads of Colleges and Supervisors, are responsible for ensuring that relevant safety standards and procedures are implemented, reviewed and maintained in their area of responsibility. UNE has a risk management approach to safety and well-being issues.
It is the responsibility of all persons working in any aspect of the University's environment to take proper care for the health and safety of persons at their place of work and/or study who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
If required hard copies of the UNE Work Health and Safety documents are available from the Work Health and Safety Unit.
Consultation
Supervisors have an important role in the consultation system.The University also has WHS representatives, WHS workgroups and an WHS Strategic Committee.
A source of expertise on WHS
The role of the Work Health and Safety Unit is to provide a source of expertise to the University on all facets of health and safety, workers compensation and rehabilitation. The functions of the unit include:
- providing advice on legislative compliance;
- inspections and audits of workplaces;
- conducting WHS training courses;
- analysis of accident and injury data;
- major incident investigation;
- management of worker's compensation claims; and
- assisting in the rehabilitation of injured staff.