The University of New England (the University) recognises the importance of occupational health and safety and regards the health, safety and welfare of its employees, its students and visitors to be a priority. The University is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for work and study.

The management of the University undertakes through its senior officers, heads of academic units, heads of departments, heads of colleges and supervisors to ensure that:

• as a minimum, all statutory regulations, relevant Australian Standards and Codes of Practice are met;
• health and safety issues are integrated into the University planning process as a high priority; and
• resources and support are provided for the successful implementation of Occupational Health and Safety programs.

The Risk Management (OHS) Unit is responsible to:

• develop policy and procedures in consultation with relevant parties;
• advise the University on compliance with relevant occupational and safety workers compensation regulations, Australian standards and Codes of Practice;
• collect, analyse, interpret and promulgate OHS information to appropriate staff by means of regular statistical reports, training programs, recommendations and/or discussion;
• develop and maintain procedures and programs for OHS risk identification within the University;
• develop and maintain procedure and programs to remove or significantly reduce identified risks;
• audit the University's Occupational Health and Safety, Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation programs; and
• respond to enquiries and concerns raised by committees, unions, individual staff members or any interested groups.

The Occupational Health and Safety Committee is responsible to:

• make recommendations to the University on any management or policy matters which involve occupational health and safety;
• monitor the University's Occupational Health and Safety Program, and conduct workplace inspections and report to management on compliance with regulations and codes of practice;
• provide a forum for the discussion and resolution of issues relating to occupational health and safety at the University; and
• provide a mechanism for consultation between University staff and management on OHS issues.

Deans, heads of academic units, heads of departments, supervisors, heads of colleges, and others in charge of 'places of work' are responsible to ensure that:

• relevant safety standards and procedures are implemented, reviewed and maintained in their area of responsibility;
• the health and safety at work of the staff(and students and visitors where applicable) is ensured by the provision of safe equipment, safe systems of work, information, instruction, training and supervision as is prescribed in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (1983);
• members of staff give occupational health and safety a high priority;
• all relevant persons are aware of University and faculty/ academic units/ departmental/ section/ college safety rules and procedures and comply with them;
• safety activities are initiated and maintained in their area of responsibility, and staff and students (where applicable) are encouraged to participate in order top improve the occupational health and safety performance in that area and create greater safety awareness; and
• the training and retaining of appropriate staff in occupational health and safety related activities is facilitated.

It is the responsibility of all persons working in any aspect of the Universities environment to:

• co-operate as is necessary to achieve any statutory or University requirements related to health, safety and welfare;
• take proper care for the health and safety of persons at their place of work who may be affected by their actions or omissions;
• take proper care for their own health and safety;
• comply with University and faculty/ departmental/ section/ college safety rules and regulations and adopt safe work practices; and
• where possible rectify problems, and report other conditions which require rectification promptly.

By the adoption of this policy, the University of New England commits itself, through its Occupational Health and Safety Program, to improving standards of health and safety, operating practices and procedures, with the objective of safeguarding all staff, students and visitors and creating a safe and healthy working environment.

Professor I. Moses

Vice Chancellor