Work, Health and Safety (WHS)

UNESAFE is the University's Safety Management System and comprises of all resources within the system including Documents, Software Systems, Training and Resources, and the UNESAFE Team.

The UNESAFE branding is used to promote and identify our safety processes and practices, and to assist with embedding safety into our everyday culture. UNESAFE encompasses safety, health and wellbeing and emergency management.

Responsibilities of Work, Health and Safety Team (WHS)

There are five key Strategic Objectives that align with the vision of UNE being a safe environment where safety is embedded as a priority for staff and students:

  1. Develop and maintain our capability to effectively manage safety and our organisational hazards and risks.
  2. Provide training, support and motivate our staff to effectively identify, report and investigate workplace incidents, hazards and risks.
  3. Develop our culture to embed safety and wellbeing into all processes and tasks to continuously improve performance.
  4. Build resilience through structured Emergency Management and Business Continuity planning and response practices.
  5. Support the Health and Wellbeing of our staff and students and deliver appropriate Injury/Illness Management.

The WHS Team

Our WHS Team are based in the People and Culture (formerly Human Resource Services) building at TC Lamble C033. People and Culture manages the corporate Work Health and Safety (WHS) systems at UNE and the UNESAFE Team set the corporate structure for safety management and assist Directorates, Faculties, and Schools with managing safety and compliance in their areas.

You can email the WHS Team on whs@une.edu.au for any assistance with WHS you may require. Alternatively, People and Culture Services can be phoned on (02) 6773 3705. Check out the People and Culture Staff page for members of the WHS team.

For any emergencies please phone 000 or UNE Security on (02) 6773 2099.

External WHS Resources

Australia offers a range of external Work Health and Safety (WHS) resources to support businesses, workers, and safety professionals in creating safer workplaces. Key resources include:

  • SafeWork Australia – The national policy body that develops model WHS laws, codes of practice, and guidance material. Their website offers comprehensive tools, research, and industry-specific safety information.
  • SafeWork NSW – SafeWork NSW enforces WHS laws and provides localized support, including training resources, compliance tools, and inspection services.
  • Australian Government Agencies – Bodies such as Comcare and the Fair Work Ombudsman provide WHS guidance for federal workplaces and advice on workers’ rights and employer obligations.

These resources are essential for staying compliant with WHS laws and promoting a culture of safety in Australian workplaces.