C3. Workplace Health and Safety

C3.1 Introduction
C3.2 Policy statement
C3.3 Procedures
   C3.3.1 Obligations of the Vice-Chancellor
   C3.3.2 Obligations of category 3 and 4 delegates
   C3.3.3 Obligations of supervisors
   C3.3.4 Obligations of employees
   C3.3.5 Obligations of students, visitors and others
   C3.3.6 Obligations of student association
   C3.3.7 Obligations of tenants of University buildings
   C3.3.8 Executive workplace health and safety committee
   C3.3.9 Workplace health and safety representatives

C3.1 Introduction

C3.2 Policy statement

The University of Southern Queensland is committed to achieving and maintaining the highest practicable standards of Occupational Health and Safety for its staff, students, contractors and visitors.
The University accepts its responsibility to be aware of and enforce the provisions of all relevant Acts, Regulations, University Policy and Procedures and such local rules and work procedures as may be formulated within their areas of responsibility.
 
The University has the responsibility under its "Duty of Care" to provide as far as is practicable:

• A safe place of work
• Safe systems of work
• Safe tools and equipment
• Ongoing training in safe methods of work
• Safe, positive supervision at all levels
• Periodic inspection of all University physical assets and activities
• The investigation of all accidents, the reporting of all hazards and the implementation of all practicable control measures to protect people and property
• To encourage staff and students to implement sound health and safety principles in all their activities

The University requires all staff, students, contractors and visitors to act responsibly and to comply with statutory requirements and all safety Policies, Standards and Guidelines.

(Approved by Council, August 1997)

C3.3 Procedures

For detailed coverage of health and safety procedures, please refer to the USQ Workplace Health and Safety Procedures Manual.

C3.3.1 Obligations of the Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor has an obligation under University policy and the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (Qld) to ensure the health and safety of each employee of the University and to ensure that the health and safety of  others is not affected by the University's activities.

To meet this obligation, it is the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor to:

• establish a system for the management of health and safety;
• ensure consultative arrangements are in place so that cooperation and commitment to health and safety outcomes are achieved; and
• ensure that employees can meet their obligations through provision of sufficient resources and guidelines.

The Vice-Chancellor delegates responsibilities for the management of workplace health and safety but retains ultimate accountability.

C3.3.2 Obligations of category 4 delegates or above

Category 4 Delegates or above must ensure that the functional areas of the University under their control comply with the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (Qld), all applicable standards and University policies. 

In carrying out these obligations, senior executives are expected to:

• ensure that the written USQ health and safety policy is available to all employees and clearly displayed in each department;
• issue instructions for the health and safety of employees and others in their area of responsibility;
• ensure that standard work procedures specific to each department are documented and that safety equipment is in place in their work areas;
• establish processes for regular risk assessments and self-audits within work areas;
• monitor all aspects of health and safety processes;
• ensure employees  are adequately supervised and trained in standard work practices;
• integrate health and safety responsibilities into position descriptions for supervisors and individual employees;
• ensure each building has a Chief Warden and a full compliment of wardens;
• establish consultative mechanisms between employees, managers, Workplace Health and Safety Representatives and USQSafe;
• ensure all work related incidents are followed up and appropriate steps are taken to prevent a recurrence;
• ensure health and safety issues are resolved;
• include workplace health and safety as a standing agenda item at faculty/department meetings at least quarterly and issues be referred where appropriate to the Executive Workplace Health and Safety Committee;
• budget for health and safety resources, such as training, safety equipment, furniture and modifications.

C3.3.3 Obligations of supervisors

Supervisors* have an obligation to ensure the workplace health and safety of all employees and others under their control by preventing or minimising their exposure to risk. 

To meet this obligation, managers and supervisors are expected to:

• be the first point of contact for employees  with workplace health and safety concerns;
• be familiar with legal requirements and standards and ensure employees are operating within these requirements;
• include health and safety information in all employee induction training;
• ensure all employees are aware of evacuation procedures and emergency procedures;
• undertake risk assessments and self-audits within work areas;
• maintain an inventory of any hazardous materials and ensure materials safety data sheets are available;
• carry out equipment safety checks;
• ensure safety equipment such as machine guards are supplied and used;
• enforce the requirement for individuals to wear any personal protective equipment;
• ensure all contractors are aware of and are operating according to University standards and procedures;
• record all work related injuries, illnesses, hazards and other incidents;
• investigate the circumstances surrounding all incidents and take corrective action;
• seek assistance in the resolution of health and safety issues from USQSafe or elected Workplace Health and Safety Representatives.

* ‘Supervisors' refers to anyone responsible for leading the activities of others.  That is: academic employees in charge of classes, employees leading work teams, or leaders of groups using or visiting University facilities.

C3.3.4 Obligations of employees

All employees have an obligation to comply with the University's workplace health and safety policies, procedures and instructions to ensure a safe workplace.  This means that employees are required to:

• comply with workplace health and safety instructions;
• take corrective action to eliminate hazards at work, or report those hazards which cannot be immediately corrected;
• seek appropriate first aid or treatment for injuries and illnesses and report on the appropriate form;
• use any personal protective equipment provided by the University;
• be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures;
• not wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse any health and safety equipment;
• not wilfully place at risk the health and safety of anyone at the University;  and
• not wilfully injure themselves.

C3.3.5  Obligations of students, visitors and others

Students, visitors and others have the following obligations at the University:

• to comply with instructions given by the University for workplace health and safety at the University;
• to use any personal protective equipment provided by the University;
• not to wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse any health and safety equipment;
• not to wilfully place at risk the health and safety of anyone at the University;  and
• not to wilfully injure themselves.

C3.3.6 Obligations of student association

The Student Guild and their employees using areas under the control of the University must comply with the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety Act (1995) and all applicable standards.

C3.3.7 Obligations of tenants of University buildings

Tenants, other organisations, and their employees using areas under the control of the University must comply with the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety Act (1995) and all applicable standards.

C3.3.8 Executive workplace health and safety committee

The Executive Workplace Health and Safety Committee, chaired by the Executive Director, Human Resources:

• oversees the development and implementation of the University's health and safety policy, standards and procedures;  and
• advises the Vice-Chancellor on all matters concerning workplace health and safety at the University.

C3.3.9 Workplace health and safety representatives

Employees of the University are able under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (Qld) to elect Workplace Health and Safety Representatives.  Representatives are USQ employees who assist with the resolution of issues affecting the health and safety of persons at the University.