4. Policy Declaration
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a) This policy explains Southern Cross University's commitment
to health and safety. It identifies the framework of consultation and
responsibilities that apply and the management systems that are to be
implemented.
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5. Policy Description
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5.1
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Objectives
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a) The aim of this policy is to promote the health, safety
and welfare of all University staff, students, contractors and visitors
to the University. The policy facilitates compliance with the provisions
of the Occupational
Health and Safety Act 2000 and associated legislation.
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5.2
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Scope
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a) This policy applies to all University employees, students
and contractors.
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5.3
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Content and Implementation
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| 5.3.1 |
Management's Responsibility |
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a) The promotion and maintenance of occupational
health and safety (OHS) is primarily the responsibility of management. Management
at all levels is required to contribute to the health and safety of all
persons at the University. |
| 5.3.2 |
Specific Responsibilities |
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a) Vice-Chancellor
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(i) The Vice-Chancellor is responsible for the overall implementation
of the University's OH&S Policy and with it overall responsibility
for the health and safety of employees, students and all who visit the
University. The responsibility includes ensuring that staff are able
to meet their obligations through the allocation of resources, availability
of health and safety guidelines and the establishment and implementation
of appropriate OHS Management Systems. The Vice-Chancellor may delegate
responsibility for the management of workplace health and safety but
retains ultimate accountability.
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b) Executive
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(i) Each member of the Executive is responsible and accountable for
assisting the Vice-Chancellor in the overall implementation of OHS policies
and compliance with legislation. Where necessary, members of Executive
will advise the Vice-Chancellor of OHS implications of activities in
areas under their control. This includes providing support and guidance
in the management of OHS to those whom they supervise.
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c) Heads of Work Units
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(i) Heads of Work Units are responsible and accountable to ensure that
relevant safety standards and procedures are implemented, reviewed and
maintained in their area of responsibility. Where necessary, they must
provide staff (and students and visitors where applicable) with safety
equipment, safe systems of work, information, instruction, training
and supervision as prescribed in the Occupational
Health and Safety Act 2000.
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d) Managers and Supervisors
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(i) Each first-line Manager/Supervisor is responsible and accountable
for taking all practical measures to ensure that the workplace under
their control is safe and without risk to health, and that all persons
in the workplace take reasonable care to ensure the workplace is safe
and without risk to health.
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(ii) More specifically they are responsible for identifying any unsafe
or unhealthy conditions or behaviour. If they do not have the necessary
authority to fix a problem they must report the matter promptly, together
with any recommendations for remedial action, to the Head of the relevant
work unit.
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e) Employees
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(i) Employees have an obligation to comply with the University's health
and safety policies, procedures and instructions to ensure their own
health and safety and the health and safety of others at the University.
Employees are also required to take corrective action to eliminate hazards
at the workplace, or report those beyond their control to their immediate
supervisor.
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(ii) Employees must cooperate with the University to enable compliance
with the requirements under the Occupational
Health and Safety Act 2000 and regulations.
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f) Contractors and Subcontractors
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(i) All contractors and subcontractors engaged to perform work on the
University's premises or locations are required as part of their contract,
to comply with health and safety policies and procedures of the University
and observe directions on health and safety from designated persons
of the University.
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| 5.3.3 |
Consultation |
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a) Consultation between the University and employees
is an essential part of effectively managing health and safety in the workplace.
The University will consult with employees so that they may contribute to
decisions about the implementation of safety practices and systems designed
to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees. Employee involvement
at all levels is critical for ensuring a safe workplace. |
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b) The University will ensure:
- the sharing of relevant information about OH&S and welfare with
employees;
- that employees be given the opportunity to express their views and
to contribute in a timely fashion to the resolution of OH&S and
welfare issues at the workplace; and
- that the views of employees are valued and taken into account.
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c) The OH&S Committee, as part of the consultative
process, advises the Vice-Chancellor on OHS matters in the workplace. The
Committee provides a forum for discussion and the recommendation of the
resolution of issues brought before it. In order to progress solutions,
a management representative is included in the Committee membership. |
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d) Safety Support Officers represent designated groups of employees at
the University. Their main function is to carry out monthly OH&S workplace
inspections. In keeping with the consultative process they may also raise
with the OH&S Committee, OH&S concerns of the employees in their
designated group. [top]
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| 5.3.4 |
Occupational Health and
Safety Management System |
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a) An OH&S Management System is set up and continually updated. The
OH&S Management System relates to all aspects of OHS including, but
not restricted to:
- risk management that includes identification of hazards, assessment
of risk, control of risk and continuous monitoring;
- OH&S training and education;
- work design, workplace design and standard operating procedures;
- changes to work methods and practice, including those associated with
technological change;
- safety responsibilities;
- emergency procedures and drills;
- provision of OH&S equipment, services and facilities;
- workplace inspections and audits;
- reporting and recording of incidents, accidents, injuries and hazards;
- provision of information to employees; and
- contractors and subcontractors.
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7. Related Policies, Documents,
Legislation & Strategic Priorities
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8. Responsibilities and Approvals
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| Policy Contact Officer: |
HR Manager (Workplace Health & Safety),
HR Services
Ph: x9143 |
| Policy Manager: |
Director, Human Resources |
| Policy Custodian: |
Director, Human Resources |
| Approving Authority: |
Vice-Chancellor
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| Policy Level: |
Operational |
| Policy Category: |
HR HUMAN RESOURCES |
| Approval Date: |
25.11.02 |
| Review Date: |
08/2009 |
| Revision History: |
No. 1: approved 08.08.07 |
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