4. Policy Declaration
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The University is committed to providing for the health, safety and welfare of people at the University through a process of consultation. This policy sets down a framework of Occupational Health
and Safety (OHS) Committees as the University's forum for consultation and discussion on OHS matters as required by the OHS
Act (NSW) 2000. |
5. Policy Description
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| 5.1 |
Objectives |
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The aim of this policy is to provide a practical
guide for meeting the University's obligation to consult on OHS matters
as set out in the OHS
Act (NSW) 2000 and OHS
Regulation 2001. |
| 5.2 |
Scope |
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This policy applies to all University employees.
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| 5.3 |
Definitions |
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a) 'The Act' refers to the Occupational
Health and Safety Act (NSW) 2000. |
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b) 'The Regulation' refers to the Occupational
Health and Safety Regulation 2001. |
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c) 'The Committee' refers to the University's
OHS Committee, established in accordance with the Act. |
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d) 'Employee Representatives' refers to
OHS Committee members who have been elected by University employees. |
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e) 'Employer Representatives' refers to
OHS Committee members who represent University management. |
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5.4
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Content and Implementation
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This policy serves as the Constitution of the
Committee. |
| 5.4.1 |
Role of the Committee |
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a) The Committee is not a decision-making body.
OHS issues should initially be raised with the supervisor and only referred
to Committee representatives where remedial action has not taken place in
a timely manner (see OHS
flowchart). The Committee's function is to:
- Assist in the development of a safe working environment, systems of
work and the formation and implementation of policies relating to health
and safety;
- Review the effectiveness of health and safety initiatives, policies
and procedures;
- Assist in the development and review of appropriate recording systems
for accidents and hazards in the University;
- Monitor the measures in place to ensure the proper use, maintenance
and, if necessary, replacement of equipment designed to protect University
employees from injury; and
- Investigate any OHS matter that may be a risk to health and safety
and make recommendations to University management.
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b) The Committee has the authority to:
- Investigate any OHS matter including hazards and accidents;
- Familiarise themselves with the University workplace and workforce
at a time agreed with individual work units;
- Request advice and assistance from experts both internal and external
to the University in order to make an informed recommendation to University
management;
- Conduct an inspection at any time with the approval of University
management;
- Obtain details of proposed changes to the workplace that could affect
the health and safety of people at the University;
- Access information relating to incidents and accidents and occupational
diseases occurring at the University. The Committee can also access
any information concerning research, testing and examination of plant
or substances used at the University as it relates to the risks to health
and safety associated with the plant or substance;
- Recommend to University management training and education for particular
groups and individuals working at the University in order to address
health and safety hazards; and
- Inform the Chair of the Committee of any apparent breach of OHS legislation
at the University.
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| 5.4.2 |
Composition
of the Committee |
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a) The Committee consists of employees from relevant
work units and at least one management representative. |
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b) Committee members represent employees from
various work units and occupations. When determining the representation
on the Committee, the size of the University workforce and work units and
the degree and character of the risks present in the University will be
taken into consideration. |
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c) The Chair of the Committee is an Employee Representative
elected by the Employee Representatives. |
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d) Employee and Employer Representatives serve
a two year term on the OHS Committee. |
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e) The HR Manager, Workplace Health and Safety
acts as advisor to the Committee and is responsible for the Committee's
minutes, agendas and other administrative duties. A secretary, with no voting
rights, is also appointed to the Committee. |
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f) Ex-officio members and invited guests may be
appointed as advisors to the Committee as the need arises. People appointed
in an advisory capacity do not have voting rights on the Committee. |
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g) A Student Representative Council member may
attend meetings as an ex-officio member to provide the opportunity for consultation
and discussion of student concerns or issues. |
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h) Committee membership ceases if a member resigns,
is no longer employed by the University or is removed from office. The decision
to remove an Employer Representative is made by University Management. Removal
of an Employee Representative must be decided at a meeting of the University
employees they represent. |
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i) Employee Representatives must exceed Employer
Representatives to achieve a quorum at an OHS Committee meeting. |
| 5.4.3 |
Appointment of Representatives |
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a) Employee Representative elections are conducted
by the Office of the Executive Director (Corporate Services). |
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b) Candidates for Employee Representative positions
on the Committee must be current full-time or fractional employees of the
University and are nominated by employees from their own work area. |
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c) If an Employee Representative resigns from
the Committee, a new member is appointed by the Chair after consultation
with the Committee. |
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d) Employer Representatives are appointed by the
Vice-Chancellor or nominee as soon as practicable after the election of
a new Committee and thereafter as required. |
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e) Employer Representatives must include a person with authority to implement
preventative measures and act on behalf of the University Management in
OHS matters.
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| 5.4.4 |
Committee Meetings |
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a) The Committee meets once every month, unless
otherwise determined by the Committee. Not more than three (3) months will
lapse between meeting dates. Meeting dates are discussed and agreed to by
members. |
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b) Where the Chair deems it to be appropriate,
they may request an extraordinary meeting at any time. |
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c) OHS Committee members will not be disadvantaged
in any way as a result of carrying out their duties as a Committee member.
They are entitled to conduct their duties as a Committee member, or participate
in Committee training, during their ordinary hours of work and are entitled
to be compensated for any period exceeding their usual working hours when
performing Committee duties. |
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d) The University will not dismiss or alter an
Employee Representative's substantive position or employment as a result
of the Employee Representative making a complaint about a health and safety
matter, or because they are a member of the Committee. |
| 5.4.5 |
Training |
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a) Committee members must undertake training as
set out by WorkCover NSW as soon as practicable after their appointment
or election to the Committee. |
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b) Committee members will also receive additional
training in connection with the special hazards to which the employees are
exposed. Refresher training in the duties of Committee members may also
be provided. This additional training, and the times of attendance, may
be determined by the Committee for any or all of its members. |
| 5.4.6 |
Review |
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a) The Committee will review this policy annually. Any amendments recommended
will be referred to the Vice-Chancellor for approval.
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6. Related Policies, Documents,
Legislation & Strategic Priorities
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7. 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: |
08/2008 |
| Revision History: |
No. 1: approved 03.12.07 |
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8. Procedures
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a) Prior to the scheduled Committee
meetings, Lismore and Tweed Gold Coast Committee Representatives will be
requested to submit agenda items. Representatives are to consult with the
employees they represent and forward any agenda items to the Secretary at
least one week before the scheduled Committee meeting. |
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b) The HR Manager, Workplace Health
and Safety is responsible for circulating the agenda to Committee members
as soon as practicable before the meeting date. |
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c) Minutes of the meeting will be
circulated to Committee members. They may access Committee records at any
time. |
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d) The HR Manager, Workplace Health
and Safety will hold the official record of the minutes on behalf of the
University. A copy of the minutes is also forwarded to the Executive Director
(Corporate Services) and the Vice-Chancellor. |
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e) The minutes of each meeting will be posted on the Workplace
Health and Safety intranet Website.
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