Environment, Health and Safety
Environment, Health and Safety Unit
The Environment, Health & Safety Unit is committed to embracing Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) management goals. Our primary goal is preventative action and setting standards that continually improve the EHS performance of the University.
We provide the following services:
- Assist departments with identifying EHS risks.
- Oversee the University's compliance with Radiation & Dangerous Goods
- Advise on a range of occupational health & safety aspects, including ergonomic assessments, manual handling and workplace inspections.
The EHS Manual outlines University policy and procedures in all areas of Health and Safety and is a useful resource tool for all staff.
EHS Mandatory Training Requirements
All University staff are required to undertake mandatory training in the following courses as applicable.
| Course | Mandatory for |
|
EHS Roles and Responsibilities for Supervisors/Managers - 2 hours |
Staff who supervise or will be supervising others, including students, casuals, tutors, organising site visits/field work, etc. It is recommended that all Academic Teaching staff in the FABP undertake this training. "Academic staff are deemed to have principal supervisory duty for undergraduate and postgraduate student activities." |
|
EHS Roles and Responsibilities for Non Supervisory Staff - 1.5 hours |
Staff who will not be supervising or teaching others. |
|
Office Workstation Assessment & Manual Handling - 1 hr |
Staff who regularly work at computers/undertake tasks involving manual handling. It is recommended that all FABP staff undertake this training. |
|
Floor Warden training - 1 hr |
The Faculty EHS Committee has recommended that all staff endeavour to undertake this training and share the role of Floor Wardens as staff are often absent from their office due to teaching, research, meetings and other commitments. |
For details on the University's training policy and a full listing of EHS training including Hazard Based training visit: www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/ehs/ehs/training.php3
EHS Assessment Requirements For All Staff
- Hazard Based Training Assessment
The Hazard Based Training Matrix should be reviewed with your supervisor to identify any additional training requirements specific to your responsibilities. -
Keyboard Workstation Assessment
Completed Keyboard workstation assessments should be returned to Marinella Serafim, Compliance Coordinator.
Each time you commence working at a new workstation, you are required to complete an assessment checklist and discuss any concerns with your supervisor. If you subsequently require your workstation to be professionally assessed, please contact the EHS Unit on 8344 3050.
Further information on manual handling and workstation ergonomics can be found at Section 8.3 of the University EHS Manual.
Supervisor/Manager EHS Responsibilities
- Workplace Risk Assessment
Undertake workplace risk assessment (completion of Risk Management, Incident Response and Investigation training required) - Hazard Based Training Assessment
Identify Hazard Based training needs of staff. - Identification of Training
The local area supervisor shall identify training and awareness needs in reference to position description requirements at the time of annual performance appraisal. This will include; consideration of any applicable changes in duties, legislation, technology and risk assessments of activities of staff. In addition all staff whose work may create a significant impact upon the environment, shall receive appropriate training.
(Section 2.5.6.4. University EHS Manual)
Elected Health and Safety Representative
Our Faculty's Health and Safety Representative is Suzanne Dunlop.
Role of a Health and Safety Representative
- Represent the members of the Designated Work Group (DWG) concerning health and safety matters.
- Monitor OHS measures taken by the University to comply with the OHS Act 2004.
- May enquire into matters that may impose a risk to the health and safety of any members of the DWG.
- Attempt to resolve OHS issues concerning members of the DWG.
Powers of Employee HSR within the DWG
- To inspect the workplace after giving notice to the management representative or after an incident involving an immediate risk to health or safety.
- May accompany a WorkSafe Inspector during an inspection.
- May be present at an interview regarding health and safety between a member of the DWG and a WorkSafe Inspector or a member of the DWG and a management representative if the member agrees.
- When necessary, seek the assistance of any person.
- Note: A supervisor or manager may refuse access to a University workplace to a person assisting a HSR if that person has insufficient knowledge of occupational health and safety. Such a refusal may be the subject of an appeal by the HSR to the Magistrates Court.
- A HSR may, after consultation (which may include utilising the University's agree OHS Issue Resolution Procedure) with the management representative about remedying an alleged breach of the OHS Act 2004, issue a provisional improvement notice (PIN) requiring the University to take specific actions.
- A HSR may, after consultation with the local supervisor, direct work to cease where the nature and degree of the health and safety risk results in an immediate and serious threat to the health and safety of any person.
Faculty Environment, Health and Safety Committee
Minutes of the Faculty's EHS Committee meetings are made available to all staff via email. Persons wanting to include items for discussion at committee meetings should contact Marinella Serafim, EHS Coordinator.