Occupational Safety and Health Policy

Commitment

The University of Western Australia acknowledges that the provision of a safe and healthy work environment for employees, students, contractors and visitors is not just a moral and legal responsibility but also a prerequisite for it to achieve its primary mission of conducting teaching, research and scholarship at the highest international standards. This commitment to protecting its human resources also extends to ensuring the University's operations do not place the local community at risk of injury, illness or property damage.

Objectives

The University will ensure compliance with the Western Australian Occupational Safety and Health Act and Regulations, other legislation and current industry standards by:

• providing and maintaining safe workplaces, plant and systems of work
• providing information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure safe systems of work
• ensuring that nominated safety personnel are adequately trained and supported
• consulting and cooperating with safety and health representatives, employees and others
• providing and maintaining personal protective equipment as required
• continuously reviewing and improving its safety performance.

Responsibilities

Each Head of Academic/Administrative Unit is accountable for implementing this policy in their area of responsibility. Management is responsible for:

• the provision and maintenance of a safe workplace and systems of work
• involvement in the development, promotion and implementation of safety and health policies and procedures
• training and supervising employees and students in the safe performance of assigned tasks
• the provision of resources to meet the safety and health commitment.

Employees, students and contractors are to:

• take reasonable care of their safety and health and that of others
• follow all safety and health policies and procedures
• report all known or observed hazards, incidents and injuries.

Application of the Policy

This policy is applicable to the University of Western Australia in all its operations and functions including those situations where employees and students are required to work off site.