1. Objective

1.1. The objective of this policy is to define the University’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy working and learning environment.

2. Scope

2.1. This policy applies to all staff, students, contractors and other personnel at locations under the management or control of the University.

3. Authority

3.1. This policy is made under the University of Melbourne Act 2009 (Vic) and Vice-Chancellor Regulation and supports compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic).

4. Policy

4.1. The University is committed to:

a) creating an accessible health and safety management system that eliminates or minimises risk of injury or illness to people associated with the University’s operations;

b) engaging with all staff, students, visitors and partner organisations in creating safe working and learning environments and safe systems of work;

c) developing and maintaining a culture that encourages all personnel to actively manage health and safety risks;

d) providing a continually improving health and safety management system by establishing, and monitoring progress towards measurable objectives and targets aimed at eliminating work-related illness and injury; and

e) establishing a health and safety management framework to meet legislative obligations to the highest possible standard.

4.2. The University is committed to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and other requirements to which the University subscribes.

4.3. The University operates a health and safety management system that is consistent with the nature and scale of its operations.

4.4. The University provides appropriate health and safety training for all staff, and disseminates health and safety information and instruction to all personnel in the workplace.

4.5. The University engages and includes staff in a consultation process for decision making where there is an impact on workplace health and safety.

4.6. The University defines, documents and communicates health and safety responsibilities, authority to act, and reporting requirements for personnel at all levels in the workplace.

4.7. The University actively identifies and manages health and safety risks, through the systematic identification of hazards, evaluation of risks and implementation of effective risk controls.

4.8. The University promptly reports hazards, incidents and injuries, investigates where appropriate, and implements control measures to eliminate or minimise the risk of recurrence.

5. Procedural principles

5.1. The Policy Approver is responsible for establishing and maintaining a documented health and safety management system.

5.2. The health and safety management system includes processes aimed at health and safety:

a) planning;

b) implementation;

c) measurement and evaluation; and

d) management and review.

5.3. Heads of divisions are responsible for ensuring that appropriate health and safety training opportunities are provided, and that all mandatory health and safety training is completed and up to date.

5.4. Health and safety responsibilities, authorities to act and reporting requirements are documented in this policy, the Health & Safety Management System, and supporting processes.

6. Roles and responsibilities

POLICY APPROVER

Vice-President Administration & Finance and Chief Operating Officer

POLICY STEWARD

Director, Health and Safety

REVIEW

This policy is to be reviewed by 10 May 2024.

VERSION HISTORY

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