L2: 2. ENVIRONMENT HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES [Policy]

2.1. New. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Guiding Value

The University of Melbourne, in its role as an international teaching and research based University offering undergraduate and postgraduate education, is committed to embracing environmental management goals within University activities. These goals will extend to providing community leadership on environmental issues through quality research and education programs and to the provision of expert advice on environmental matters of public interest.

Academic Programs

The University recognises its role in educating future leaders who will be in a position to make decisions enhancing Australia's environmental sustainability. As the University plays a part in moulding environmental values, Faculty Deans will be responsible for ensuring that programs are made available to enable students and staff to be aware of and to actively support environmental education programs and research.

Environmental Impact Reduction

Programs and quantitative targets will be established to minimise pollution and to meet principal environmental challenges including improved efficiency of resource use, minimising waste generation and reducing discharges to the environment from University activities.

Management and Reporting

The University is committed to developing and sustaining a fully documented Environmental Management System (EMS) in compliance with ISO 14001. This system will provide the framework to comply with legislative requirements, contractual obligations and the measurement of continual improvement targets and outcomes. The University aspires to be an exemplary model for other institutions. The Vice-Chancellor will report to Council on environmental performance at least twice yearly, and will provide an annual environmental report available to the public.

Communication and Involvement

The involvement of regulatory authorities, suppliers, contractors, academic colleagues, students and community groups will be sought in documenting and achieving environmental objectives and targets. The University supports the promotion of environmental awareness within the wider community.

Accountabilities

The Vice-Chancellor is accountable for communication of this policy and for compliance with its undertakings. A Senior Executive Officer of the University will ensure effective implementation, management and monitoring of the environmental management system and its subsequent outcomes. Heads of budget divisions will provide necessary support for environmental plans within their areas. The University will provide for staff and students of the University community a process for identifying and managing environmental risks associated with their activities.

2.1.1. New. Document Control

Table 2: Document control: 2.1.New. Environmental Policy

Established: 6 September 1999. Reviewed 15 September 2008.

Authorised: University Council

Next Review: 15 September 2011

© The University of Melbourne - uncontrolled

2.2. New. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

2.2.1. New. Purpose

To define the responsibility of the University for Occupational Health and Safety.

2.2.2. New. Application

This Policy applies to all staff, students, visitors, contractors etc. in the University environment.

2.2.3. New. Legislation

Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

2.2.4. New. References

General Resolution of Council No: 4.13

2.2.5. New. Occupational Health and Safety Policy

2.2.5.1. New. Commitment

The University recognises its obligation to take all reasonable precautions to provide and maintain so far as is practicable, an environment that is safe and without risks to health for employees, students and visitors .

2.2.5.2. New. Safety Objectives

Establish and maintain an OHS management system that facilitates a structured approach to the management of OHS risk.
Provide adequate human, financial and time resources to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the system.
Keep up-to-date with relevant health and safety legislative obligations. Achieve and maintain compliance with these obligations.
Promote a safety culture that encourages people to proactively manage health and safety risk through education, instruction, information and supervision.
Clearly define and communicate staff, students and contractor responsibilities in relation to health and safety.
Proactively identify and manage health and safety risk via a documented hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control and monitoring process.
Improve processes that ensure that incidents and hazards are promptly reported, investigated where appropriate, and control measures are put in place to eliminate or minimise the chance of a repeat event.
Maintain building infrastructure, plant and equipment in a safe condition with documented safe systems of work.
Routinely monitor and review OHS performance to achieve continual improvement.

2.2.5.3. New. Responsibilities For Safety

Safety is the concern of all employees and, in addition, certain groups within the University community have specific responsibilities.

3.1 Staff with specific responsibilities

The following staff are responsible for occupational health and safety in accordance with the requirements set out in Section 6.2.New. of the University of Melbourne Environment Health and Safety Manual ('the EHS Manual') as amended from time to time.

* Senior Executive Managers, Deans and Heads of Academic and Administrative Departments;

* Managers and Section Heads;

* Academic Staff;

* Supervisors (any person who controls or directs others);

* Staff with special safety duties such as building emergency controllers, radiation safety officers, emergency team members, elected health and safety representatives.

And, in addition to the requirements of section 6.2.New. of the Manual, these staff:

(a) are required, in association with appropriate personnel and the Environment Health and Safety Unit, to formulate and promulgate specific safety rules for activities conducted within areas under their control;

(b) are responsible for reporting to the Vice-Chancellor any aspects under their control which cannot meet safety requirements within the resources provided.

3.2 Employees

All employees (including those employees referred to in paragraph 3.1 above) are to comply with the EHS Manual generally and in accordance with section 6.2.New. of that Manual.

And, in addition employees:

(a)must take all reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their conduct at the workplace;

(b) must not wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health and safety or welfare and must co-operate with the University in relation to actions taken by the University to comply with occupational health and safety legislation;

3.3 Students

All students are to comply with the EHS Manual generally, and in particular, in accordance with Section 6.2.New. of that Manual.

And, in addition students:

(a) are responsible for adopting safe work and study practices;

(b) must not wilfully place at risk the health or safety of any person at the University;

(c) must not wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health and safety or welfare and must cooperate with the University in relation to actions taken to comply with occupational health and safety legislation.

3.4 Contractors

All contractors are required to undergo appropriate induction training. Contractors must adhere to all contractual requirements of the University in relation to occupational health and safety in addition to the University's occupational health and safety requirements specified in the EHS Manual.

3.5 Visitors

Visitors are required to comply with all instructions given by authorised University staff for the protection of their health and safety whilst on University premises.

2.2.5.4. New. Consultation

The University is committed to encouraging consultation and co-operation between management and employees. For this purpose, it has established an Occupational Health and Safety Committee ('the OHS Committee) which in turn encourages the election of employee health and safety representatives who are consulted and involved in any workplace changes which could affect health and safety.

This policy will be reviewed every three years by the Occupational Health and Safety Committee, as part of the EHS Manual review.

The OHS Committee meets at least four times per year.

2.2.5.5. New. Document Control

Table 3: Document control: 2.2.New. Occupational Health & Safety Policy

Established: 18 August 1993, incorporating Occupational Health & Safety Policy established 9 December 1991. Reviewed 15 September 2008.

Authorised: Administrative Committee

Next Review: 15 September 2011

© The University of Melbourne - uncontrolled when printed.