Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy

Overview

The University of Adelaide aims to create and engender a University culture that values health, safety and wellbeing as fundamental components of the work environment, supported by safe systems of work, appropriate governance, training, management structures and operational strategies.

Scope and Application

This policy applies to all persons who undertake University of Adelaide related activities, use University of Adelaide facilities and/or are employed or engaged by the University or affiliated with the University in any capacity. This includes but not limited to employees, title holders, volunteers, students, visitors or third parties engaged by the University under a contract of service or contract for service (e.g. contractors) and/or a staff member of a controlled entity.

For the purpose of this Policy:

a) OHSW/HSW/OHS are all recognised abbreviations and mean the same. Variances occur due to the introduction of the Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) strategy in 2007 and appointment of the Health Safety and Wellbeing Team.

b) Injury management (i.e. workers compensation and rehabilitation) is incorporated under the wellbeing component of the health, safety and wellbeing framework and systems.

Policy Principles

1. The University aims to integrate health, safety and wellbeing into mainstream management systems and align HSW activities with the University's mission, vision, values and strategic objectives.

2. The University aims to minimise the risk of injury and illness to our employees and other persons by adopting a planned and systematic approach to the management of health, safety and wellbeing including the identification, assessment and control of hazards.

3. The University will monitor, measure, and evaluate health, safety and wellbeing activities and performance, to ensure these are not only effective but are also continually improved.

4. The University will communicate and consult with employees and key stakeholders and encourage their contribution to the decision-making processes affecting the health, safety and wellbeing of all persons at the University.

5. The University will utilise appropriate internal and/or external expertise when required in all Health, Safety and Wellbeing activities.

6. The University aims to have in place an Occupational Health and Safety Management framework consistent with Australian and New Zealand standards, and health, safety and wellbeing systems in accordance with Commonwealth, State and any other relevant legislation, and the WorkCover SA "Code of Conduct for Self-insured Employers" and related University policies and procedures.

7. The University recognises that its employees are its most valuable resource and will ensure that should a work related injury occur, equitable claims management practices and effective rehabilitation services will be provided, with the aim of full recovery and a safe and sustainable return to work.

8. The University will identify and define responsibilities and accountabilities for all relevant employees and stakeholders in the Health, Safety and Wellbeing handbook.

9. Consequences of non-compliance

Non-compliance with this policy and HSW handbook may:

a) be addressed through the University's disciplinary procedures;

b) be subject to sanctions under the relevant legislation;

c) be monitored through the University's legal compliance framework.

Authorities

Key	Authority Category	Authority	Delegation Holder	Limits
Human Resources	Health Safety and Wellbeing	To approve "Very High" residual risk activities, in accordance with the HSW Handbook.	Vice Chancellor and President	Nil
Human Resources	Health Safety and Wellbeing	To approve "High" residual risk activities, in accordance with the HSW Handbook.	Vice Chancellor and President, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Presidents, Vice President (Services and Resources), Executive Deans, Heads of School/Branch	If travel to a "High" risk destination then authority required by the VC&P
Human Resources	Health Safety and Wellbeing	To approve Faculty/Division/ School/Branch activities where required in the HSW Handbook.	Vice Chancellor and President, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Presidents, Vice President (Services and Resources), Executive Deans, Heads of School/Branch	Nil
Human Resources	Health Safety and Wellbeing	To approve policy amendments to titles, names or references that do not otherwise affect policy content; and guidelines, checklists, templates and forms.	Vice President Services & Resources	Nil

Procedures & responsibilities

1. Adopting the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Processes

Responsibility: all staff

All persons identified in the scope of the HSW policy, must comply and co-operate with health, safety and wellbeing systems, procedures and processes in accordance with all relevant legislation and the HSW handbook. Where staff are managing or supervising or directing the activities of staff and students they act as the employer under the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Legislation.

2. University Health, Safety and Wellbeing Responsibilities

In addition, the following staff members/committees have specific responsibilities as outlined below:

1	Vice Chancellor and President	Has the overall responsibility to provide a healthy and safe workplace and to ensure adequate resources are provided, including the utilisation of internal and/or external expertise where appropriate, to meet the University's health and safety objectives, in accordance with Section 61 the OHSW Act, as the Responsible Officer.
2	Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee	Oversees the University's Occupational Health Safety and Wellbeing Management System.
3	Executive Deans and Divisional Heads	Must ensure that adequate resources are available to implement the HSW Policy, monitor HSW performance and ensure corrective actions are taken to rectify any deficiencies.
4	Heads of School/Branch	Must ensure that the relevant business processes are implemented in accordance with the HSW Handbook and in consultation with staff.
5	Manager, HSW	Co-ordinates the University's Occupational Health Safety and Wellbeing Management System, including rehabilitation and workers compensation, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and President in accordance with the HSW Handbook.
6	Health and Safety Officers (if appointed)	Assist the Head of School/Branch to administer HSW processes in accordance with the HSW Handbook.
7	University Health and Safety Committees	Operate in accordance with the Terms of Reference established for the Committee.

Please use the following URL instead of linking to individual documents:
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/153/