Frequently Asked Questions

The below information is intended to assist UWS employees to solve common OH&S issues that can arise in the workplace.

If the answer provided does not adequately address your concern(s) or you require more detailed information you should contact your OH&S Coordinator rather than act on incomplete or basic information.

Does UWS have a procedure for resolving an OHS issue?

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Does UWS provide OH&S related training?

At UWS safety training is an essential component of all work and is provided in house using UWS staff or consultants. Typically training at UWS can include:

  • On the job training done in the workplace -
    This type of training is usually arranged and supervised locally in consultation with the staff concerned
  • Safety induction training -
    This type of training is designed for new employees and is provided soon after they start at UWS. This training is intended to provide staff with key OH&S information about OH&S at the University. It includes information about OH&S policy and procedures, emergency management, injury reporting and where to get help etc
  • Specialist or technical based work related courses arranged on a needs basis -
    This type of training is provided to staff who require particular skills and expertise in order to carry out their job
  • Training to meet statutory requirements eg certificates of competency, first aid and workplace consultation -
    This type of this training is usually regarded as "accredited" and is provided by WorkCover NSW or other accredited bodies/individuals
  • Training provided by in house specialists such as OH&S staff -
    This type of training is usually coordinated through the Professional Development Unit and is ongoing. The training covers a range of safety related areas such as statutory obligations, risk management, ergonomics etc
  • Training to deal with emergencies eg fire, building evacuation etc -
    This type of training is specific to the topic area and can be done in house or using consultants

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How do I arrange to attend OH&S training courses?

Details may be found on the Professional Development Unit website.

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Can I obtain a copy of the handouts for OH&S training courses?

The following documents are in pdf format and need to be viewed in Adobe Acrobat. If you do not have Acrobat it can be downloaded from Adobe.

How do I find out the safety requirements for my job?

There is an OH&S component to every job ie there are hazards associated with all work which, if not recognised, understood and controlled can give rise to injury.

Staff need to know the safety requirements for the work they are required to do so that the risk of injury is eliminated or minimised. Management is required by law to develop and implement effective OH&S plans, polices and procedures in consultation with employees. OH&S policies, plans and procedures are intended to provide a framework to support the OH&S function within an organisation.

Staff can find out the safety requirements for their job in a number of ways. These include:

  • Asking their manager/supervisor or co workers
  • Reading the safety information relevant the work eg operating instructions, MSDSs, warning signs etc
  • Attending training sessions
  • Observing how work is done by co workers
  • Contacting manufacturers or suppliers to find out about plant and substances

How do I report a work related injury, accident, incident or hazard?

Injury, accident, incident or hazard reporting should be regarded as being a "pro active measure" which enables management to better identify, eliminate or reduce occupational risks.

If you become aware of a work related accident you must report the accident as soon as possible. If you are not sure whether it is work related or if it warrants reporting you should seek clarification from your manager/supervisor, co worker or OH&S staff.

UWS has developed an in house "Accident/Injury/Incident/Hazard Notification Form" for this purpose. These forms are usually located near first aid kits and can also be obtained by contacting OH&S Staff.

The form is to be filled out in all circumstances whereby a staff member, student, visitor any other person is involved in an accident or is otherwise injured while on UWS property.

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How do I restock the First Aid Kit in my area?

Employers are required under the NSW OH&S Regulation 2001 Chapter 2 Clause 20 to "provide first aid facilities and personnel".

First aid kits at UWS are strategically located throughout the campuses and workplaces.

Some UWS staff are Designated First Aid Officers (DFAO's) and receive an allowance from the University to provide assistance when first aid is required. In return for the allowance UWS expects First Aid Officers to maintain the kits in their area and ensure that their contact details are clearly written on the front of the first aid kit.

Additional equipment for restocking first aid kits can be obtained by emailing the OHS Office on ohs@uws.edu.au. The supplies will be sent to you through the internal mail.

First Aid Assistance is also provided by all Security staff.

I have been injured at work - what should I do?

If you have been injured as a result of an accident at work is it vitally important that you report the accident/injury as early as possible ie immediately or within 24 hours.

You must complete a UWS "Accident/Injury/Incident/Hazard Notification Form". These forms are located near first aid kits. If you are unable to complete the form you may ask a co-worker or supervisor to assist you.

If you are injured and you fail to report an injury in a timely manner it may jeopardise or delay your access to workers compensation entitlements.

When you complete the form you should hand it to your supervisor so the accident can be investigated.

The primary purpose of an accident investigation is to ascertain how/why the accident occurred so that a similar accident can be avoided in the future.

If as a result of the injury you need to receive medical treatment at a hospital or from your doctor you should also contact the OH&S Unit regarding the steps you need follow when claiming workers compensation.

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What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics can optimise human performance, safety and health by improving the design of work processes, work equipment and workplaces.

Three key areas of ergonomics specialisation that impact on organisations are physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics and organisational ergonomics.

Physical ergonomics is concerned with the following factors:

  • Layout and dimensions of work areas
  • Forces acting on the body
  • Ambient comfort of the workplace
  • Postures
  • Actions and movements
  • Vibration

Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with the following factors:

  • Mental workload
  • Decision making
  • Skills
  • Memory
  • Responses
  • Stress

Organisation ergonomics is concerned with the following factors:

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Consultation
  • Participation
  • Work design
  • Job rotation
  • Training

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How do I get an ergonomic assessment of my workstation?

The University is committed to providing workplaces and systems that will not adversely impact on the health and wellbeing of staff.

The OH&S Unit can provide basic ergonomic advice and assistance regarding basic ergonomic principles and how to set up a workstation correctly.

The Unit can also provide advice on how to arrange for an Occupational Therapist to carry out a detailed work place assessment.

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Who is responsible for making the workplace "safe"?

At common law every employer has an overriding "Duty of Care" to ensure that persons are not injured as a result of their negligence. Fundamentally, this duty extends to providing safe premises, safe systems of work, adequate training and competent supervision.

Under the NSW OH&S Act 2000 and the NSW OH&S Regulation 2001 employers are required to implement effective measures to eliminate or control the hazards and risks that are inherent in any work under their control.

Whereas employers have ultimate responsibility for providing a safe and healthy workplace every person employed by the employer has specific OH&S responsibilities.

At the University of Western Sydney every manager and supervisor is accountable to the Vice Chancellor for ensuring that the workplaces under their control are properly maintained and that work is carried out in a safe manner. Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that adequate risk assessments are undertaken in consultation with employees to ensure that risks inherent in their work are reduced to the lowest possible levels.

Employees are legally bound to co-operate with their employer and the management to the extent necessary to make the workplace safe for employees and/or other persons. This cooperation extends to reporting hazards, complying with reasonable directions given in the interests of health and safety, using/operating equipment correctly, taking active steps to work safely, adhering to established safety rules/procedures, wearing any personal protective equipment provided by the employer where required and maintaining high standards of housekeeping in the workplace.