Helpline

The primary purpose of this helpline is to provide UWS staff with advice that will enable them to resolve any issues that could have an impact on occupational health and safety (OH&S) in the workplace.

It is intended that, in the first instance, staff should follow this advice to ensure that any issues are resolved efficiently and effectively.

How do I resolve an issue?

While some situations may have the potential to impact on OH&S, they are not always an OH&S issue. For example, if an employee is not trained to do a job safely, the issue to be resolved is how/when training will be provided. Similarly, if an employee has an unserviceable chair, the issue that needs to be resolved is how/when the chair will be repaired or replaced.

The University has a large range of resources and expertise that can be utilised to resolve issues that have the potential to impact on OH&S.

The Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Unit has listed some common issues that may have OH&S implications. Related links are provided to the appropriate resource and personnel with the expertise to resolve the particular issue.

An accident involving an injury

All events resulting in an injury must be reported using the UWS Accident/Injury/Incident/Hazard Notification form.

A hard-copy of this form can be obtained from:

  • the perspex holder located near your first aid kit
  • the administrative office within your School/Division
  • the OH&S Office, Building BO, Werrington South
  • the Security Office on any campus.

Completing these forms ensures that:

  • your entitlements are protected
  • UWS can implement injury/prevention and management strategies in a timely manner
  • workers compensation costs are kept to a minimum
  • more resources are available to enable the University to meet its business plans.

Maintenance

CW&F is responsible for the maintenance of built assets, associated fixed plant and equipment and building infrastructure across the six UWS campuses and sites.

To report a routine maintenance or facilities request, please refer to the CW&F website and submit a CW&F Client service request form (available for download from the Forms webpage).

To report an urgent maintenance issue that requires immediate attention, please phone the UWS Contact Service Centre on 9852 5800 (Ext 5800). After hours calls regarding urgent maintenance issues will be transferred to the Duty Security Officer.

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Notification to WorkCover NSW

Dangerous occurrence

Chapter 12, Part 12.1 of the OH&S Regulation 2001 requires employers to notify certain accidents (dangerous occurrences) to WorkCover NSW.

Incidents that require notification include any work related occurrence that:

  • causes the death of a person
  • results in the amputation of a limb
  • results in a person being placed on a life support system
  • presents an immediate threat to life eg loss of consciousness due the impact of physical force, exposure to electric shock, a lack of oxygen or exposure to a hazardous substance, an uncontrolled explosion, entrapment by machinery, serious burns, major damage to plant, equipment, building or structure.

At UWS all dangerous occurrences are notified to WorkCover via the OH&S Unit.

The responsibility for reporting rests with the employer and notification must be within seven days of becoming aware of an occurrence. Notification must also be on a prescribed WorkCover form.

Employees who become aware of a dangerous occurrence must immediately notify their supervisor/manager (verbally) The manager/supervisor should contact OH&S staff for assistance to complete the Accident/Injury/Incident/Hazard Notification Form (PDF, 118Kb). Hard-copies of the form can be obtained from:

  • the perspex holder located near your first aid kit
  • the administrative office within your School/Division
  • the OH&S Office, Building BO, Werrington South
  • the Security office on any campus.

Dangerous occurrences at a workplace often require a formal investigation by the NSW WorkCover Authority so the workplace must remain undisturbed (i.e. the workplace should not be interfered with, or touched by any person) until directed by a WorkCover Inspector. The only exception to this rule is to preserve life or to treat an injury. N.B. This disturbance must be kept to a minimum.

Proposed work

Part 12.3 of the Regulation covers the notification of certain 'proposed work' to WorkCover NSW. The types of work covered under this part include:

  • work that involves the use of a notifiable or prohibited carcinogenic substance
  • lead risk work as defined in Part 7.6 of the Regulation
  • bonded asbestos removal work as detailed in Part 10.1 of the Regulation
  • demolition work as detailed in Part 10.1 of the Regulation.

If you require further information regarding the need to notify WorkCover NSW, please contact the OH&S Unit

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Reporting hazards in the workplace

Every employee is required to:

  • monitor the workplace for hazards that may cause injury
  • take steps, where appropriate, to effectively control hazards
  • report hazards over which they have no direct control to the appropriate manager/supervisor.

The University has an Accident/Injury/Incident/Hazard Notification Form that can be completed by any person finding a hazard or hazardous situation.

When hazards and hazardous situations are reported in a timely manner, the University can reduce the risks associated with the work.

Accident/Injury/Incident/Hazard Notification Form forms can also be obtained from:

  • the perspex holder located near your first aid kit
  • the administrative office within your School/Division
  • Security Office on your campus

Distribution of copies:

  • original white copy - to be forwarded to the OH&S&R Unit upon completion by all parties (within 48 hours)
  • Duplicate - Retained by Area Supervisor/other parties as a copy and/or for the purpose of further investigation or recommendation of preventative action
  • If you have downloaded the form from the web, a photocopy of the completed form should be made as a duplicate copy

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Substantial changes to systems of work/workplace design

If your workplace is undergoing changes to work practices and/or workplace layout, this may have OH&S implications. If you have OH&S concerns about any changes, you have the right to raise those concerns with your employer. This can be done via:

  • direct consultation with your immediate manager or supervisor
  • elected OH&S consultative committees and/or OH&S representatives
  • professional OH&S staff who are employed by the University to provide a range of OH&S related services e.g. information, training, functional assessments, audits, etc.

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Workplace equipment

The University undertakes to provide serviceable equipment so that employees can undertake their work in a safe manner. Workplace equipment may include: desks, chairs, stools, autoclaves, glassware, etc.

Requests for the repair or replacement of equipment need to be endorsed by your immediate supervisor as the costs associated with the request will be borne by your School/Division.

To repair or replace an unserviceable piece of workplace equipment simply contact your Administrative Co-ordinators within your School/Division by either phone, email or memo.