OH&S Training
The due diligence requirements of the NSW OH&S Act 2000 requires employers to develop and implement OH&S training programs that will ensure all employees have the requisite knowledge, experience and qualifications to keep the workplace safe.
OH&S Online Training Modules
At the University of Western Sydney, OH&S training and information is delivered in a timely manner, using five, easily accessible online Training Modules. These modules are available to all staff on Staff Online.
OHS Module 1 - OHS Orientation
This module informs you about the duty of care you bear at UWS to abide by the universities policies and procedures. It informs how and when consultation occurs and describes some of the mechanisms and processes that contribute to health and safety at UWS. Included within this module is a briefing on evacuation procedures at UWS. The module demonstrates where OHS forms can be found and how to use the University’s OHS documentation. By the end of this module you will know about and understand:
- Your duty of care
- The obligations for consultation
- Your role in emergencies
- Where to find risk assessment forms
- Where to find accident/injury/incident/hazard notification forms, and
- The resources available around OHS at UWS.
OHS Module 2 - Risk Management
Risk management is a method of identifying potential danger, assessing it for its significance and then acting appropriately to protect people. This module shows you how to identify hazards in the workplace. It gives examples of some of the hazards that may occur at UWS and breaks those hazards into groups to make it easier for you to recognise where you may need to take some action to notify UWS supervisors or security staff. On completion of this module you will:
- Understand how risk management works and what to do to alert UWS staff to a danger
- Be able to identify hazards in your work area
- Have a basic understanding of the risk assessment process and how risks are controlled, and
- Understand the process used when hazards are reported.
OHS Module 3 - Office Safety
The Office Safety module will assist you to set up your workstation in a way that will minimise potential injury. The module is full of information that answers some of the basic questions about your workspace. UWS is progressive in addressing the issue of workplace stress and negative work behaviours. This module gives you the opportunity to become aware of workplace stress and bullying and provides you with information and resources that may be of assistance. By the end of this module you will:
- Know how to adjust your workstation to minimise risk of illness and injury
- Be able to adjust your ergonomic chair for best advantage
- Understand the importance to your body of taking regular breaks
- Recognise the symptoms of an inappropriate stress response, and
- Have actions that you can take to resolve workplace bullying or other inappropriate behaviours should they occur.
OHS Module 4 - Manual Handling
Injuries that arise from manual handling activities account for a significant proportion of workplace injuries in Australia. This module uses powerful graphics and easy to understand information to demonstrate what Manual Handling is and to shed light on how you can avoid injury. This module, specifically crafted for UWS is important information that may help you. By the end of this module you will:
- Understand how your body bears load
- Know where your hip joints are and how to use them to assist in lifting, carrying and bending
- Recognise and be able to avoid destructive energy in movement, and
- Understand when it is necessary to have manual handling risk assessments carried out.
OHS Module 5 - Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods
UWS personnel working with hazardous substances and dangerous goods must follow the laws, procedures and regulations designed around their use. This module describes issues that need to be considered and implemented in order to ensure that UWS staff and students are learning based on best practice, including what they observe as well as what they read. This is essential reading for all UWS staff and students who work with hazardous substances and dangerous goods. By the end of this module you will:
- Understand how hazardous substances and dangerous goods are defined, and
- Have a basic understanding of some of the legislation that oversees the use of hazardous substances in the workplace.
OH&S Training Services
The Office of Organisational Development (OD) is responsible for the marketing and co ordination of the University’s OHS training program in consultation with the Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Unit.
To obtain more information about the courses offered by the OD or to enrol in a specific course, see the Office of Organisational Development.
The OHS&R Unit also offers a range of OH&S training related services including:
- OH&S training needs analysis
- OH&S training course design, development and delivery
- Ready access to OH&S training videos on loan. Please see the Video Library - Titles List (MS Word, 68Kb).
- Access to OH&S training venues
- Advice on how to contact accredited OH&S related trainers and/or other reputable OH&S training providers.
Safety Induction
'Safety Induction' is a well recognised and accepted process adopted by employers for ensuring that persons who may be required to enter workplaces under their control, are provided with essential safety information, instruction, training and equipment.
At the University of Western Sydney, management is required to ensure that all who visit, are contracted to, work or learn in the University are provided with appropriate safety induction information, instruction, training and equipment so that they are able to carry on their learning, working and business activities in a manner that is conducive to ensuring the safety of people, the environment and /or property.
The University has developed the OHS and Rehabilitation Staff and Student Induction Handbook which forms part of the University’s wider safety induction program.
The University encourages every person who visits, is contracted to, works or learns in the University to familiarise themselves with the Handbook, and complete the online training.
The Handbook provides information about the concepts, plans, principles, polices, procedures, systems and measures that exemplify the University’s strategic response to sound occupational risk management in the workplace.
The Handbook also provides specific information about how visitors, staff, students and contractors can adhere to the University’s safety requirements and meet their respective OH&S obligations whilst at the University.
Managers who, as part of their role engage contractors to carry out work for or on behalf of the University are for required to ensure that contractors are provided with appropriate safety induction training and information before they commence work.
The University also provides a range of Training Courses and Services to ensure staff, students and contractors are able access essential safety information, instruction and training appropriate for their work and learning activities.
