Managing EHS

2. Managing Environment, Health and Safety

The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering recognises its obligation to take all reasonable precautions to provide and maintain, as far as practicable, an environment that is safe and without risk to health for employees, students, contractors and visitors.

2.1. Inductions

The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering recognises inducting all employees, students and visitors in the workplace is an important part of the safety management system. Inductions will be completed on arrival to the department. Induction checklists and resources are available and can be found in the EHS Training section of the University Environment Health and Safety Manual. All staff and students associated with the Photonics Research Laboratories (PRL) will also require an additional induction in that area by the PRL Safety Officer.

2.2. Environment, Health and Safety Committee

In line with the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering's commitment to the Environment, Health and Safety a committee operates to monitor the workplace and develop systems and procedures related to these matters. Current committee members including the elected health and safety representative (HSR) are posted on the health and safety notice board, level 2. We also have regular representation on the Melbourne School of Engineer Environment, Health and Safety committee and the University Environment and Health & Safety Representatives committee. If you have a EHS concern please raise it with a committee member so it can be included on the agenda of the next meeting.

EHS Committee Meeting Minutes 2004

Department Minutes

6 May 2004, 1 September 2004

School of Engineering Minutes

The Melbourne School of Engineer EHS committee meeting minutes can be accessed on the School of Engineering Web site.

2.3. Environment, Health and Safety Training

The University has a legal moral obligation to address EH & S issues, and to ensure that Managers and Supervisors are appropriately trained relevant to their roles and responsibilities. Training is available through the Risk Management Office and an EHS needs analysis assessment is to be considered annually. There is a minimum requirement of EHS training for all staff and each Work Area Supervisor is responsible for ensuring this is reviewd annually for Staff and Post Graduate Students under their supervision, course details are available from the Human Resources Staff Development Unit. Refer to EHS Training section of the University Environment Health and Safety Manual for the full procedure and resources.

2.4. Incident Reporting and Investigation

It is a legal requirement under Occupational Health and Safety legislation and an insurance requirement to report all workplace injuries and serious near misses. For further information refer to the Incident and Hazard Reporting section of the EHSM.

All incidents must be reported by completing the S3 form available in Appendix A of the EHSM. The completed original report must be submitted to the Risk Management and a copy retained by the Department Safety Officer.

2.5. Responsibilities

We all have a duty of care to fellow employees, students and visitors for a detailed list of Staff and Student responsibilities please refer to the university Environment Health and Safety Manual.