Good Research Practice

9.0  AU Health, Safety and Environmental Management

The University Council is the governing body with the responsibility, through its officers, to ensure that statutory requirements are met and appropriate standards applied. The Registrar and Secretary has the authority from Council to oversee HS&E management. The University Safety and Environmental Advisor assists this function by contributing to policy development; monitoring and auditing policy implementation; providing specialist advice to all levels within the University. The University Health, Safety and Environment Committee is responsible to Senate and Council. The function of the Committee is to advise the University on matters affecting occupational health, safety and the environment, including the formulation and periodic review of policy, and to monitor implementation of said policy. The committee also fulfils the statutory function of consulting with employees and their Safety Representatives. Heads of Departments and other Units have the responsibility to implement University policy within their own areas, and appoint Safety Officers to assist them with this task. Departmental Safety Committees are required by policy to oversee and consult on issues locally and report to the University HS&E Committee via the Safety and Environmental Advisor. The Estates Office has the responsibility to ensure that the fabric and services of the University Estate meet statutory requirements (including physical arrangements for fire prevention and protection). Radiation Protection Supervisors are appointed to undertake statutory duties in the management of ionising radiations within their departments. Where health surveillance is required for specific jobs, the department concerned is responsible for the arrangements. Where other occupational health issues arise, the workers concerned are asked to see their GPs for possible referral to specialist medical advisors.