Health and safety plans, OHS compliance statements and file-keeping
This section contains obligations for deans and directors and some members of the Senior Executive. The process is managed by the OHS Unit and advice in relation to this is available from the Manager, OHS. A template including explanatory notes, is on the OHS website.
Health and safety plans
A health and safety plan is prepared by the head of an organisational area for that area and is to be completed by 30 November each year.
The process is managed by the OHS Unit and advice in relation to this is available from the Manager, OHS. A Health and Safety template (149 KB), including explanatory notes, is provided.
The Manager, OHS requests a report from heads of organisational areas by the end of February each year about the outcomes achieved against the plans for the previous year.
OHS compliance statements (formerly known as due diligence statements)
Heads of organisational areas complete an OHS compliance statement (38 KB) by 30 November of each year. The process is managed by the OHS Unit.
Health and safety records
Each organisational area which completes a health and safety plan and an OHS compliance statement should maintain, at a minimum, the following central registry files (hard copy or electronically on TRIM) on which relevant records should be placed:
- health and safety plan and OHS compliance statement
- records of OHS induction, training and distribution of information to staff and others
- records of inspections and subsequent risk assessments and actions taken
- copies of accident reports and follow-up documentation
- records of staff consultations.
Staff can obtain assistance in the maintenance of central registry files by contacting the Records Unit.
Permit Procedures
Permit procedures are used to control access to hazardous locations or manage particularly hazardous work. The development of permit procedures are a local management responsibility. Their management and updating should be part of the organisational area’s OHS Plan. Further detail is available on the OHS website.
Safe Working Instructions
Safe Working Instructions are written instructions for a process or activity that outlines the recommended safe method of undertaking the process or activity. The development of Safe Working Instructions are a local management responsibility.
Written Safe Working Instructions are an essential part of a safe system of work and are an important part of an overall occupational health and safety program. Safe Working Instructions should be an integral part of the organisational area’s induction and refresher training programs. Further detail is available on the OHS website.
