Policy Work Health and Safety Work, Health and Safety Policy

Work, Health and Safety Policy

Policy
Procedures
Other related documents

Intent

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) policy articulates the University’s obligations and commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment and to continually improve its WHS performance. The WHS policy provides direction, as well as a framework for JCU to achieve the intended outcomes of the WHS management system.

Scope

The policy applies to all staff, students (including higher degree by research candidates), affiliates, contractors, suppliers, visitors and members of the public performing authorised work, study or research in connection with or on behalf of the University.

This policy excludes James Cook University (JCU) Controlled Entities.

Definitions

Except as otherwise specified in this policy, the meaning of terms used in this policy are as per the Policy Glossary.

Policy

JCU is committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by its work, study or research activities.

This will be achieved through:

Safety leadership at all levels that is demonstrated through actions, accountability and commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of our people;
Compliance with relevant work health and safety legislation, codes of practice and standards;
Continuous improvement of the work health and safety management system to ensure it is practical and captures emerging hazards and risks;
Proactively managing ill and injured employees to safely remain or return to work following a work or non-work related injury / illness;
Ensuring health and safety risks are identified, managed and mitigated;
Ensuring healthy and safe facilities and environments in which our people carry out work, study or research;
Embracing innovation and technologies to minimise health and safety risks for our people;
Consulting, cooperating and coordinating with our key stakeholders to achieve JCU health and safety goals;
Equipping our people with information, training and resources to empower them to manage risks; and
Fostering a culture where health and safety is integrated into work, study and research in a positive way.

Responsibilities

WHS-PRO-001 WHS Responsibilities Procedure defines the work health and safety responsibilities for all roles at all levels within JCU.

Schedules/Appendices

Schedule A – Work, Health and Safety Policy defines the PCBUs, the Work Health and Safety Officers and the Senior Officers of the University.

Administration

NOTE: Printed copies of this policy are uncontrolled, and currency can only be assured at the time of printing.

Approval Details

Policy Domain	Work, Health and Safety
Policy Sponsor	Deputy Vice Chancellor, Services and Resources
Approval Authority	Work, Health and Safety Committee
Date for next Major Review	12/08/2027

Revision History

Version	Approval date	Approval authority	Implementation date	Details	Author
22-1	12/08/2022	WHS Committee	29/08/2022	Major review found the Policy is currently fit for purpose. Amendments to template only.	WHS Unit
19-1	06/09/2019	HSE Sub-committee	16/10/2019	Major review following release of ISO45001:2018 OHS Systems and legislative updates. Policy name changed from Health, Safety and Environment to Work, Health and Safety Policy.	Principal Technical Advisor, HSE Unit
16-1	24/03/2016		24/03/2016	Minor amendments: Reference to ‘Standards’ replaced with the word ‘Procedures’; Deletion of Head, HSE Unit from Schedule A Clause 1.2 (HSE Officers); and HSE Glossary added to Related policy instruments.	HSE Training & Communications Advisor
14-2	21/01/2015		28/01/2015	Minor amendment – removal of GRW Industries Pty Ltd (subsidiary of NQCC) - GRW Industries (JCU Controlled Entity) has been deregistered. Approved by Acting DVC S&R
14-1	24/10/2014		19/11/2014	Work Health and Safety Policy revised, streamlined and title changed to current title; amendments to Schedule A - Schedule of PCBUs and HSE (formerly WHS) Officers to reflect changes resulting from the University restructure, to ensure currency and to reflect the situation in controlled entities. Refer to WH&S Committee minutes (2/14).
12-2	06/12/2012		09/01/2013	Amendments approved by Council (refer to item 13 of 07/12/2012 Council minutes for details)
12-1	01/12/2011		01/01/2012	Approved by Vice-Chancellor and Council
11-1	31/12/2012		01/01/2013	Approved by Council