๏ Accessing Information can access relevant health and safety information through: accessing online resources such as the WHS internet site, discussions with supervisors, peers, WHS or Workplace Advisory Committee representatives, contacting the WHS Unit, attending meetings, reading communications.
๏ Forms of Communication: WHS internet site, WHS intranet site for staff, WHS performance measures in the UOW Performance Indicators system, WHS committee minutes, workplace advisory committee minutes, hazard and incident reports in Safety Net, internal and external WHS training programs such as inductions, material safety data sheets via Chem Alert online, fire and emergency evacuation information, contractor safety induction guide.
๏ Health and safety information may also be made available: on workplace noticeboards, posters displayed around the workplace, through meetings such as toolbox talks, by email such as safety alerts, in newsletters, on safety signage.
๏ Information Dissemination
1. Internal: information is determined by organisational need. Relevant information which may be disseminated at the local level includes: changes to the workplace, the system or method of work, the plant or chemicals used, incidents and associated corrective actions that may arise, new or updated WHS legislation or associated requirements.
2. External: Exchange of information with external parties such as customers, students, suppliers, contractors and public authorities occur as determined by organisational need and
best practice. As a general rule, external parties can access UOW WHS information via the University WHS but is not limited to: displaying of WHS Policy in prominent locations such as staff noticeboards and visitor entry points, WHS procedures such as laboratory manuals or handbooks, WHS information is disseminated to suppliers for contractors and labour hire services via the WHS induction guide and local WHS induction meeting where appropriate. Further information can be found at the Contractor Safety webpage, material safety data sheets, emergency plans for emergency services, instructions for the safe installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of plant or equipment, product recalls.
Where the exchange of information is identified, local units should document procedures for
identification, responsibility and processes for the communication of WHS information with
external parties.
3. Language and Literacy of employees/students must take into account issues including non-English speaking, people who are illiterate or with disabilities. Where employees may have, difficulty understanding or reading English, the information needs to be translated or directly explained to individuals. If there is a need for translation of health and safety information, interpreter services may be used. To obtain access to interpreter services please contact Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National.
๏ Safety Alerts Communication of hazards, incidents and details from investigation findings can be communicated to the organisation through a safety alert. The need for a safety alert is determined by an assessment of risk from relevant information including the type, nature and scale of incident, the impact to the organisation, potential for re occurrence and specific audience to be targeted. Any personal or private information is to be removed or blocked from the safety alert.
๏ Induction is a mechanism to communicate health and safety requirements at the commencement of work for the workplace. Staff, students, contractors and visitors should attend an induction to ensure they are familiar with University health and safety requirements. The type of induction will depend on the level of work being undertaken as defined by the WHS training guidelines. A general induction should include: a tour of the workplace, roles and responsibilities, emergency procedures, general workplace hazards and safety signs, workplace hazard/incident reporting, introductions to fellow personnel in the work area, specific occupational health and safety instructions relevant to the area (e.g. personal protective equipment, safety signage, safe work procedures), consultation mechanisms.