The university strives to provide a safe and healthy environment for it employees, students and visitors at all of its campuses and premises. There is a general legal responsibility to this effect under Common Law and there are also specific requirements placed on the university under various acts and regulations of statutory law. The main piece of legislation is the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1995. There is also a responsibility incumbent on individuals to take reasonable care of themselves whilst on campus or on field work and to not endanger others.
The Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee (OHSPC) is a standing committee of the university Council made up of employer, employee and student representatives. The terms of reference of the OHSPC are to monitor the university's performance and its compliance with legislation, standards and codes. The committee also formulates and reviews policies to ensure that a uniform approach is adopted at all campuses. Copies of these policies are available from MSA or MPA at Clayton, MUSU at Caulfield and Peninsula, MUGSU at Gippsland and the Victorian Pharmacy Students Association at Parkville.
The role of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) is to provide a source of expertise to the university on all facets of OHS and environmental matters. The functions of OHSE include:
The university is divided into a number of zones: heads of departments within each zone arrange for the formation of a zone occupational health and safety committee. These committees are responsible for the day to day oversight of OHS matters at a local level, and they deal with such matters as the investigation of accidents and hazards, coordination of first-aid services, implementation of OHS policies, and the conduct of emergency evacuation drills.
In each zone there are also one or more safety officers who act as the contact for dealing with OHS issues and problems among staff and students, and who liaise with OHSE. The names and telephone numbers of safety officers are displayed on the emergency procedures notices in each building. Where other special OHS hazards exist there are also radiation safety officers, biosafety officers and laser safety officers.
All accidents, incidents and hazards should be reported on one of the university's two incident report forms: one form is for minor incidents or hazards; the other is for more serious accidents. The safety officer will provide advice on which of the two forms to use. It is important that all accidents and hazards be reported on these forms so that safety officers can investigate and make recommendations to prevent recurrences. There is also a legal requirement for the university to notify some types of accidents to state authorities. Obtain copies of the forms from:
Instructions on what to do in the event of an emergency are posted on the walls of most buildings. These instructions - called emergency procedures notices - are on A4-size laminated sheets. Accompanying each notice is an A3-size floor plan that shows the location of such equipment as fire extinguishers and break-glass fire alarms, and the location of nearby exits, with directional arrows that show how to leave the building. All should familiarise themselves with these notices and the important information that they convey
In the event of an emergency, telephone 333 or use the red E telephones that are located in most buildings.
Fire
In case of fire, keep calm, and alert other persons nearby. Follow the fire instructions on the emergency procedures notice posted in the building. At Clayton, and in buildings A to F, K and N at Caulfield, use the red E telephone. On all campuses call the emergency number 333. If you are requested to do so, evacuate the building without delay.
First aid
Throughout the university there are trained first-aiders in all but minor buildings. The nearest first-aiders are listed on the emergency procedures notices. First aid treatment is also available through:
Smoking is not permitted in any building occupied by the university, or in university vehicles. This policy does not apply to student residences except in those areas that are public (that is, communal). However, a total ban applies at Howitt Hall, Clayton, and in the student accommodation at Gippsland.
The paths and grounds bounded by the Ring Road at Clayton are restricted to pedestrian and essential vehicle use only. Bicycle riding is not permitted in this area. At Parkville, cyclists must leave their bicycles at the bicycle shed located at the Royal Parade entrance to the campus. At Berwick, Caulfield, Peninsula and Gippsland campuses, no such restrictions apply.
For further information regarding occupational health and safety matters, contact the office of the campus administrator at Berwick, the Monash University Student Union Inc. at Caulfield or Peninsula, the Monash Student Association or the Monash Postgraduate Association at Clayton, the amenities officer at Gippsland, the administration office at Parkville, or a safety officer. OHSE can also be contacted where more specialist advice is required.
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