Printed copies of this policy are not controlled.
Always check the SIS to ensure this information is accurate.
Policy Name
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Policy Group
Educational Policies > Students > Student Rights and
Responsibilities
Policy Reference Number ED.01.02.04 – 008
Purpose
This policy is in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Work Health and Safety
Regulation 2011 and all relevant codes of practice. It is expected that all students will adhere to the
requirements of the “Act” and comply with its requirements.
Where relevant this policy should be read in conjunction with related CIT policies including the
following WHS policies: Emergency Planning and Response, First Aid, Infection Control, Work Health
& Safety Arrangements Policy, Prevention of Bullying in the Workplace, in conjunction with the
following associated Student policies: Anti-Bullying and Harassment and Unsatisfactory Behaviors’
policy.
Scope
This policy encompasses the roles and responsibility of students.
Definitions
Accident
Incident
Reporting
Accidents” and “Incidents” include any:
• workplace event that endangers the health or safety of a person
• workplace event that results in injury.
All accidents or incidents must be reported, the teacher must complete the AIR on
behalf of the student. All AIR to be sent to the WHS team.
Officers
(WHS Act 2011)
In CIT the following positions have been identified as officers; Chief Executive,
Executives, College Directors. However other individuals within CIT may also be
considered officers.
An officer can also be a person who makes, or participates in making, decisions that
affect the whole, or a substantial part, of a business or undertaking of the Territory.
Person in
control of a
business or
undertaking
Person conducting a Business or Undertaking has the primary duty of care in
relation to health and safety of workers. A ‘person’ is defined in laws dealing with
interpretation of legislation to include a body corporate (company), unincorporated
body or association and a partnership. Accordingly, CIT is identified as the PCBU.
Personal
Protective
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is safety clothing and equipment for specified
circumstances or areas, where the nature of the work involved or the conditions
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 1 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
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Equipment (PPE) under which people are working, requires its wearing or use for their personal
protection to minimise risk.
Safe Work
Procedures
Methods, systems and organisations of work (including hazard identification and
control procedures, appropriate training, tools and equipment etc.) to ensure the
safety, and absence of risk to health, of all individuals involved in doing the work.
Work Health
and Safety
The prevention of injury, ill health and disease arising from exposure to
occupational hazards by providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work
environment.
Worker
A person is a worker if the person carries out work in any capacity for a person
conducting a business or undertaking, including work as – an employee, contractor
or subcontractor, apprentice, volunteer.
Workplace
The legal definition of workplace includes any work activity, a work organised social
activity and work outside the physical boundaries of the work site.
WHS ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The CIT is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its staff, students, contractors
and visitors in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Arrangements Policy. The policy provides
information and resources to enable all those working within the CIT carry out their WHS
responsibilities.
The CIT expects students to comply with the Work Health and Safety policies, procedures and
guidelines, and to conduct themselves in a safe manner and not place themselves or others at risk.
All staff, students, contractors and visitors are expected to:
 comply with the Work Health and Safety Arrangements Policy
 conduct all research and teaching in a safe manner that ensures no harm can come to other
persons, property or the environment
 cooperate with CIT in the development, implementation and maintenance of safe working
procedures and practices
 participate in all levels of training programs
 immediately report hazards and incidents
 actively participate in sustaining the safety culture at CIT.
RISK MANAGEMENT
WHS risk management is the process of hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control with
the aim of providing healthy and safe conditions for staff, students, visitors and contractors at CIT.
Hazard: A hazard is a source of potential harm or a situation with the potential to cause harm to
people, property or the environment.
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 2 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
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Risk: A risk is the chance of something happening that will have an impact on objectives. It is
measured in terms of consequences and likelihood. In the WHS context, risk should be thought of as
the WHS consequence of a given severity, and the likelihood of that particular consequence
occurring.
Consequence: The specific consequences of an event occurring.
Likelihood: The chance of the consequences of an event.
Risk Rating: The process that produces a risk level for the activity. This is a combination of the
consequence of a risk and the likelihood those consequences will occur.
MANUAL HANDLING POLICY
Students are asked to exercise care when lifting heavy objects. Loads should be carried such that the
weight is transferred to the legs rather than to the back. As a rule of thumb, individuals should seek
help if they are unable to lift.
SMOKING POLICY
In order to mitigate the effects of passive smoking, smoking is also banned in the vicinity of air
intakes, building entrances, external doors and windows that are regularly opened and semienclosed thoroughfares. Refer to Smoke free workplace policy.
ERGONOMIC GUIDELINES
One of the main aims of designing effective, safe work systems and processes is to avoid the
development of musculoskeletal injuries or discomfort associated with work. Should discomfort
arise, early intervention to address health, safety or comfort concerns in the office environment is
vital to ensuring the best chance at resolution and can only be achieved through effective
communication between all parties.
ACCIDENT REPORTING
All injuries (minor or major) must be reported to the area supervisor or teacher present at site.
Students should understand that the purpose of reporting and documenting accidents is not to
assign blame, but to determine the cause of the accident so that similar incidents may be prevented
in the future. The CIT is required by legislation to report details of any injuries incurred by students
at work.
Liability and insurance matters will be handled more effectively if initial accident documentation
exists. Taking corrective action as a result of a minor accident may prevent a major incident from
happening. Without knowledge of all minor accidents, the desirable investigation is circumvented.
All accidents or incidents must be reported and the teacher or supervisor must complete the
electronic AIR form on behalf of the student. The AIR must be completed and emailed to the WHS
team within 48 hours WorkplaceHealth and Safety@cit.edu.au.
Accidents” and “Incidents” include any:
• workplace event that endangers the health or safety of a person
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 3 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
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• workplace event that results in injury.
FIRST AID
Numerous staff members are trained as First Aid Officers and can be called upon for assistance in
the event of an injury. The nominated First Aid Officer keeps first aid equipment. The first aid kit
should not be misused and not subject to abuse or pilfering.
*In case of a Medical Emergency the student’s guardian or next of kin may need to be contacted.
Please ensure that students update their emergency contact numbers in Banner.
PERSONAL HEALTH
Students should be immunized against Tetanus and Hepatitis B. Q Fever vaccination is
recommended for all veterinary students and those Agriculture students who work with animals and
those who work in abattoirs, with meat etc.
Refer to Public Health alerts on the ACT Government Health Directorate for further information.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Some students may have medical conditions that impact on possible first aid treatment, eg. epilepsy,
diabetes, allergies and heart disease. Where students who have a medical condition and who may
require the assistance of CIT while studying at the institute they must provide a medical
management plan from their treating doctor. It is prudent to inform relevant staff members or
nominated First Aid Officer of such conditions. It would be useful if this information was also
supplied to the head of department in the respective cluster. All such medical information will be
treated strictly as confidential.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Where students are exposed to hazardous substance they must be made aware of the harmful
properties and including advice regarding the safe handling of the substance. Safety data sheets
should be provided. A CIT staff member must supervise all activities where hazardous substances
(Chemicals) are used.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Ensure that you conduct a risk assessment prior to a work activity.
All electrical equipment must include an electrical test tag. This tag must display the date that it has
been tested and the date of when the next test is due. Never use an electrical appliance where the
test date has been exceeded. Check the condition of the equipment prior to use and including the
condition of electrical leads. If you feel that the equipment is unsafe contact your supervisor for
further information.
Do not use electrical equipment near water.
All requests for electrical work, both minor repairs and new installations, should be made to your
supervisor; they will make an appropriate arrangement.
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 4 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
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


All electrical appliances should be tagged to indicate that the equipment has been checked
and passed a test for electrical safety refer to ASNZ 3760:2010 Electrical testing and tagging
Residual current device (RCD) must be used with electrical appliances
Please report to your area supervisor/lecturer if you noticed any untagged portable
electrical appliance. Students are not allowed to do any electrical related repair work.
GUIDELINES FOR DISPOSAL OF GLASS AND SHARPS
Glass and sharps must be disposed of properly to prevent cuts and adverse health effects from
contaminated glass and sharps. Sharps containers should conform to AS4031-1992. Guidance on
routine disposal of ordinary glass and correct disposal of glassware and sharps from laboratories can
be obtained by contacting the Facilities Management campus manager.
ANIMAL WELFARE
Work conducted with live animals is a privilege and the welfare of the animal must be considered at
all times. The Institute places great importance on animal welfare. All employees/students are
expected to uphold a high standard of animal care. Cruelty of any type will not be tolerated. To
avoid injury to the animal and worker, care should be exercised when working with any type of
animals. Refer to the CIT Animal Policy.
STUDENT INDUCTION
The Induction process is applicable to all students, visitors and volunteers. Personnel who transfer to
new work areas, who are allocated new tasks, and those who are to perform any task not previously
undertaken must receive suitable and adequate information, instruction and training for any task
that they may be required to perform.
Student inductions may include:




General induction
Workshops Site specific
External journeys
Off - site workshops and businesses (interstate).
NON – COMPLIANCE OF SAFETY DUTY
Where a student is believed to put themselves or other at risk and is behaving in a reckless manner
they may be excluded from the activity.
Principles
1. CIT recognises that the health, safety and welfare of its staff and students are of primary
importance.
2. A Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) - is described as a person conducting the
business alone or with others, having health and safety responsibility as far is reasonably
practicable for all workers providing services including those contracted and hired through
labour hire organisations. In terms of the new legislation CIT is considered a PCBU.
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 5 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
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3. All students shall undertake a general induction at CIT. Where a student is to undertake study or
work in an environment where there may be exposure to hazardous work, chemicals, plant and
equipment, laboratories or in areas not controlled by CIT a specific induction must be
undertaken. The educational area has the responsibility of providing an induction to students.
4. Teachers are responsible for providing information, training and supervision of students while
they are participating in activities provided by CIT.
5. Colleges are responsible for the development of safe work practices and safety procedures in
classrooms, workshops or outdoor learning environments for specific work areas.
6. Whilst involved in any workplace activity, CIT staff are expected to promote the health and
safety of students by modelling safe work practices and abide by the CIT Drug and Alcohol policy.
7. Students who do not comply with safe work practices/safety procedures, or whose behaviour is
unsatisfactory according to the CIT policy, may be excluded from participating in a learning
activity on or off campus.
8. CIT Human Resources is responsible for the development of checklists and presentation material
pertaining to WHS requirements.
Note: It is imperative that staff check the procedures section of the policy.
Delegations
Delegation Manual
Delegation Number
Delegation
Delegate
Educational
9.02
Approve College
based safe work
practice and safe
working procedures
College Director
GM CIT Solutions
Educational
9.03
Approve excursions or
off campus visits by
students for a subject
owned by their
College
College Director
GM CIT Solutions
Head of Department
Executive Endorsement
Version
Number
Date Endorsed by BOM or Chief
Executive / Director
001
002
003
004
005
006
007
008
11 May 2000
16 August 2001
24 September 2003
12 June 2008
November 2010
6 December 2011
17 June 2013
January 2014
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Review Process
(Initial Policy, Major Review or Minor
Amendment)
Initial Policy
Major Review
Major Review
Major Review
Minor Amendment
Minor Amendment
Major Review
Minor Amendment
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 6 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
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Review Date
This Policy is due for review by June 2017 or when changes to work practices or the Authority Source
noted below render the policy out of date.
Minor amendments do not alter the review date.
Documentation
Authority Source
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT)
Work Health & Safety Regulation 2011 (ACT)
Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA)
1. CIT policy: Students Under 18 Years of Age
2. CIT Policy: Drug and Alcohol Policy
3. CIT Policy: Unsatisfactory Student Behaviour
Related Documents
Supporting Guide
Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA)
Accountabilities
Policy Owner (Lead Coordinator:
Deputy Chief Executive
Responsible for major review and
any amendments and recommends
sign off by the Chief Executive
Contact Officer (Responsible for
Director, CIT Student Services
input and advice to the policy)
Mandatory Consultation
I approve this policy.
____________________________________
Chief Executive
____________________________________
Date
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 7 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
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Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 8 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
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PROCEDURES
College develops safe work practices/safety procedures for specific
class/workshop/outdoor learning activity in line with CIT WHS
practices.
College displays written safe work practices/safety procedures in
classrooms/workshops.
Prior to specific activity teachers provide written safe work
practices/safety procedures to all students.
Staff behaviour promotes student health and safety. Teachers
instruct all students in safe work practices/safety procedures
relevant to the learning activity.
Safe work practices and safety procedures are implemented by
teaching staff in their teaching areas classrooms/workshops/outdoor
activities conducted on or off campus.
Students are excluded from learning activities if they do not comply
with the specified health and safety requirements including wearing
of Personal Protective Equipment.
Teaching staff must report any situation where health and safe work
practices/procedures are not being met to the College Director.
Teacher/student to report any accident / injury or health hazard to
Campus Manager or relevant teacher within 24 hours.
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 9 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
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CIT Student General WH&S Induction Checklist
This checklist is to be completed by the student and teacher at an orientation session or at the beginning of
the first class. The class teacher is to ensure that new students understand their responsibilities while they are
at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
Student Name
CIT Student Number
Programme Name
CIT
CRN
Check
Check
1.1
1.2
Introduction
Outline of the program of study.
Requirements of the subject/s.
4.1
4.2
1.3
Subject Guide.
4.3
1.4
Essential texts and workbooks.
4.4
1.5
Keeping of class roll books and reporting
absences of apprentices.
4.5
1.6
Other requirements.
4.6
2.1
2.1
Learning Environment Orientation
Classroom/Learning area – tour.
Computer workstation ergonomics.
5.1
5.2
2.3
Location of toilets.
5.3
2.4
Locker and change rooms.
5.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
Location of drinking water.
Access to and security of buildings.
Safety and security of students.
5.5
5.6
5.7
2.8
2.9
Restricted areas/Workshop Inductions.
Mobile phones to be turned off in class.
6.1
6.2
Student Personal Protection Equipment
(PPE)
Appropriate clothing for general
classrooms and learning areas.
6.3
3.2
Specified protective clothing e.g. dust
coat/overalls/work attire.
6.5
3.3
3.4
Approved safety shoes or boots.
Eye protection/safety glasses.
6.6
6.7
3.5
Hearing protection.
3.1
6.4
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Emergency Procedures
Evacuation tones and warnings.
What to do in an emergency
(e.g. ph 000).*
Emergency exits and assembly
areas.
Awareness to not use lifts in
emergencies.
Follow all instructions of
teachers and wardens. Stay in
the assembly area.
How and where to get first aid
treatment.
Student Responsibilities
Follow instructions and training.
Adhere to all student policies
(online).
Not disrupt the learning of
other students.
Anti-bullying and harassment
policy.
Drug and Alcohol policy.
Smoke free workplace policy.
Dedicated smoking area
locations.
General Work Health & Safety
General learning area
housekeeping.
Computer workstation
ergonomics.
Manual handling of heavy and
unstable items.
Risk assessments and controls
(For general classroom/learning
area).
Safe handling and storage of
chemicals.
Read the Safety Data Sheets
(SDS).
Location of Safety Data Sheets.
Use Standard Operating
Procedures (SOP).
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 10 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
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3.6
3.7
Hand protection/gloves.
Other PPE
Head protection where required.
7.1
3.8
Hi-visibility safety clothing or vest.
7.2
3.9
Sunscreen for outdoor activities.
Reporting
Students must report all
accidents.
Students must report defective
equipment.
I have undertaken the CIT Student General Induction and I agree that I am to abide by all of the
responsibilities including Work Health and Safety requirements.
Signed by student ___________________________
Date
Teacher name ______________________________Initial of teacher ______________
Date
/
/
/
/
* If using a CIT phone, dial ‘0’ for an outside line then ‘000’.
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 11 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
Printed copies of this policy are not controlled.
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CIT Workshop WH&S Induction Checklist
This checklist is to be completed by the student and teacher at an orientation session or at the beginning of
the first workshop class. The class teacher is to ensure that new students understand their responsibilities
while in a workshop or laboratory at the Canberra Institute of Technology. (Students are to tick each box as
instruction is given.)
Student Name
CIT Student Number
Program Name
CIT
CRN
Check
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
Introduction
Welcome to practical workshop/tour
Requirements of students to work in a
safe manner at all times in workshops.
Check
5.1
5.2
Students are not to use or interfere
with any equipment without training
and approval.
Identify any special requirements of a
student (Language/Disability).
5.3
Expected behaviour of students in
workshops. No harassment/bullying.
5.5
Access to Workshop or Laboratory
Workshop access times and dates.
5.4
6.1
A teacher must be present at all times.
Building security and locking up
Appropriate PPE must be worn in
workshops.
Facilities
6.2
6.3
6.4
Location of toilets, hand
washing/hygiene.
Location of drinking water/No eating.
Location of first aid resources.
Restricted access areas.
Emergency Planning
Location of emergency information
board
Emergency number 000. *
Emergency alarm warnings.
Evacuation procedures / fire drill.
Emergency assembly area.
What to do in an emergency?
Take bags and follow teacher or
warden.
Fire fighting equipment, location,
training.
How to find first aid officers.
6.6
6.5
6.7
Student Responsibilities
Follow all training and instructions
Adhere to the CIT Drug and Alcohol
policy.
Smoke-free workshops and classrooms.
Only use equipment after training and
with teacher supervision. Report
defects.
Work in a safe manner towards self and
others at all times. Report
Injuries/hazards/defective equipment.
Correctly wear special PPE such as
welding masks, goggles, respirators etc.
as required.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Wear required clothing e.g. overalls,
dust coats, approved work attire.
Wear approved safety shoes or boots.
Wear safety glasses when directed to
Use hearing protection when
appropriate.
Wear appropriate gloves when
necessary.
Use sun protection, hat when outdoors.
7.1
7.2
7.3
Wear hard hat and high-visual clothes.
General Work Health and Safety
General workshop housekeeping.
Cleaning up spills and waste disposal.
Location of eye wash and shower.
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
Manual handling and lifting equipment.
Hand tool safety.
Power tool safety.
Specific machinery operation safety.
Risk Assessments and Controls.
7.9
Safe handling and storage of Chemicals
Location of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).
7.10
7.11
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 12 of 13
Date updated: January 2014
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I have undertaken the CIT student workshop induction and I agree to abide by all of the responsibilities
including Work Health and Safety requirements. I agree to follow any instructions and written safety
procedures that are given by my teacher at CIT.
Signed by student _______________________________
Date
Teacher name _________________________Signature __________________________
Date
/
/
/
/
* If using a CIT phone, dial ‘0’ for an outside line then ‘000’.
Work Health and Safety of Students Policy
Contact officer: Director, CIT Student Services
Date created: 11 May 2000
Page 13 of 13
Date updated: January 2014