School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Occupational Health
and Safety Induction
For all Staff, Students and Visitors
Welcome to the School of Environmental
and Life Sciences

The University has an obligation to its employees under the Northern
Territory Workplace Health and Safety Act. To meet its obligations the
University has this induction program to provide you with knowledge of
occupational health and safety factors in the workplace.

As an employee of the University you have an obligation to follow safe
working procedures at all times, and to take all reasonable precautions to
prevent personal injury or injury to others and damage to plant and
equipment.

This session will enable you to complete the University New employee
health and safety checklist and it requires you to tick off each action as it
is completed. Check with your supervisor on any actions which are not
completed by the end of the first week.
New employee health and safety checklist
Contents:
 Legislation – Including the Workplace Health and Safety
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Act, Workplace Health and Safety Regulations
The Charles Darwin University Occupational Health Safety
policy and related processes
Employee and Employer responsibilities under the Work
Health Act
Faculty and School safety procedures and practices
Safe Work Procedures (SWP’s) and Risk Assessments
Hazards - Identification, Assessment, Reporting and
Control
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s)
Workplace Advisory Group – University and Faculty
Reporting and Resolution of Occupational Health and
Safety issues
Contents (cont’d)
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Workers Compensation
Rehabilitation
Manual Handling
Ergonomic Assessment
First Aid
Emergencies
University Emergency Management Plan
The content of this presentation here is on the CDU website in Health, Safety and
Environment or in the Faculty Safety Manual and/or Field Manual
Legislation
The Workplace Health and Safety Act.
“An Act to promote occupational health and safety in the
Territory to prevent workplace injuries and diseases, to
protect the health and safety of the public in relation to
work activities, to promote the rehabilitation and
maximum recovery from incapacity of injured workers, to
provide financial compensation to workers incapacitated
from workplace injuries or diseases and to the
dependants of workers who die as the results of such
injuries or diseases, to establish certain bodies and a
fund for the proper administration of the Act, and for
related purposes.”
Legislation cont’d
The aim of the Act is to protect workers at work by promoting a culture of
safety awareness. Both the Act and the Regulations have mandatory
requirements and fines for breaches of the Act and regulations are
outlined within the documents.
Codes of Practice under the Act provide practical guidance on how a
health and safety standard can be achieved. These are mandatory
requirements and should be followed. Minimum standards are stated
and if there is another solution which achieves the same or better
standard of health and safety it may be used
Australian Standards provide guidance on how a standard can be
achieved. These standards are developed by Standards Australia and
contain requirements that should be followed. Minimum standards are
stated and if there is another solution which achieves the same or
better standard of health and safety it may be used.
IF IN DOUBT, ASK!!!
University Policy

The University recognises its corporate responsibility under the Northern Territory
Workplace Health and Safety Act and Regulations and associated legislation. This
policy provides the framework to enable the University to fulfill its commitment to
providing a healthy and safe workplace and to eliminating conditions and incidents
that could result in personal injury or ill health.
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University has guidelines and processes based on the Workplace Health and Safety
Act and Regulations, Codes of Practice and Australian Standards.
Must read
University OHS Policy
University Health and Safety Policy
Employer and Employee Responsibilities
 Responsibilities of employers and
employees are outlined in the Workplace
Health and Safety Act and the University
Health and Safety Policy.
Inspections of the Workplace
 Regular inspections of the workplace are designed to identify hazards
for assessment and control to maintain a safe environment
 Inspections must be carried out on a regular basis and form part of the
overall OH&S management system of the University
 Inspections are carried out on a scheduled basis by a team who
complete the checklist and identify hazards for correction
 Where there is a significant change in activities and/or area use an
inspection must be performed
 High risk areas should be inspected more frequently
 It is the responsibility of staff in the area inspected to take remedial
action within timeframes set.
Managers and Supervisors
 Staff in a supervisory capacity are
required to ensure that regular
inspections are carried out and that
appropriate remedial action is
undertaken
Health and Safety Inspection Check List
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Download the
Health and Safety Inspection Checklist
Regular Inspections provide a means for you to measure your OHS
performance.
Keep records
Complete the checklist and don’t forget to identify who will be
responsible for correcting identified hazards
Safe Work Procedures (SWP’s)
 Where a specific hazard exists it may be appropriate to have
safe work procedures clearly described and posted close by
so as they can be easily read and understood
 International signage is useful where there may be difficulty in
communication
 DO NOT rely on verbal information for it may not be received
by all who need it.
 Document all information
 Procedures should be reviewed at inspection time
 Safe Work Procedure Template
Hazardous Substance Risk Assessments
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Hazardous Substance Risk Assessments must be completed when
dealing with Hazardous Substances
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They are designed to address the key points associated with the
substance such as Usage, Health Effects, Hazard Identification, Control
Measures and Disposal Processes
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All this information can be obtained from the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) for the substance.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s)
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MSDS’s can be obtained from manufacturer/supplier or through a chemical
database such as ChemWatch
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Electronic information may not be available when needed so hard copies of the
information must be kept where they are easily accessed
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Every chemical substance in the workplace should have a printed MSDS to
inform the user of the nature of the product in use.
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The MSDS provides valuable information on:
what the formula is, it’s appearance, odor and use
permissible exposure limits (PEL), exposure effects
monitoring and measurement procedures
health hazard information
emergency first aid
personal protection
leak/spill procedures, waste disposal and storage
Labelling of chemicals
Labelling of substances is governed by the National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances
[NOHSC:2012 (1994)]
LABELS FOR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
The label on a hazardous substance should draw the attention of a user who is handling or using
the substance to the significant hazards involved. It should take into account all the hazards
which are likely to occur during the use of the substance.
INFORMATION NEEDED ON LABELS FOR CONTAINERS WITH A CAPACITY OF MORE THAN 500 mL(g)
1.
Product Name
2.
Chemical Name
3.
Concentration or formulation details
4.
Signal words, Dangerous Goods class and subsidiary risk labels
5.
UN number
6.
Risk Phrase(s)
7.
Safety Phrase(s)
8.
Directions for use (as appropriate)
9.
First Aid procedures
10.
Emergency Procedures
11.
Expiry date
12.
Manufacturer details
13.
Reference to MSDS
Labelling of chemicals
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Small containers may have insufficient space to include all the information needed on the label
in a style and size that is legible and clearly distinguishable from other markings on the
container. The information needed on labels for small containers is therefore a subset of that for
containers of more than 500 mL(g).
INFORMATION NEEDED ON LABELS FOR CONTAINERS WITH A CAPACITY OF LESS THAN 500 mL(g)
1.
Product Name
2.
Chemical Name
3.
Concentration or formulation details
4.
Signal words, Dangerous Goods class and subsidiary risk labels
5.
UN number
6.
Risk Phrase(s) – at least the most significant
7.
Safety Phrase(s) – at least the most significant
8.
First Aid procedures
9.
Manufacturer details
10.
Reference to MSDS
Where a container of a hazardous substance is so small that this information cannot be provided
on the actual container, the container should be labelled with at least:
1.
2.
3.
Product Name/Chemical Name
Signal words, Dangerous Goods class and subsidiary risk labels
Manufacturer details
Consideration should be given to other methods of providing additional information, such as on
outer packaging. Alternative packaging can be used to provide enough room to allow the full set
of information to be supplied.
Label Example
First Aid
Emergency procedures
Product name
Directions for use
Concentration
Signal word
Dangerous Goods
Safety Phrase(s)
Risk phrase(s)
Manufacturer
Resolution of OHS issues
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Initially the OHS issue should be discussed with your
supervisor
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Should the supervisor not be able to assist, the matter should
be referred to your Health and Safety Representative on the
Faculty Workplace Advisory Group (WAG) and seek advice from
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE).
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Refer paperwork to WAG or HSE for action
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If the matter remains unresolved it can then be referred to the
University Health and Safety Group (UHSG)
Hazards
A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health
effects on something or someone under certain conditions at work.
 Sometimes a hazard is referred to as being the actual harm or the
health effect it caused rather than the hazard. For example, the
disease tuberculosis (TB) might be called a hazard by some but in
general the TB-causing bacteria would be considered the "hazard"
or "hazardous biological agent".
What are examples of a hazard?
 Workplace hazards can come from a wide range of sources.
General examples include any substance, material, process,
practice, etc that has the ability to cause harm or adverse health
effect to a person under certain conditions. See Table 1 (next slide).
Table 1 Hazards
Workplace Hazard
Example of Hazard
Harm Caused
Object
Knife
Cut
Substance
Benzene
Leukaemia
Material
Asbestos
Mesothelioma
Energy Source
Electricity
Shock, electrocution
Conditions
Wet floor
Slip, fall
Process
Welding
Metal fume fever
Practice
Quad bike riding
Crash
As shown in the table, workplace hazards also include practices or
conditions that release uncontrolled energy like: an object that could fall
from a height (potential or gravitational energy), a run-away chemical
reaction (chemical energy) or the release of compressed gas or steam
(pressure; high temperature).
Dealing with Hazards
There are 3 basic steps to follow when dealing with hazards
1. Identify
2. Assess
3.Control
IDENTIFY
 The inspection checklist should have identified any hazards in your work
area. If you notice a hazard, report it !
ASSESS
 Complete a Hazard Report
1. Rank the risk by probability - the likelihood of the hazard resulting in
injury, illness, damage or loss
2. Rank the risk by consequence - the potential for injury, illness, damage or
loss
3. Prioritise the risk for control - indicate the ranking of importance when
control measures are to be implemented
Dealing with Hazards cont’d
CONTROL
 Now that the risk has been identified and assessed decisions
need to be made about how best to eliminate or reduce the risk
as much as possible.
 The following hierarchy of controls provides the steps to making
the right decisions in this process. It is important to start at #1
and work though to #6 (ie. PPE is not the first control to put in
place)
1. Elimination (remove the hazard)
2. Substitution (use an alternative)
3. Isolate (separation from hazard)
4. Redesign (change equipment or process)
5. Administration (change work practices)
6. Personal Protective Equipment (ie gloves, glasses, hearing
protection)
Field Work
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The Field Work Manual covers aspects of safety involved in terrestrial,
freshwater and inshore marine field work in the Northern Territory.
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All information and links to forms are included in the content of the manual.
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It is imperative that all field work is assessed fully as the Top End of the
Northern Territory experiences a wide range of conditions of which potential
researchers should be aware. Great stretches of the country and coastline are
relatively remote, but much of it is accessible with vehicles and small craft at
favourable times of the year.
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Safety aspects of vehicular and small boat field work and foot traverse work are
considered. Somewhat greater emphasis is placed on vehicular and boat work,
because despite popular opinion on some perils of field work in remote
localities, the greatest risks to the field researcher involve the vehicle or boat
after it has broken down.
Health and Safety Committees
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Charles Darwin University has a University Health and
Safety Group and Workplace Advisory Groups
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The groups meet on a regular basis to resolve and
communicate OHS issues to the university
University Health and Safety Group (UHSG)
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The University Health and Safety Group (UHSG) comprises Representatives
from each of the WAG of the university. The group is chaired by the
Executive Director of Corporate Services and has the Manager of Health
Safety and Environment (or proxy) in attendance.
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The group meets on a regular basis to resolve OHS issues raised by WAG
and to discuss policy and procedure and legislative requirements.
Workplace Advisory Group (WAG)
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The Workplace Advisory Group (WAG) comprises Health and Safety
(H&S) Representatives from work groups or areas in each faculty or
department for OHS matters.
The group meets on a regular basis to resolve OHS issues
Faculty of Education Health and Sciences WAG - Casuarina Campus
Chair:
Executive Officer
Rep SELS:
Laboratory Manager
Rep Health:
Building Warden Blue 5
Rep Engineering/IT:
Engineering Technician
Rep Education:
Building Warden Blue 5
Accident, Injury and Incident Reporting
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Accidents, Injuries and Incidents should be reported within 24hours to
Health, Safety and Environment on Accident, Injury and Incident report
If a matter is considered to be serious, involves serious injury or
involves a death, IMMEDIATE notification to HSE is required.
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Supervisors are responsible for the follow up and investigation of all
incidents and accidents and are required to forward the accident,
incident and incident form to the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)
unit.
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Supervisor is to keep a copy of the Accident, Injury and Incident report
form and forward a copy to the Chair of the WAG
Workers Compensation, Rehabilitation
and Return to Work
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The university has in place workers compensation for employees as
required under the NT Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act.
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Guidelines on Workers Compensation are available through Health,
Safety and Environment unit or through NT Worksafe
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Note: Students and volunteers are not covered by workers
compensation through the university as they are not employees.
Coverage is either through Medicare or CDU Public Liability insurance
(dependant on situation).
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Further information can be sought from CDU Health, Safety and
Environment unit.
Manual Handling
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Manual Handling presents a significant risk in most
workplaces and there is a Manual Handling Risk
Assessment Checklist to determine risks associated with
activities.
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Training is recommended for any person who is required
to perform manual handling duties as part of their work
and is available internally or externally to the University
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Check Health, Safety and Environment training dates
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Manual handling information is available as a Regulation
and Code of Practice
Screen based equipment and Ergonomic
Assessment
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The procedure for users of keyboard and screen based equipment is
available at: Screen based equipment - Selection and Use
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Use the Workstation Checklist to make an assessment of your situation
First Aid and Medical Assistance
 The University requires each work area to maintain trained First Aid
personnel. Depending on the size of the area, one or more may be
required to service the area
 First aid personnel are responsible for maintaining the kits to comply with
the current Code of Practice and keeping records of all illnesses, injuries
and treatments given.
 Security personnel are trained in first aid and can be called if you are
unable to locate your first aid officer. If no first aid assistance can be
provided call for Ambulance assistance.
 Medical practitioners are not currently available on campus. As a general
rule, cases requiring ambulance attendance and further treatment are
sent to Royal Darwin Hospital Emergency Department.
 Do not delay in seeking first aid and always remember to complete an
Accident, Injury and Incident report
Emergencies
When the alarms sound:
1. Evacuate building immediately by nearest safe exit or as directed by your floor
warden.
2. Proceed directly to the designated Assembly Area
3. Wait until the “all clear” given by Fire Brigade Officer or Building Warden or
Security
 DO NOT enter buildings if alarms are sounding
 DO NOT USE lifts/elevators during an evacuation.
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Familiarise yourself with the floorplan of the building you are in and the
designated assembly area
Fire and Fire Fighting Equipment
Only attempt to extinguish minor fires – do not take personal risks
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Fire brigade: The fire brigade is alerted by the faculty's automatic alarm
systems.
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The Building Warden or the deputy Building Warden must meet the
Emergency Services personnel when they arrive at the fire panel of the
building. As soon as possible inform the University Security on extension
7777 or 8946 7777 or 8946 6500 (Casuarina Campus only).
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Each laboratory usually has a Fire extinguisher of DRY CHEMICAL Generalpurpose type
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Most laboratories also have a fire blanket. Fire blankets are the method of
choice for small and contained fires.
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Each building also has fire hoses in them. See floor plans for their positions
in each building
After hours and Emergency response
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Outside normal working hours (1621- 0800 weekdays, weekends, and
public holidays) Building/ Floor Wardens more likely will not be available.
If the alarm sound during these periods, Wardens in the building (if any)
and the Security Officer will endeavour to ensure that all personnel leave
the building.
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It is essential that all occupants sign in and out of the buildings, with
appropriate entries in the After Hours books.
After hours Books locations:
Yellow 2:
Foyer adjacent to automatic door
Pink 4 and 5: Preparation areas of both
Orange 4:
Blue 5:
Faculty front counter
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Emergency Management Plan
Charles Darwin University’s Emergency Management
plan can be found at: Emergency Management Plan
Summary
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Everyone (including the University) has a responsibility to
themselves and others to ensure a safe work environment
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Accidents and incidents must be reported and investigated with
corrective action taken to prevent a reoccurrence
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Regular Inspections must be carried out to maintain a safe work
environment
Forms and Useful Links
Forms
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New employee health and safety checklist
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Health and Safety Inspection Checklist
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Safe Work Procedure Template
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Hazardous Substance Risk Assessments
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Hazard Report
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Accident, Injury and Incident report
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Manual Handling Risk Assessment Checklist
Policy and Procedure
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University OHS Policy
University Health and Safety Policy
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Field Manual
Safety Manual
Other Links
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ChemWatch
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Health, Safety and Environment
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NT WorkSafe
Acknowledgements
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Mr. Neil Ludvigsen - for his initial contribution to the content.
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Mr. Horst Walter, Acting Manager of CDU Health, Safety and
Environment Unit - for his proof reading and suggestions
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Ms. Kezia Lim, Technical Officer (Pharmacy) - for her keen eye and
editing skills
Developed by:
Mr. Michael Howard
Laboratory Manager
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Faculty of Education, Health and Science
2008