Hazard Management Policy

Purpose

The University is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all its employees. To ensure a safe place of work and meet the legal requirements, hazard identification and hazard control measures are required through the hierarchy of elimination, isolation and minimisation.

Organisational scope

All workplaces of the University of Otago.

Definitions

DH&SO

Departmental Health and Safety Officer

HOD

Head of Department

UH&SA

University Health and Safety Adviser

Content

1. It is the responsibility of each Department to identify and manage hazards in their work area.
2. Hazard controls must be identified and managed through the hierarchy of elimination, isolation and minimisation.
3. The DH&SO is responsible for maintaining a current hazard register in electronic format with the required information as outlined in DH&SO training manual. The register must be available for viewing on request.
4. The identification of hazards is everyone's responsibility, however the DH&SO on behalf of the HOD's/Manager is primarily responsible for the hazard identification process.
5. Completed hazard notification forms generated by staff are to go to the DH&SO for recording on the hazard register and control identification as appropriate. Feedback on the controls implement must be provided to the reporter wherever possible.
6. Where significant hazard controls involve cost or significant changes the DH&SO is to advise/discuss with the HOD/Manager who has the overall responsibility. Remedial steps must be taken to ensure safety while a long-term hazard control is established.
7. The UH&SM is a resource for the identification of hazards and control options. Specialist advice may be sought as required to assist with hazard identification and management.
8. Any significant hazards that cannot be resolved at departmental level, or hazards that have the potential to affect the wider University environment should be reported to the UH&SM.
9. The DH&SO must assess all new or modified equipment, material, services, or work processes introduced into the department. Hazards and appropriate controls are to be implemented prior to implementation.
10. The hazard register is to be reviewed annually to ensure that controls are sufficient. Record modifications where improvements are made. Any hazards identified by accident investigation or following a critical event must be reviewed and modified accordingly.

Related policies, procedures and forms

• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• Health and Safety Policy
• DHSO information
• ACC Partnership Programme

Contact for further information

If you have any queries regarding the content of this policy or need further clarification, contact:

Director, Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Email hsa@otago.ac.nz