Zone OHS Committees

Zone OHS Committees were first introduced to the University in 1985, following consultation with industrial unions, and in response to the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act and associated Committees in Workplace Regulation.

The Zone OHS Committees are now constituted according to the NSW OHS Act 2000 and OHS Regulation 2001 and as such have certain functions and legal powers.

Zone boundaries have been determined on the basis of both geographical proximity of buildings and functional similarity of building occupancy.

Zone OHS Committees deal mainly with OHS matters specific to their particular zones, and refer wider issues to the Central OHS Committee for resolution.

Each Zone Committee has both elected employee representatives and appointed employer representatives. Committee members are entitled to attend accredited training courses at the employers' cost.

Employer Representatives are formally appointed (on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Senate) on the recommendation of the relevant Dean or Head of Department. Appointments to the Zone OHS Committees are co-ordinated by the OHS Office. When elected representatives are carrying out functions as committee members they are entitled to time off from their other work, but are regarded as being engaged in their usual work. Similarly, employer representatives require work time to participate in committee activities.

The Zone OHS Committees' secretariat is located in the OHS Office, and also involves local administration in some zones. OHS Advisers provide guidance and professional advice to the Zone Committees.

The functions of a Zone Occupational Health and Safety Committee include:

• reviewing the measures taken by the University to ensure the health and safety of staff, students and visitors at workplaces within the University
• investigating matters at the workplace that any committee member, staff member or student considers a health or safety risk
  inspecting the workplace at regular intervals and when a hazardous situation or accident is brought to the committee's attention
• assisting in the development of a safe work environment and safe systems of work, including the formulation of appropriate occupational health and safety policies for the University
• monitoring measures taken to ensure proper use, maintenance and replacement of protective equipment
• recommending occupational health and safety training courses for committee members and for staff and students working in the zone
• providing local advice on the occupational health and safety implications of new areas of research, new equipment, facilities and building proposals
• assisting with promotion of health and safety awareness through discussions with staff and students during workplace inspections, distribution of literature, staff meetings, film screenings and any other appropriate means
• liaising with Departmental Safety Officers, Nominated First Aid Officers and members of the Emergency Control Organisations within the Zone
• consulting with the OHS Office and bringing to the attention of the Central Occupational Health and Safety Committee matters of particular significance for the University.