Training and induction

The Work Health and Safety unit run and manage a range of health and safety training packages which are available to workers and visitors, including visitors, volunteers and contractors. Additionally, workers and visitors may be required to complete a local area induction.

New workers

All workers are required to complete the 4 WHS online training modules. If a new worker is expected to use or handle hazardous chemicals, they are also required to complete the 5th module. These modules must be completed every 3 years. New workers must also receive a local area induction from their manager or supervisor.

Training needs analysis

In some circumstances, such as those prescribed in regulations, more specific WHS training may be required. Different types of training that may be required for each position has been identified in a University wide WHS training needs analysis.

University managers and supervisors are required to periodically review the training requirements of each team member, and ensure they have completed the required training as per the training needs analysis. Individual training needs must be considered as part of the local induction and ongoing development processes.

University induction

Inductions are a well recognised and accepted process for ensuring persons who may be required to enter workplaces under their control, are provided with essential health and safety information, instruction, training and equipment.

At Western Sydney University, managers and supervisors are required to ensure that all who visit, are contracted to, work or learn in the University are provided with appropriate health and safety induction information, instruction, training and equipment so that they are able to carry on their learning, working and business activities in a manner that is conducive to ensuring the health and safety of people, the environment and / or property. Records of each induction must be kept.

Managers who, as part of their role engage contractors to carry out work for or on behalf of the University are for required to ensure that contractors are provided with appropriate induction training and information before they commence work.

Local area inductions

All workers are required to complete a local area induction upon commencing at the University. Additionally, contractors, students and volunteers may also require an local area induction where they will be working without supervison or in a laboratory.

Each local area is responsible for developing their own local area induction program. The induction should be delivered by a manager or supervisor and ensure workers are:

Aware of their responsibilities;
The nature of hazards that may be present; and
The processes and associated documents with which they should be familiar.

Records of local area inductions must be kept by each local area.

Training

WHS Module 1 - WHS Orientation

This module informs you about the duty of care you bear at Western Sydney University to abide by the universities policies and procedures. It informs how and when consultation occurs and describes some of the mechanisms and processes that contribute to health and safety at the University. Included within this module is a briefing on evacuation procedures at Western Sydney University. The module demonstrates where WHS forms can be found and how to use the University's WHS documentation. By the end of this module you will know about and understand:

your duty of care
the obligations for consultation
your role in emergencies
where to find risk assessment forms
where to find accident/injury/incident/hazard notification forms, and
the resources available around WHS at Western Sydney University.

WHS Module 2 - Risk Management

Risk management is a method of identifying potential danger, assessing it for its significance and then acting appropriately to protect people. This module shows you how to identify hazards in the workplace. It gives examples of some of the hazards that may occur at Western Sydney University and breaks those hazards into groups to make it easier for you to recognise where you may need to take some action to notify Western Sydney University supervisors or security staff. On completion of this module you will:

understand how risk management works and what to do to alert University staff to a danger
be able to identify hazards in your work area
have a basic understanding of the risk assessment process and how risks are controlled, and
understand the process used when hazards are reported.

WHS Module 3 - Office Safety

The Office Safety module will assist you to set up your workstation in a way that will minimise potential injury. The module is full of information that answers some of the basic questions about your workspace. Western Sydney University is progressive in addressing the issue of workplace stress and negative work behaviours. This module gives you the opportunity to become aware of workplace stress and bullying and provides you with information and resources that may be of assistance. By the end of this module you will:

know how to adjust your workstation to minimise risk of illness and injury
be able to adjust your ergonomic chair for best advantage
understand the importance to your body of taking regular breaks
recognise the symptoms of an inappropriate stress response, and
have actions that you can take to resolve workplace bullying or other inappropriate behaviours should they occur.

WHS Module 4 - Manual Handling

Injuries that arise from manual handling activities account for a significant proportion of workplace injuries in Australia. This module uses powerful graphics and easy to understand information to demonstrate what Manual Handling is and to shed light on how you can avoid injury. This module, specifically crafted for Western Sydney University is important information that may help you. By the end of this module you will:

understand how your body bears load
know where your hip joints are and how to use them to assist in lifting, carrying and bending
recognise and be able to avoid destructive energy in movement, and
understand when it is necessary to have manual handling risk assessments carried out.

WHS Module 5 - Hazardous Chemicals

Western Sydney University personnel working with hazardous substances and dangerous goods must follow the laws, procedures and regulations designed around their use. This module describes issues that need to be considered and implemented in order to ensure that University staff and students are learning based on best practice, including what they observe as well as what they read. This is essential reading for all Western Sydney University staff and students who work with hazardous substances and dangerous goods. By the end of this module you will:

understand how hazardous substances and dangerous goods are defined, and
have a basic understanding of some of the legislation that oversees the use of hazardous substances in the workplace.

First aid certification

Workers who are interested in becoming Designated First Aid Officers at Western Sydney University may undertake the Surf Life Saving NSW first aid certification and recertification training. First aid training is delivered via flexible delivery, whereby 50% of the course is completed online prior to the practical session.

The following first aid competencies are achieved in a Surf Life Saving NSW first aid course:

HLTAID003 - Provide First Aid - which must be refreshed every 3 years
HLTAID001 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - which should be refreshed annually

First aid courses are managed through MyCareers Online (accessed through Staff Online). Simply search "First Aid" and register for the appropriate event.

Emergency warden

Emergency warden training provides participants with an overview of the University's emergency management framework, standard emergency response procedures and an understanding of their role as part of an emergency control organsisation.

Risk assessment training

Risk assessment training provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the University's WHS risk assessment processes. Participants are walked through step-by-step how to complete a risk assessment.

Biosafety - Working with Biological Materials and/or GMOs

Biosafety training provides participants with an understanding of the University's systems for working with hazardous biological materials. Topics discussed will include relevant legislation, safe work practices, required approval processes and case studies to highlight the risk of laboratory-acquired infections.

Hazardous chemicals

Hazardous chemical training provide participants with an in depth knowledge of GHS legislation for the classification and labelling of hazardous chemicals and the obligations of workplaces to use, handle, and store such materials safely. Topics include identification of hazardous chemicals, the risk management process, and emergency planning requirements to ensure the safety of workers and visitors.

Access Training

Students and staff can self-register in the WHS modules using the link below:

Access Online Modules

Additional training services

The WHS unit can tailor a face-to-face training package to an individual School or Divisions needs. We can also provide advice on how to contact accredited WHS related trainers and / or other reputable WHS training providers.