HSW Induction Process FAQs

To provide suitable and adequate HSW information to a worker (staff member, research postgraduate student, etc) when they:

• commence work; or
• are relocated or change their role significantly; or
• return from an extended leave of absence.

Note: A process to restrict access to hazardous areas or tasks is required. A supervisor/person in control of an area must ensure there is a process is in place to restrict access until the required information, instruction or training is provided. Refer to the Provision of HSW information, instruction and training procedure for further information.

Supervisors or managers of an area are responsible for providing the specific local information, instruction or training required to keep a worker (staff, research postgraduates, etc) safe whilst undertaking work in the area.

Note: The Corporate HSW Induction delivers a base level of information applicable to all staff and is available online.

The online Corporate HSW Induction delivers general information on:

• the University’s health, safety and wellbeing system/framework;
• health and safety responsibilities;
• where staff can access information, assistance, and general safety information.

The Corporate HSW Induction forms part of the broader University induction process and should be completed within the first week of employment

A local HSW Induction will depend on the worker’s role and the hazards in their area of work. The checklists provided in appendices A and B provide a guide for supervisors/managers (or delegate) in providing an HSW induction on local HSW processes.

Use the high-risk induction template (appendix A) if you are inducting people into an area in which high-risk activities are conducted, and the low-risk induction template (appendix B) for other areas.

Note:  Both a corporate and local HSW induction are required for a HSW Induction to be complete.

Yes.  There is a WHS (workplace health and safety) legislative requirement for managers/supervisors to ensure that information has been understood by the person. This means that information must be presented in a format that is suitable for their level of knowledge and experience, with consideration given to any other relevant factors such as language barriers, disabilities, or knowledge base.

Supervisors/ a person in control of the area/activity must ensure there is no access to those tasks, equipment or processes that require specific information, instruction, training and supervision until it has been provided.  In many cases, the information contained in a local HSW induction will be sufficient. However, where an area contains any of the following activities/substances:

• hazardous chemicals;
• asbestos (research on asbestos samples or in a known asbestos area);
• high residual risk activities;
• activities/equipment requiring a risk assessment or proficiency;
• activities/equipment requiring formal training (e.g. from a Registered Training Organisation);

individuals must not be granted access  until they have been provided with the necessary information, instruction, or training*:

*Refer to the definition for ‘HSW information, instruction and training’ in section 7 of the Hazard Management procedure.

The level of supervision/assistance required is to be determined by the supervisor/manager for each worker based on his or her experience, expertise, and the nature of the hazards associated with the work. Ensure that the person is not placed at risk and/or does not place another person at risk.  Additional instruction/training may also be required and is to be discussed with the worker to ensure it is completed before they have access to areas or undertake the work.

Refer to the Provision of HSW information, instruction and training procedure for specific requirements.

Training records are not required for ‘Level 1’ Information (provision of general safety information or information/ instruction on a task risk assessment).   Note, however, that a supervisor or manager needs to be able to demonstrate that they have in place a systematic approach to providing safety information and how this is done.

Records are required for ‘Level 2’ Instruction and ‘Level 3’ Training including where:

• a level of proficiency is required before undertaking a task; or
• the worker is required to work with/access an area containing hazardous chemicals; or
• the activity is risk assessed as “High” residual risk; or
• a competency/licence/qualification is required for undertaking the task/role.

Refer to appendix A of the Provision of HSW information, instruction and training procedure for further information on training and record requirements.

Contractors

Induction records for contractors are outlined in the Contractor Safety Management procedure.

Instruction or training may be required for individuals and groups prior to access depending on the nature of the activity to be conducted, including where:

• information/instruction on a task risk assessment is required;
• a level of proficiency is required before undertaking the task;
• the worker is required to work with/access an area containing hazardous chemicals;
• the activity is risk assessed as “High” residual risk;
• a competency/licence/qualification is required for undertaking the task/role.

Refer to the Provision of HSW information, instruction and training procedure for further information.

If you require further information, please contact the HSW Team.