Safety and Insurance Information for Research Students
You are here: ICS Home > Postgraduate > Research > Current Students > Safety and Insurance for Research Students
Overview
OHS Legislation
In the Event of an Accident
Procedures for Accident Reporting
Procedures for Emergency Reporting
First Aid
Procedures for Building Evacuation
Smoking
Bicycle Riding, Skateboarding adn Rollerblading
Accident Insurance
Links to OH&S
Overview
The University policy is to achieve the optimum attainable levels of health and safety as far as is practicable for all staff, students and visitors throughout all areas of its activities.
All members of Macquarie University including students have a duty to care for their personal welfare and the welfare of their fellows. To meet this commitment each person must take all reasonable care to prevent personal injury or injury to others and damage to plant or equipment.
In support of this policy, Macquarie University has selected the necessary systems for the management of occupational health and safety. For detailed information about the ICS Health and Safety Policies and Procedures, please visit the ICS OH&S webpages.
OHS Legislation
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 and its Regulation aims to ensure that everyone is free from the risk of disease or injury created by workplaces and workplace activities and it imposes OBLIGATIONS on all persons (including students) who may affect the health and safety of others and their own by their actions or lack of action.
Each student is therefore responsible for ensuring the health and safety of her/his environment by:
- complying with health and safety instructions;
- taking action to avoid, eliminate or minimise hazards;
- making proper use of personal protective equipment;
- not wilfully placing at risk the health and safety of own self and others;
- seeking information and advice where necessary; and
- being familiar with reporting, emergency and evacuation procedures.
In the Event of an Accident
In the event of an accident the Supervisors (or, if outside a building, Security) must:
- ensure that the person involved has received first aid or medical treatment;
- call Human Resources immediately if an accident has resulted in a serious injury or if there is the risk of a serious injury or illness, such as in the event of a significant chemical spill; damage to equipment; faulty equipment; needle stick injuries;
- ensure that the person involved is given an accident reporting form;
- investigate the accident as soon as possible after it occurs (and no later than 24 hours after the accident);
- take action to prevent it happening again;
- report the accident to the relevant persons (see below)
Procedures For Accident Reporting
The University has a statutory obligation to record all injuries, illnesses and dangerous events that take place on its site where work is being performed for the University.
- The particulars should be recorded by the Supervisor on the designated form within 24 hours of the occurrence of such an event. The form should be forwarded to the Ugo Cernot, OH&S Manager, ugo.cernot@pers.mq.edu.au The form can be found at http://www.pers.mq.edu.au/forms/27/2705a.pdf
- The Head of the Budget Unit is required to report the accident to Ray McCarthy, Assistant Director, Student Financial Services, ray.mccarthy@ofs.mq.edu.au with a copy to the Division. The report should include information such as:
- date and time of accident
- location
- what occurred in the incident
- what equipment, if any, was being used at the time
- whether the student was under supervision
- was the student acting under instruction
- whether the student had received a safety induction
- was there safety clothing or equipment used
- was there an instance of negligence
Guidelines and reporting forms are available from the Student Information Centre, OH&S Manager , Security Office and the University website.
Procedures For Emergency Reporting
For all Emergencies ring 9999 (24 hour service) and state:
- the problem: (e.g. Fire, Medical Emergency, Assault)
- location of Emergency
- your name and telephone extension
If safe to do so, remain by the phone. Security staff will make all arrangements and will ring back to confirm action taken.
If you CANNOT reach Ext. 9999
Dial 0000 FOR AMBULANCE , FIRE BRIGADE , or POLICE
First Aid
There are trained first aiders available in most buildings throughout the University. If you need medical first aid ring Ext. 9999.
Procedures For Building Evacuations
When there is an alarm or an instruction is given by a Warden:
- walk, do not run, to the nearest safe EXIT;
- do NOT use lifts;
- proceed to the assembly point as shown;
- return to the building only when instructed by a Warden.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in any buildings occupied by Macquarie University or in University vehicles.
Bicycle Riding, Skateboarding and Rollerblading
Bicycle riding, skateboarding and rollerblading are not permitted on pedestrian paths, car parks and essential vehicle use roads. Bicycle riding is permitted on general access roads.
Cyclists are required to leave their bicycles at the bicycle stands located outside major buildings.
Accident Insurance
The University aims to maintain a safe and healthy environment by trying to fix hazards before accidents happen. But accidents can occur and it is important to provide first aid to those who are injured and then to take action to prevent similar accident recurring.
- Students are not entitled to lodge a claim for workers' compensation, but if costs are incurred, should contact the Office of Financial Services and the Macquarie University Sports Association.
- All students are covered by a personal accident insurance, which is carried out by the Macquarie University Sports Association. Students are covered whilst engaging in study, research or other campus related activities. The cover includes necessary direct travel to and from the above activities. The cover extends to pre-approved domestic travel for study-related purposes but does not extend to overseas travel. Students wishing to travel overseas for study-related purposes MUST arrange for travel insurance through STA or Campus Travel. For further information about insurance, lodging a claim and forms please contact the Sports Association or the Postgraduate Research Administrator at ICS.
- Students enrolled at Macquarie University who are on work experience programs approved by the University, have a personal accident cover. In addition, such students on work experience are also covered under the University's public liability insurance for injury to a third party or damage to property whilst acting within the instructions of the University. Students wishing to proceed on work experience programs should gain the written approval of their Head of School or program. This approval must then be directed to the Assistant Director, Financial Services, who will arrange for a letter detailing insurance cover provided to be forwarded to the prospective work experience employer.
- Students are covered whilst engaged in campus related activities and/or course related voluntary work including necessary direct travel to and from such activities for out of pocket medical expenses not covered by private medical insurance. Note. No compensation is payable under the policy for injury caused by an accident for which the student is legally entitled to compensation under any Workers Compensation Act. This practice of such cover being carried by one of the student bodies is common practice amongst Universities.
- Students other than those enrolled at Macquarie University who wish to attend the University for a short period of work experience, or who wish to participate in some community outreach program arranged by the University, should be advised that the University does not carry personal accident cover in such instances. The organisers of such programs and activities should advertise this fact on the relevant program/brochure and should sight from the individual/participating body evidence of personal accident cover for the duration of the course/activity.