Procedure: Health monitoring
Purpose
To specify the minimum requirements and responsibilities for providing health monitoring at the Australian National University (ANU) and to ensure compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and the associated standards, and the University Work Health & Safety (WHS) Management System. This procedure is linked to the Australian National University’s Workplace Health and Safety Policy and is one of the Safe Work Procedures within the WHS Management System.
Definitions
Health monitoring of a person, means monitoring the person to identify changes in the person’s health status because of exposure to certain chemical, physical or biological agents.
Procedure
Scope
- This procedure applies to all staff members of the University.
Overview
- The University's health monitoring program is part of a range of measures to ensure the ongoing health, safety and wellbeing of staff. The program contributes to:
- the prevention and/or detection at an early stage of any adverse health effects from exposure;
- assisting in the evaluation of risk control measures;
- general awareness of the adverse effects of exposure to workplace hazards.
- The ANU will provide health monitoring for staff working in roles that have been identified by a risk assessment as having been exposed to, or having a significant risk to health from exposure to chemical, physical or biological agent, including:
- hazardous substances listed in Schedule 1A (Scheduled carcinogenic substances) of National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) guidelines;
- hazardous chemicals requiring health monitoring listed in Schedule 14 (Requirements for health monitoring) of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth);
- occupational noise and/or vibration levels likely to, or exceeding exposure relevant standard;
- working with Class 3B or 4 lasers;
- using self-contained breathing apparatus (i.e. occupational diving);
- exposure to biological pathogens, including vaccinations (see Biological Safety Procedure);
- exposure to hazardous levels of ionising radiation; and
- working with nanoparticles/nanotechnology.
The ANU will also provide health monitoring for staff working in roles that have been identified by a risk assessment as benefiting from health monitoring or medical monitoring in the opinion of the University and having significant exposure to a hazardous substance for which:
- an identifiable disease or health effect may be related to that exposure;
- there is reasonable likelihood that the disease or health effect may occur under the particular conditions of work; and
- there are valid monitoring techniques or health screening methods available for testing.
Responsibilities
- Table 1 describes the responsibilities related to the ANU health monitoring program.
Table 1
Who | Description |
AD WEG | Oversee the management of the health monitoring program, including;
|
Schools/Local areas |
|
Staff members undergoing health monitoring |
|
Health monitoring provider/medical specialist |
|
Work Environment Group (WEG) |
(Note. If dissatisfied with the findings, the participant may seek a second opinion at their own expense)
(Note. WEG may require the responsible School /Local Area to cease all operations related to the exposure until they can implement appropriate controls to minimise any further risks to the health and safety of those working with the hazardous material or process)
|
Records
- Access to health monitoring information is provided subject to the privacy principles in the Privacy Act 1988 and the access provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1982. The University provides public access to University records under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Archives Act 1983.
- Records and reports produced as a result of health monitoring are confidential. Only the following parties shall have access to the records:
- those who have undergone health monitoring and their supervisors (through the Work Environment Group);
- Work Environment Group;
- the Director Human Resources (DHR) and Deputy Director Human Resources (DDHR)
- the Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- the ANU Legal Office
- the Vice Chancellor
- third parties, only with the written consent of the person having undergone the health monitoring; and
- persons having undergone health monitoring, on termination of employment.
- The University provides access to health monitoring records to staff that are authorised by the appropriate delegate. Where there is a particular reason to do so, access may be restricted to particular staff positions or business areas.
- The University's records must not be provided to external agencies or organisations without following the appropriate guidelines in consultation with University Records.
- The results of health monitoring will be kept for at least 30 years from the date of the last entry made in the records. Refer to WHS Documentation procedure for further details on records retention.
Sources
Legal and other requirements |
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) |
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) |
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) |
Information |
Printable version (PDF) |
Title | Health monitoring |
Document Type | Procedure |
Document Number | ANUP_000504 |
Version | 9 |
Purpose | To specify the minimum requirements and responsibilities for providing health monitoring at the Australian National University (ANU) and to ensure compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and the associated standards, and the University Work Health & Safety (WHS) Management System. |
Audience | Staff |
Category | Administrative |
Topic/ SubTopic | Health, Safety & Environment - Occupational Health & Safety |
Effective Date | 31 Oct 2019 |
Review Date | 31 Dec 2023 |
Responsible Officer: | Director, Human Resources |
Approved By: | Chief Operating Officer |
Contact Area | Human Resources Division |
Authority: |
Work Health & Safety Act 2011 ANU Enterprise Agreement 2017 – 2021 |
Delegations | 0 |
Related Content |
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Policy |
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Procedures |
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