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Procedure: Work health and safety planning, objectives, targets and programs

Purpose

This procedure describes how the Australian National University (ANU) sets objectives, targets and improvement programs for the work health and safety, rehabilitation and claims management systems. This procedure meets compliance requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth), the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth), the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1998 (Cth) and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (Cth). This procedure is linked to the University’s Work Health and Safety Policy and is one of the WHS Management System Procedures.

Definitions

Annual WHS Report is a report produced annually and approved by the Chief Operating Officer (COO). It is a collective summary of all the key WHS performance indicators (KPIs), programs and projects previously identified, to improve WHS performance at the University for the previous calendar year.

Local area refers to the College, Research School or Service Division.

Local WHS Committee refers to the WHS committee in a local area as identified in the approved governance structure of the University.

Objectives are specific results that a person or system aims to achieve within a timeframe and with available resources. Some examples of business objectives include minimizing expenses, or reducing injuries (http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition).

Targets are defined as the value of a variable according to the business dictionary at (http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition). Targets should be:

  • Specific – a clear numeric figure (e.g.: 25%, zero injuries)
  • Measurable – quantifiable
  • Assignable – specify who will do it
  • Realistic – state what results can realistically be achieved, given available resources
  • Time-related – specify when the result(s) can be achieved.

WHS programs are annual improvement programs or initiatives as part of the overall WHS plan, designed for the purpose of addressing an area of deficiency in the WHS management systems and clearly indicating the intentions in respect to continuous improvement of the University. WHS programs are the specific actions of a WHS plan that an organisation identifies to improve targets and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Procedure

Scope

  1. This procedure applies to the University’s annual WHS planning process that is determined for calendar year periods. The annual WHS planning process commences in the last quarter of each calendar year.
  2. The scope of the procedure includes:
  • setting WHS objectives and specific measureable targets;
  • setting business and functional level WHS programs to achieve the objectives and targets; and
  • monitoring and reporting on the WHS objectives, targets and programs.

WHS planning

  1. The Local WHS Committee provides WHS reports in conjunction with inputs to create a local area report and subsequently contribute to the University overall WHS plan.
  2. The inputs include:
  • strategic and organisational context;
  • review of previous years WHS performance against the set targets and key performance indicators (KPIs);
  • review of changes in legislation and other legal requirements;
  • review of the hazard register, to ensure the hazard scores are as low as reasonably practicable and make recommendations to support reductions to an agreed level by introducing new WHS projects; and
  • potential strategic changes that should be considered in response to upcoming changes in legislation, change of processes at the University, technological developments, changes in workforce makeup or changes resulting from audit or incident recommendations.
  1. The Associate Director, Work Environment Group in consultation with the University WHS Committee will ensure relevant stakeholders are consulted on the proposed new WHS plan including objectives and targets as per the WHS communication and consultation procedure.
  2. The chairpersons for the local WHS committees will provide their committees’ recommendations for WHS objectives, targets and programs.
  3. The WHS Plan will be in alignment with the University’s strategic plan.
  4. The Chief Operating Officer sponsors the WHS Plan for submissions to Council for approval and recommendations of actions.
  5. Each local WHS Committee Chairperson is responsible for ensuring that corrective actions and recommendations from Council and the University WHS Committee are communicated and implemented in their local areas.
  6. The Associate Director, Work Environment Group and WHS Committees will monitor and report progress of WHS objectives, targets and programs as per the WHS management review procedure.

Training and competency

  1. There are no training requirements for the setting and managing of WHS objectives, targets and programs, but prior planning experience and knowledge of the University processes is desired.

Sources

Legal and other requirements

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)

Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth)

Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Cth)

AS/NZ 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems

ISO 19011:2002 Guidelines for auditing management systems

Information

 Printable version (PDF)
Title Work health and safety planning, objectives, targets and programs
Document Type Procedure
Document Number ANUP_015818
Version 2
Purpose This procedure describes how the Australian National University (ANU) sets objectives, targets and improvement programs for the work health and safety, rehabilitation and claims management systems.
Audience Staff
Category Administrative
Topic/ SubTopic Health, Safety & Environment - Occupational Health & Safety
 
Effective Date 1 Jul 2017
Review Date 1 Jul 2020
 
Responsible Officer Director, Human Resources
Approved By: Chief Operating Officer
Contact Area Human Resources Division
Authority Work Health & Safety Act 2011
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011