Occupational health and safety
Health and Safety at the University is managed by La Trobe Health and Safety and falls under the Risk Management Unit of the University.
The University recognises its obligation to take reasonable precautions to protect the safety of its employees, students and visitors while they are on campus. Safety is the responsibility of all members of the University and requires active participation on the part of all staff and students. The University is concerned that every student enjoys a safe working environment. Each student therefore:
- is responsible for following work practices consistent with the extent of their control over or influence on working conditions and methods
- is obligated, given the experimental nature of work carried out in laboratories and workshops, to adhere rigidly to prescribed safety standards
- has the responsibility to ensure that they do nothing to render ineffective the University’s actions in safety matters
- should report any safety issues to their supervisor or course coordinator.
We encourage students to view the OHS web site for University health and safety information. The University policy, procedures and guidelines are available on the La Trobe student website: www.latrobe.edu.au/students/ohs/
How to report a safety issue
All accidents, near misses, or any issue to do with safety should be reported, using the on-line incident and hazard report process https://www.latrobe.edu.au/pc/ohs/incident-report/
Serious accidents must be reported within 24 hours to the relevant school and La Trobe Health and Safety.
Emergency Information
Consolidated information relating to emergencies is accessible from both the intranet and internet and can be accessed directly at: www.latrobe.edu.au/emergency
Alarm Systems: There are three types of alarms
- Alert Mode: Short repeated tone blasts. On hearing this tone, prepare to evacuate.
- Evacuation Mode: This is a continuous repeating signal and means you must evacuate to the designated assembly areas.
- Fire Bell: These are located externally to the building nearest entry to the Fire Indicator Panel and also located in corridors of buildings.
All students are required to follow the instructions of building wardens, security or emergency services. Building and floor wardens are identified by red or yellow caps. On hearing an alarm or being informed by building wardens, please exit the building via the nearest emergency exit and assemble in the allocated building assembly area. Information on assembly areas is displayed in all buildings You must not enter or transverse through an alarmed building or area. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with emergency procedures.
Workstation Ergonomics
Students should be aware of potential dangers to their health from repetitive use of keyboards. The early warning signs of overtaxing muscles are feelings of numbness and/or tenderness in the muscle regions. This may be avoided by some basic commonsense measures such as frequently changing postures and general arm and hand stretches. Further information is available on the OHS web site.
Smoking on campus
Smoking is prohibited at all times in University buildings, vehicles and enclosed areas (areas that are substantially enclosed by a roof and walls). Smoking is also prohibited within 3 metres of University building entrances, air inlets and windows. Please observe the No Smoking signs.
Environmental improvement
To keep our campuses clean and tidy please place all rubbish in the appropriate containers.