A recent move by a major education provider and an official government department will help to ensure the safety of students and visitors.
The University of Wollongong (UOW) and WorkCover NSW have signed an agreement to cement an alliance that will allow for further development of risk management procedures.
According to the general manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division John Watson, these plans are designed to protect students, teachers, contractors and labourers working on future construction projects.
Watson asserted: "Through this alliance we hope to provide a safe and productive work and study environment for everyone on campus so that they return home safely to their friends and families at the end of the day."
The alliance is unique in that the educational institution will be providing a number of learning tools directly to its classes – not just to those who may encounter risk on a regular basis.
"In one of the first examples of its type at a NSW university, students will also learn firsthand through lectures and presentations about the right approach to work health and safety when they enter the workforce," said Watson.
The aim of these programs is twofold – to inform attendees of their rights regarding workplace safety and to try and make them more mindful of how to handle potential hazard exposure.
UOW's Health and Safety manager Darren Smith said that the university's alliance with WorkCover NSW would serve to strengthen the educational institution's ability to provide a hazard-free environment for all staff, students and visitors.
Smith asserted: "With new health and safety legislation coming into effect in January 2012, the alliance will allow for easy dialogue between the university and WorkCover on the changes and what this means in a practical sense.
"The university is proud of its achievements in health and safety over the past ten years… we can also help assist with the raising of awareness for the Illawarra."
Many educational institutions are considered to be private property, with facilities provided for the use of staff, students and members of the public.
Accidents caused by an oversight in risk reduction – or in some cases a lack of reasonable response – could cause serious harm to passers-by.
In cases like this, personal injury lawyers can provide victims with a reliable avenue for compensation payments.
To further ease the process, a law firm can be contracted on a no win no fee basis.
