Oops, I fell over! WHS is necessary
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)
Role and responsibilities of students
Students should ensure they read all the information provided and understand all the requirements for a WIL activity before applying to participate. Any initial questions regarding WIL activities are best directed to the course co-ordinator. Students visiting a work place for a short or prolonged amount of time should demonstrate a professional manner by:
- Asking about the workplace’s occupational health and safety guidelines and who to tell in the case of an incident;
- Ensuring you are aware of student insurance information;
- Using appropriate language;
- Addressing the staff politely and professionally;
- Communicating clearly in any written or verbal communications;
- Adhering to any dress or conduct codes that you are made aware of;
- Showing initiative and asking questions;
- Arriving on time and letting someone know when you plan to leave;
- and If a student can’t attend a pre-arranged meeting, they should let both UQ staff and workplace staff know as early as possible.
Governance and Risk
Insurance
The UQ student insurance policy provides comprehensive insurance for enrolled students.
Occupational Health and Safety
All of the UQ Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) information can be found in the UQ Policy and Procedures Library (PPL) here: http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au. When students agree to complete a WIL activity, where some off-campus tasks are required (placements or projects), course staff should provide basic OHS information. The industry partner staff should also provide basic OHS information (i.e., fire exits and exit procedure, who to notify in the case of a safety incident etc).
Any safety incident a student encounters at a workplace should be reported at the workplace in question, but they may also report via the University's online system
Useful resources for placements
Your first day on placement can be a daunting day. To help you make the best impression and to understand what you responsibilities and rights are, you should prepare. We recommend you familiarise yourself with:
- The UQ WIL Governance and Risk Fact Sheet
- Student Services resources (if you need support)
- Fair Work Australia Young Workers and Students (highly recommended)
- The UQ Student Charter
Always remember that if you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about your placement or during your placement, the best person to seek support from is your UQ placement officer or course coordinator.