Health & safety outcomes

There were 550 safety incidents reported in 2019, which is slightly lower than the 575 incidents reported for 2018. There were 257 hazards reported for 2019, compared with 182 the previous year, which is a positive trend in preventative safety. There were 83 medically treated injuries and seven lost time injuries during the reporting year. As at 31 December 2019, the University had 56 active workers compensation claims compared with 84 active claims as at 31 December 2018. There were 54 staff members who received early intervention assistance during the year, to a total budget spent of $42,969.

Notifiable incidents

There were six incidents notified to Comcare during 2019: four serious injuries or illness; and two dangerous incidents. No notifiable incidents were reported to Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) during 2019. ANU provided compliance data to ARPANSA, the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office, and the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme. No notifiable incidents were reported to the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator during 2019.

Investigations and notices

In 2019, Comcare issued the University with a S155 Notice under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) to seek information on Schedule 14 chemicals used in the University and their associated risk assessments. ANU provided system and implementation evidence in November 2019, and Comcare was satisfied with the systems the University put in place. The S155 Notice is now closed but Comcare will conduct a verification of implementation in mid-2020.