Wellbeing and Safety Training and Induction​ Procedure

1. The purpose of our procedure

The Wellbeing and Safety Training and Induction Procedure (procedure) sets out Adelaide University’s local training and induction requirements to ensure safe workplace activities. 

Please read this procedure in conjunction with the Wellbeing and Safety Policy. 

2. Who our procedure applies to

2.1 Inclusions 

Our procedure applies to all members of our Adelaide University community. 

2.2 Exclusions 

Our procedure does not apply to contractors who must meet specific requirements before commencing work. Refer to the [Contractor Safety Procedure] for their information, instruction, and training requirements.    

This procedure authorises the Executive Director, People Advisory and Wellbeing to maintain associated protocols.  

3. Our training and induction procedure

Adelaide University offers training and induction at both the University-wide level and local level. This section outlines our steps for local training and induction requirements.  

For further information on the University-wide mandatory learning, refer to our Required Learning.  

3.1 Identification of training and induction needs  

Colleges and Portfolios are responsible for determining the training and induction needs within their respective areas by:  

• Identifying the required and appropriate levels of training and induction for specific roles, areas, tasks and activities. 
• Establishing the minimum mandatory training and induction necessary by role for laboratory access and task performance.  
• Ensuring compliance with legislative requirements regarding refresher training and induction for certain high-risk or licensed activities, as specified in relevant University procedures. 

3.2 Developing training and induction plans 

Once Colleges and Portfolios identify training needs, [managers/supervisors] will develop tailored wellbeing and safety (W&S) training and induction plans. These must be completed by staff and postgraduate students before entering high-risk areas or starting work.  

A W&S training and induction plan includes: 

• Required learning and work-specific training and induction needed to perform their role and activities. 
• Refresher training and induction requirements as identified through the training and induction needs analysis.   

3.3 Delivering and improving training and induction plans 

Colleges and Portfolios will implement training and induction plans as an action in their annual W&S Local Action Plans (LAP) recorded in Unisafe.  

[Managers/Supervisors] will implement customised W&S training and induction plans during staff inductions and [performance reviews]. Plans must be reviewed when: 

• New training needs arise such as role changes, development plans, or after extended leave. 
• Workers are not competent to perform a task safely. 
• Training supports hazard mitigation, incident response or audit findings. 
• Training materials change. 
• Required by legislation, Adelaide University policy, risk assessments or process changes.  

3.4 Performance monitoring and improvement 

We assess our wellbeing and safety performance against defined performance measures to meet regulatory obligations. This helps us highlight what is working well and take action where improvements are needed. 

3.5 Managing wellbeing and safety records  

We maintain document control systems to ensure wellbeing and safety documents are current, consistent, and properly managed through their lifecycle.  

[Managers/Supervisors] will maintain all training and induction records in accordance with our [Records Management Procedure].  

4. Who holds a responsibility within this procedure 

4.1 The Vice Chancellor and President is required to:   

• Provide adequate human and financial resources to manage the delivery of relevant information, instruction and training. 
• Ensure effective training and induction systems are in place.  
• Exercise due diligence obligations as an Officer to ensure training and induction systems are effective and implemented, under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2012 (SA). 

4.2 The [Executive/Senior Staff] are required to:   

• Ensure safety-related training and induction for core business is available to Adelaide University community members in accordance with this procedure and associated wellbeing and safety protocols. 
• Use wellbeing and safety consultation forums to ensure training needs are being met. 

4.3 The [Managers, Principal Researchers, Academic and Technical Supervisors] are required to:   

• Ensure in their area of responsibility that safety-related training and induction needs are identified by role, activity and staff capabilities. 
• Develop a training plan for staff and ensure it is reviewed appropriately. 
• Ensure all Adelaide University community members receive their required training and induction before work commences. 
• Ensure any supervised staff member responsible for supervising others is aware of their wellbeing and safety responsibilities. 
• Ensure access to workshops and laboratories is restricted to those who have been appropriately trained and inducted. 

4.4 Adelaide University community members are required to: 

• Participate in induction and training requirements. 
• Take reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise wellbeing and safety risks to themselves and others. 
• Stay informed about our wellbeing and safety policies and procedures. 

5. Definitions used in our procedure

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Adelaide University community refers to a broad range of stakeholders who engage with Adelaide University and includes (but is not limited to) all students, staff, and non-staff members of AU including alumni, [honorary title holders], [adjuncts], visiting academics, guest lecturers, volunteers, suppliers, and partners who are engaging with and contributing to the work of Adelaide University.   

(The term Adelaide University community replaces the term Worker as defined in the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)). 

Contractor refers to:  

• temporary/agency staff hired through recruitment or labour hire agencies 
• service contractors engaged via purchase agreements (e.g. technicians, delivery personnel) 
• maintenance and event contractors, including sub-contractors (e.g. equipment servicing, marquee setup, catering) 
• Estates and Facilities and Information Technology (IT) contractors for construction, capital works, and managed services (e.g. maintenance contracts, Service Level Agreements, trade agreements). 

Due diligence is being proactive in keeping up to date with knowledge of work, health and safety matters and ensuring we meet our work, health, and safety obligations. Due diligence obligations are designed to make sure our Officers take reasonable steps to ensure the use of appropriate resources, policies, procedures and safety and wellbeing practices when undertaking overall and daily business operations.  

Induction refers to the provision of information designed to introduce new or transferred members of the Adelaide University community to their workplace and provide them with information concerning hazards and associated risks, and their control measures.  

An Officer is defined in the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) as a person who makes or helps make a decision which affects either the whole or a major part of a business or undertaking. If a person has the capacity to significantly affect the financial standing of the organisation, they are recognised as an Officer.  

Performance measures are quantifiable metrics used by an organisation to evaluate the effectiveness of their work, health, and safety management system, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance with applicable legislation. 

Required Learning refers to the University-wide mandatory learning for new staff, introducing them to the University's values, strategic priorities, and relevant policies and procedures. It also provides essential information and resources specific to their roles. 

Training refers to the development of skills, knowledge and behaviors through information, instruction or practice. 

Training needs means the process of identifying and assessing the training requirements of Adelaide University community members based on the tasks they perform.  

Unisafe is the online system used by our staff and students to manage information related to wellbeing and safety issues. This includes reporting incidents, injuries and hazards to ensure timely investigations, risk assessments and control measures are applied to keep our community safe.

6. How our procedure is governed

This procedure is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

7. Legislation and other documents related to this procedure

Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.  

8. History of changes

At the time of writing, Adelaide University’s organisational structure, position titles, and committee names have not been confirmed. Square brackets [ ] indicate placeholders for these details. Brackets are also used to identify policy elements that are subject to further decision-making or confirmation. These will be updated once final decisions are made.