Audits and Certification
On this page:
Current Certifications for Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems
The University of Melbourne uses certification to safety management system standards to ensure that we have safe systems of work in place, and to support our status as a self-insurer for workers compensation. Certification involves ongoing visits and inspections from an independent external auditor to confirm that our systems meet a certain standard.
The University is currently certified to the following Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems standards by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance:
- Australian Standard 4801: Occupational health & safety management systems - Specifications with guidance for use: a standard that guides Australian organisations in setting OHS policy and objectives to address legislative requirements, hazards and risks. University of Melbourne staff and students can access this standard via Standards Library.
- National Self Insurer OHS Audit Tool (NAT) : an audit standard for OHS management systems, based on AS 4801. The NAT applies to Australian organisations that are self-insurers for workers compensation, including the University. The official workbook for this standard is available from WorkSafe Victoria Reference Materials for Current and Prospective Self-Insurers. The University has adapted this workbook for internal use in the Internal Audit Program.
Copies of the University's current certificates are available with University network login from Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems Certificates of Approval.
About OHS Auditing
OHS auditing ensures that the University's management systems continue to confirm to the standards for which they have been certified. These standards ensure that the University's operations pose the minimum reasonably practicable risk to the health and safety of people and the environment.
The University's procedure for Health & Safety Auditing is OHS and Environmental Management Systems Audit (UOM 366).
There is an internal audit program and an external audit program.
Internal Audit Program
The Internal Audit Office coordinates and manages internal OHS audits. Auditee areas are provided with dates and the criteria to be audited at least 4 weeks prior to the audit.
Internal Audit Schedule
- Enquire with Internal Audit Office.
Guidance
- Internal OHS Audit Methodology [.pdf]
- specifications of, and responsibilities for organising, the internal audit program.
- Internal OHS Audit Workbook [.doc, 2.6MB]
- workbook used by auditors when conducting an audit. Not all criteria will be in scope for every audit.
- Internal OHS Audit Scoping Instructions [.doc]
- form that the Internal Audit Office uses to instruct the auditor about the scope of the audit. Auditee areas will be asked to complete part of this form.
- Internal OHS Audit Report template [.doc]
- template used by Internal Audit Office to communicate internal audit findings.
- Internal OHS Audit Corrective Action Plan template [.doc]
- template for use by auditee areas to document their Corrective Action Plans for any adverse findings.
References
External Audit Program
External OHS audits are the mechanism by which the University achieves continued certification of its OHS management systems. Our current external certifier and auditor is Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance.
External recertification audits are conducted every 3 years. External surveillance audits are conducted every 9 months, except when a recertification audit is occurring instead.
The auditors determine the areas to be audited. Heads of affected Divisions will be advised well in advance.
The Internal Audit Office coordinates and manages external OHS audits.