University context and health and safety plans

The University’s Occupational Health and Safety Management System considers the environment in which the University operates and uses health and safety plans to establish priorities, objectives and performance measures.

Use this page to:

• understand the University’s operating context
• access the University-wide health and safety plan and annual performance indicators
• develop or review a budget division health and safety plan
• monitor and report progress against agreed objectives and targets.

Last reviewed: August 2026

University context

The University’s operating context includes the internal and external factors that influence its health and safety risks, responsibilities and management system.

These factors include the University’s:

• governance and organisational structure
• teaching, research and engagement activities
• campuses, buildings, facilities, plant and equipment
• workers, students, contractors and partner organisations
• legal and regulatory obligations
• stakeholders and surrounding communities.

The University context must be considered when developing and maintaining health and safety policies, plans, requirements, processes and guidance.

Read the Health & Safety: Context of the University of Melbourne Guidance (PDF)

Health and safety planning

Health and safety planning occurs at two levels:

1. The University-wide plan establishes the overall direction, objectives and performance indicators.
2. Budget division plans describe how each division will contribute to achieving the University-wide objectives and targets.

University-wide health and safety plan

The University-wide health and safety plan establishes the University’s health and safety priorities, objectives and performance measures.

The plan is endorsed through the University’s senior governance arrangements. Progress against its objectives and targets is reported to senior committees, and a summary of achievements is included in the University of Melbourne Annual Report.

View the Health & Safety Management Plan 2026: Annual Key Performance Indicators (PDF)

Budget division health and safety plans

Each budget division must maintain a health and safety plan that explains how it will contribute to the University-wide objectives and targets.

When developing or reviewing a budget division plan:

1. Review the University-wide objectives and annual performance indicators.
2. Follow the Health & Safety Plans requirements.
3. Use the approved budget division plan template.
4. Identify the actions the division will undertake to support the University-wide objectives.
5. Monitor progress and report it to the budget division OHS committee.

Download the Health & Safety: Plans Requirements (Word)

Download the Budget Division Health and Safety Plan Template (Word)

Legislation and compliance resources

Health and safety plans must support compliance with applicable legislation and University requirements.

Key Victorian legislation includes:

• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 — current in-force version
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 — current in-force version
• Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 — current in-force version

For additional legislation, compliance codes, standards and regulatory resources, visit:

• University OHS laws, regulations and standards
• WorkSafe Victoria laws and regulations

Need assistance?

Contact your local Health and Safety Business Partner if you need help developing, reviewing or monitoring a budget division health and safety plan.

Find Health & Safety contacts