SV Hub wellbeing, health and safety

Welcome to SV Hub.

This page outlines our commitment to ensuring the wellbeing, health, and safety of all attendees, staff, and contractors at the SV Hub. It provides guidelines and procedures to manage risks and ensure a safe environment.

Wellbeing, health and safety

Our policy is to provide a safe and healthy environment for those who use the SV Hub. We are committed to complying with all relevant occupational health and safety legislation and continuously improving our safety performance.

Risk management

We conduct thorough risk assessments for the SV Hub to identify potential hazards and implement control measures. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary with the Sustainability Victoria Wellbeing, Health and Safety committee.

Emergency procedures

In case of an emergency, all attendees of the SV Hub are to adhere to the instruction of emergency wardens and building management. You can locate procedures on the Emergency Muster Point that can be found on Level 12.

Emergency assembly area

The emergency assembly area is at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons on the corner of Victoria and Nicholson Streets.

Assemble in the near gardens on the Victoria Street side. This area is marked on the map below

First aid

In the event of a first aid emergency, contact 000 for assistance, and then building management on 0478 325 538 to ensure a seamless entry for any emergency services to the floor.

For any minor first aid assistance, contact our first aid officers via the SV Hub Lead or whs@sustainability.vic.gov.au.

Your closest first aid kit and defibrillator are located:

• in the level 12 communal kitchen
• under the stairs at the opposite end of the building.

Ergonomics

Repetitive and prolonged use of a computer keyboard and/or mouse can lead to muscle aches and discomfort. Having incorrect posture from a poorly designed workstation (either in the office or when working remotely) can often be the cause of such injuries.

The SV Hub is equipped with the facilities to set up an ergonomically safe workstation.

All SV Hub users are responsible for:

• safe use of equipment provided
• ensuring work areas are tidy and free from tripping hazards
• reporting any IT or other service or equipment concerns to the SV Hub Lead
• using all equipment provided as intended
• maintaining ergonomically safe use of the SV Hub (i.e. frequent breaks, regular movement, appropriate positioning of all equipment including screens, keyboard, mouse and chair.

Fire safety

Fire exits are clearly marked and must be kept unobstructed.

Fire extinguishers are located throughout the venue with signs and must be kept unobstructed with at least 1 m clearance.

In case of fire, activate the nearest alarm and evacuate the building.

Crowd management

Adequate staffing levels are maintained to manage crowds in the SV Hub

Security

We have firm security standards. Passes are provided as necessary to ensure all members on the floor are accounted for. The 321E building have security in business hours available and can be contacted on 0478 325 538.

When visiting the SV Hub:

• wear your visitor or SV Hub lanyard at all times while on site
• do not allow people you do not know to follow you into secure areas.

Visitor passes must be returned to the SV Hub team before 5 pm each day.

SV Hub operating hours

We recommend making any enquiries with the SV Hub Lead during the operating hours of SV Hub (8.30 am and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday).

For urgent assistance outside of this time please contact building management if outside of those hours on 0478 325 538.

Environmental considerations

Specific bins are provided throughout the venue with signage on appropriate use.

Efforts are made to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.

Drug and alcohol policy

We are committed to a drug free workplace and do not condone the use of alcohol or illicit drugs in the workplace.

Use of alcohol and other drugs becomes a workplace health and safety issue when a person’s ability to exercise judgment, coordination, motor control, concentration and alertness is affected at the workplace, leading to an increased risk of injury or illness.

Alcohol consumption is allowed only in designated areas and within legal limits.

Anyone found in possession of illegal drugs or excessively intoxicated will be removed from the premises.

Smoking and vaping

Smoking and vaping is not allowed within smoke free areas of the workplace, including:

• the interior of all buildings
• where employees are working
• in access routes for the building.

Smoking and vaping are permitted in open air areas, except as detailed above. In smoking areas, cigarette butts and vapes must be placed in the appropriate bin.

Tailgating

Tailgating, or following someone closely to gain unauthorised access, is strictly prohibited.

All staff and attendees must use their own access cards or credentials to enter secure areas.

Report any suspicious behavior or unauthorised access attempts to security personnel immediately.

Regular audits and checks are conducted to ensure compliance with access control policies.

Cleanliness and hygiene

People using the SV Hub can protect themselves from infection within our facilities by taking into consideration the following precautionary measures:

• Washing hands

• Care of intact skin

• Protection of damaged skin

• Proper handling and disposal of sharp objects

• Good hygiene practices

• Careful handling of all blood and body fluids.

Regular cleaning schedules are maintained to ensure all areas are clean and hygienic.

Hand sanitising stations are available throughout the venue.

Restrooms are cleaned and restocked frequently.

Attendees are encouraged to practice good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing.

Any spills or cleanliness issues should be reported to staff immediately for prompt attention.

Hazardous substances / dangerous goods management chemicals

We purchase products that are non-hazardous wherever possible. We will ensure that the manufacturer or supplier of any chemicals classified as a hazardous substance or dangerous good used at SV Hub provides a current safety data sheet (SDS) for that substance.

SDSs provide information on safe use, storage and important first aid information, and cannot be more than 5 years old.

Our SDSs are available in in the cupboard under the sink in the kitchen on level 12.

Ensure you always handle chemicals in accordance with their safety instructions.

Batteries

All batteries are safe and effective when used properly – meaning bought from reputable suppliers, charged appropriately and disposed of when damaged.

Do not discard any batteries in office or household bins.

Batteries are common in household devices, powering electronics including our smartphones, AirPods, vapes, cordless power tools and vacuums, defibrillators, and e-mobility devices.

The following principles should be applied with batteries:

• Do not use or bring into the SV Hub batteries that are damaged, crushed or leaking/punctured.

• Do not use damaged/non-standard/ill-fitting cords or equipment to recharge battery operated devices.

• Do not expose batteries to extreme heat.

• Do not recharged eBikes or eScooters in the SV Hub.

Dispose of batteries in the dedicated battery bin is in the 321E reception area.

Review and continuous improvement

These guidelines are reviewed annually and updated as necessary.

Feedback from staff and attendees is encouraged to improve safety measures.

Continuous improvement is a key focus to enhance the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.