Infectious Diseases Standards and Procedures

Staff members and students of the University 

To protect the health of the University community and to clarify the procedures for:

• preventing the spread of infectious diseases
• dealing with actual or suspected cases at the University

1.    The University is committed to take all practicable steps to assist public health authorities in managing of actual or suspected cases of infectious diseases

2.    The procedures below will be followed as a good employer and in accordance with public health responsibilities

Immediately

3.    The Health, Safety and Wellbeing team in the HR department must be advised immediately of any case of actual or suspected infectious disease

4.    The individual reporting the case will immediately ensure that an Accident/Incident Report form is completed

5.    The Health, Safety and Wellbeing team will immediately contact the Medical Officer of Health in the Public Health office and seek advice

6.    The Health, Safety and Wellbeing team will immediately advise in confidence the dean and academic head (or equivalent) and the Director of HR of the situation

Monitoring and action

7.    The Health, Safety and Wellbeing team will continue to liaise with Public Health, take action as appropriate, and keep the University records on the case

8.    The dean and academic head is encouraged to keep in contact with the staff member or student as a good employer, while respecting the privacy of the individual

9.    The Health, Safety and Wellbeing team will arrange for reimbursement of any medical testing costs of any staff member or student to assist with the early detection and health management of any actual or suspected infectious disease

After the health risk

10.    When Public Health advises that there is no further public health risk, the Health and Wellness team will advise the dean and academic head accordingly and close the file

Report to Occupational Environmental Health and Safety Advisory Committee (OESHAC)

11.    The case will be advised to the OESHAC through the normal reporting mechanisms

The following definitions apply to this document:

Occupational Environmental Health and Safety Advisory Committee is a University committee that exists to develop and review policies on occupational and environmental safety and health and injury treatment and rehabilitation services to employees

Staff member refers to an individual employed on a full or part time basis

University means the University of Auckland and includes all subsidiaries

University community includes all staff (whether permanent, temporary or part time), honorary staff, students , contractors, subcontractors, consultants, alumni, associates, business partners or official visitors or guests of members of the University or Uniservices

Content manager: Associate Director, Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Owner: Director, Human Resources

Date approved: 26 November 2014

Review date:  1 July 2016