Information for new staff
As a new staff member you'll need to learn to manage potential workplace hazards and know what to do in an emergency.
The University is dedicated to ensuring a safe working environment. Find out more about the purpose of the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Service and what we set out to achieve.
Learn more: The meaning of health, safety and wellbeing.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing orientation video for staff
Health, Safety and Wellbeing orientation video for students
UoA Alert
If there is an emergency at the University, you need to know about it quickly and directly.
Downloading the UoA Alert app will ensure you receive University emergency information promptly on your mobile phone.
Find out more about the UoA Alert App
What should I do in an emergency?
There are different types of emergencies. Our comprehensive Emergency Information section provides advice on how to handle a variety of differrent situations.
Fire Safety
Find out about fire safety, emergency evacuation, our buildings' safety systems, prevention and more. Fire Safety
Fire Safety at work: A short introduction to why fire safety is important
Fire Safety & Warden Training. A formal training session to becaome a Fire Warden for the University
What should I do if there is an accident?
If there is an accident and you are one of the first on the scene, follow our guidance on first response. This includes first aid and medical advice, and what to do if there are casualties.
Reporting, incidents, injuries and/or observations
All accidents and incidents, regardless of whether an injury has occurred, must be verbally reported to your manager immediately after they occur, and an incident report must be completed on the same day. This enables prompt investigation and ensures early injury management to begin if required.
Report an injury, incident or observation
This is an online course on creating health and safety awareness and how to lodge health and safety injuries, incidents (no injury) and observations at the University of Auckland - Creating Health and Safety Awareness
Injury Management and Rehabilitation
The University and UniServices are accredited employers in the ACC Partnership Programme.
Find out more about our Injury Management and Rehabilitation processess
Pain and Discomfort Service
Some staff members can experience discomfort at work, which if not properly managed could deteriorate into chronic pain or cause absences. Whether due to pre-existing conditions, or exacerbated by work, it is in everybody’s interests to minimise these effects and have staff well and at work. With early reporting and intervention, we are able to support staff suffering from pain and discomfort without the need to submit a formal ACC claim with no guarantee of acceptance.
Find out more about our Pain and Discomfort Service.
Managing general risks in the work environment
You can manage and control hazards in the office and the general work environment, so they don't become a problem.
Find out more:
- Office and work environment safety
- This web page includes a computer workstation set up guide, a health and safety checklist and more.
- Moving & handling
- This page includes a stretching poster and gives advice on how to minimise manual handling injuries caused by carrying, lifting, twisting etc.
- Eye testing
- Protect your eyes. You may be entitled to a free eye exam and a significant contribution towards the cost of glasses frames.
Training
We have a range of workshops available to help staff gain greater knowledge of key health, safety and wellbeing issues.
These include topics such as first aid and risk assessments, SciTrack, family violence, and workshops focusing on electrical, fire and chemical safety.
Check out our workshops: Health, safety and wellbeing training and competency.
Health and Safety Awareness for Triage Co-ordinators
This is an online course for Triage Co-ordinators on how to triage notifications, co-ordinate a local investigation, co-ordination for the recommendation of corrective actions and have a good understanding of the Health and Safety Incident Management process.
More information
If you need more information about a health and safety topic, browse through our wide-ranging and dedicated topics section. You may find exactly what you need to find there.
Explore now: Health and safety topics
You can also read our guidelines.
Document Control
Version: 1.1
Last Updated: July 2025
Next Review: July 2028
Owner: hsw@auckland.ac.nz
Approver: Associate Director, Health Safety & Wellbeing