Work Health and Safety
There is work health and safety information, including incident, accident and injury procedures and student insurance information available at UTAS Work Health and Safety Student Information.
Incidents, Accidents or Injuries
- Health care agencies have obligations to students under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012. Students on PEP should act in accordance with the individual agency's workplace policy and procedure in the event of an accident or injury occurring.
- Students who experience an injury where treatment and/or blood tests are required from a medical practitioner, such as a needle-stick injury, must ensure that costs are met via payment by Medicare Card. Workers Compensation does not apply to students undertaking PEP.
- In the event that a student experiences an incident, accident or injury while on PEP the student must follow the incident/injury/accident reporting procedures within the particular workplace and ensure the incident/injury/accident has been reported as soon as practicable to the Placement Coordinator and Unit Coordinator. The student must also complete a University of Tasmania Online Incident Notification. When accessing for the first time, you will need to login on the University ‘Sign In’ page, which will come up first. If you have any questions, please email health.safety@utas.edu.au.
Personal Accident Insurance
- The University of Tasmania provides insurance cover for students undertaking unpaid Work Integrated Learning placements (PEP) approved by the University.
Important: Workers Compensation does not apply to students undertaking PEP.
- Coverage Includes:
- Non-Medicare expenses (e.g., private hospital, physio, dental)
Excludes any out-of-pocket costs from Medicare refunds or gap payments
Insurer: Accident and Health International
Policy Number: 2300108161
Insured Persons:
- All students
- Members of the University Council and official committees (excluding salaried employees)
- Voluntary workers including:
- Honorary research associates
- Clinical teachers
- CRC Research Fellows
- Consultants
- Visiting scholars
- Guest lecturers
- Examiners
- Artists in residence
- Panel advisors, reviewers, and similar roles
Excess: Nil
Age Limit: 80 years
Schedule of Benefits:
| Age Group | Capital Benefit | Weekly Injury Benefit | Benefit Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 65 years | $100,000 | $1,000 | 3 years |
| 66 - 75 years | $30,000 | $500 | 52 weeks |
| 76 - 80 years | $30,000 (Capital only) | - | - |
Insurer: Accident and Health International Underwriting Pty Ltd
Policy Number: 5551832
Insured Persons:
- Council members and employees (including spouses, de-factos, partners, and dependent children)
- Voluntary workers on authorised overseas or Antarctica travel
Definition of Authorised Business Travel:
Travel undertaken on official University business, authorised and paid for by the University. This excludes normal daily travel unless it involves travel to/from Tasmania.
Coverage Includes:
- 24-hour cover during authorised business travel
- Death and capital benefits due to accident (up to 180 days without prior approval)
Principal Exclusions:
- Travel exceeding 180 consecutive days without prior approval
- War risks, intentional military force, financial default
- Nuclear, biological, or chemical terrorism
- Routine medical, optical, or dental expenses
- Persons over 90 years of age
High-Risk Activities Not Covered:
Additional insurance may be required. Examples include:
- Scuba diving
- Caving
- Mixed martial arts
- Skiing/snowboarding
- Auto racing
- Skydiving
- Base jumping
- Free climbing
- Paragliding
Claims Process
- Request either a Travel Insurance or Accident Insurance Claim form
Complete as much information as possible (when, where, what, how) attaching the following:
For Personal Items:
- Police report (for stolen items)
- Airline security report (if applicable)
- Repair/replacement quotes
For University-Owned items:
- All of the above, plus:
- Proof of purchase (e.g., asset/tag number, invoice, UTRANs)
- Budget centre account number for journal processing
Submit all documents (including photos) to:
- The Insurance team will review the details and determine the appropriate next steps (including whether a formal claim form is required)
Safe and Fair Community Unit
The Safe and Fair Community Unit is a University-wide service providing information, support and advice to assist our community to be safe and well. Staff within this unit will receive and respond to notifications, concerns or reports of inappropriate behaviour, wellbeing concerns or complaints. If you have experienced something which impacts on safety or wellbeing we encourage you to contact the Safe and Fair Community Unit. Staff will listen to your concerns, provide information and advice regarding your options and support and where appropriate, will facilitate actions to assist with your situation
