Children in the Workplace

Policy

Murdoch University recognizes that family responsibilities impinge on all aspects of an individual’s life and that family responsibilities affect both women and men. The University also acknowledges that students and staff have access with respect to educational and employments conditions regardless of their status with respect to dependant children. However, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (1984), the University must provide premises that are as safe as is practicable for both employees and non-employees.

Accordingly, children of staff, students and visitors shall be brought to the workplace as a last resort only*. All reasonable attempts must be made to make alternative arrangements. However, the University acknowledges that unavoidable circumstances may cause staff, students or visitors to bring a child into the workplace. In thus event, the staff, students and visitors responsible for the children; managers and supervisors; Executive Deans; Office Heads; teaching staff and other authorized staff members**, shall undertake a duty of care as prescribed by the procedures set out as an appendix to this policy.

*Nothing in this policy prevents children being on campus for approved University activities, such as Open Day and on guided tours. This also applies to public access areas such as the library, bookshop and the veterinary hospital. However, duty of car provisions still apply.

**An ‘authorized staff member’ shall be defined as the University employee responsible for inviting the visitors on to University premises.

Note: It is accepted that there will be situations when children will accompany staff for brief visits, for example when dropping off equipment. It is not expected that permission be sought, however all other requirements of this policy shall be adhered to.

Children in the Workplace Procedures