Safe Work Australia - Protecting Australian Workers from Infectious Diseases and Hazardous Chemicals

This is an opportunity to undertake a project that will have a direct impact on worker safety.

label Opportunity type

Student opportunity type

College approved Internship
schedule Application date
Applications open/close
8 Sep 2022 | 9am - 2 Oct 2022 | 11:59pm
school Level

Degree level

Bachelor
Master

About

Safe Work Australia is an Australian government statutory agency. We develop national policy on work health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements to protect the health and safety of 13 million Australian workers.

Our vision is to achieve healthier, safer and more productive workplaces through improvements to Australian work health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements. We believe that all workers, regardless of their occupation or how they are engaged, have the right to a healthy and safe working environment.

We have a tripartite structure, and our Members represent the interests of the Commonwealth, states and territories, workers and employers. This is unique in Australia and means that our work has a national impact.

Project: Protecting Australian Workers from Infectious Diseases and Hazardous Chemicals

Internship details

Internship Availability

Summer or Semester 1, 2023

Internship Discipline/s

Chemistry; Toxicology; Biology; Public Health; Science Communication

Internship Level

2nd or 3rd yr Undergraduate; Postgraduate Coursework

Available to International Students

No

Preferred Project Skills:

  • Literature review skills (including search, analysis and synthesis of scientific literature)
  • Written communication skills

Clearances Required

Safe Work Australia may conduct a police check on successful applicants. Successful applicants may also be required to apply for and obtain baseline security clearance. Safe Work Australia can provide further information on these processes to successful applicants.

Host Supervisor

Leanne McCauley, Director, Chemicals Policy and Workplace Exposure Standards Review Section

E: Leanne.McCauley@swa.gov.au

T: (02) 6121 3428

Megan Downie, Director, Occupational Diseases and Hygiene Policy

E: Megan.Downie@swa.gov.au

T: (02) 6121 3502

Location

Safe Work Australia

Level 7, Nishi Building

2 Phillip Law St

Acton, 2601

Project Opportunities/Benefits for the Intern

In addition to undertaking a project that will have a direct impact on worker safety, you’ll gain insight into the opportunities for scientists in the Australian Public Service (APS) and an understanding of the important role scientists play in public policy and regulation of work health and safety.

You will also gain valuable experience working in an APS role, and an understanding of the research and communication skills needed for these roles.

You will work with a highly motivated team with broad and interesting professional backgrounds and expertise.

Summary:

We are looking for one or two students with strong research and analytical skills to support our work on the risks of hazardous chemicals and infectious diseases. This will involve undertaking reviews on particular topics and developing communications material.

The work of the Chemicals, Occupational Hygiene and High Risk Work Policy Branch is diverse and projects can be tailored depending on your background and interests. Some of our current projects include:

  • Reviewing and updating our Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidance – this project will involve auditing the PPE guidance we currently have available, undertaking a literature review on recent developments in PPE, and using the outcomes of this to inform the update of current guidance materials.
  • Reviewing the Workplace Exposure Standards for around 700 chemicals and chemical groups, and communicating the results of this review to employers and workers.
  • Assessing regulatory and non-regulatory options to reduce exposures to silica dust in workplaces.
  • Delivering educational content and activities to improve employers’ and workers’ awareness of the risks associated with hazardous chemicals.
  • Developing guidance on minimising the risks of infectious diseases in workplaces, with a focus on risk assessment based on the method of transmission. This will include:
    • Reviewing international guidance from similar WHS policy agencies
    • Undertaking rapid literature reviews
    • Drafting web content and briefings as required

Download: