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2017 Issue 2

This issue has a focus on a range of issues some stemming from recent SafetNet reporting.
In this issue:
 
  • Are You Sitting Too Much
  • Safe Work N.S.W. "Safety Starts With You"
  • Mental Health
  • UOW First Aid
  • Falls In Wet Weather
  • Barbeque Safety

Heart Foundation warns of the risks of sitting all day and not getting enough exercise

Updated 7 May 2015, 6:32pm

The Australian Health Foundation has warned office workers of the dangers of sitting down all day at work, saying it pushes up the risk of deadly heart disease. It's released a report today showing that many nine-to-fivers are more sedentary than ever, but while many know it's bad to sit all day, they're not changing their behaviour.

Source: PM | Duration: 4min 32sec

Topics: occupational-health-and-safetyexercise-and-fitnessaustralia

Show transcript

There are some great tips for UOW staff just link into 
UOW SAFE@WORK
ERGONOMIC EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES
 

UOW SAFE@WORK ERGONOMIC EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES
 

Safe Work N.S.W.  http://safework nsw has recently released a new video and advertisements to help raise awareness of safety in the workplace.

NO MATTER  WHAT YOU DO, SAFETY STARTS  WITH YOU :


WATCH VIDEO 


Whether you’re working in a café or on a construction site, you have a right to work in a safe workplace and a responsibility to help ensure it remains safe.

If you’re serious about safety, it should be part of every job you do. Read some practical advice to make it easy to manage safety in your workplace. You can find tips on a number of issues, including:

  • electrical work
  • falls
  • hazardous chemicals
  • manual tasks
  • machinery and equipment

click here to subscribe to their free newsletter

 

MENTAL HEALTH

Violence, fatigue, bullying, stress, work pressure, a poor work environment or a traumatic event can cause health issues such as psychological injury.

Mental (psychological) health, just like physical health, is an important part of work health and safety (WHS). Psychological hazards should be managed in the same way as physical hazards and the how to manage work health and safety risks code of practice provides guidance on risk management.

Fact sheet

The preventing psychological injury fact sheet tells you how to identify, assess and control psychological health risks in the workplace.

Assessment tool and other online resources

The Managing Mental Health Risks at Work – Training for Managers and Employees is an online training module developed by beyondblue. Employees and managers can assess common workplace scenarios that can impact mental health, and explore different options on the best approaches and likely outcome.

Encourage employees to be familiar with the UOW Employee Assistance Program 

Utilise the services offered by PODS to further supervisory staff awareness and training https://intranet.uow.edu.au/pods

Managing Mental Health for Managers

UOW Employee Assistance Program

Who is my Nearest First Aid Officer?.

Do you know who your nearest First Aid Officer is? Do you know where they are located? This is the perfect opportunity to check the First Aid Contacts List and familiarise yourself with this information
 
I am a First Aid Officer
If you are a First Aid Officer, there are a few questions you should regularly ask yourself:
  • Are your local first aid kits being regularly checked by Accidental First Aid?  Does your first aid kit have a First Aid Kit Restocking Register sheet.?
  • If your kit has not been checked recently, it's location may not be listed on the WHS Database which is provided to Accidental. First Aid Officers will be contacted prior to Accidental performing their checks to give you time to organise for access to be available if required
  • Are my contact details up to date? You may have moved buildings or offices and forgotten to update your details with the WHS Unit. Check the First Aid Contacts List.
  • When does my certificate run out? You should receive a reminder to complete your update but it is a good idea to keep an eye on this yourself. If your certificate has expired, or is due to expire soon, check the PODS Calendar for upcoming first aid courses.
  • Am I receiving my allowance? If you don't regularly check your payslip, you may not notice if your allowance has been cut off. This may occur if your certification has expired without you realising. Please contact your Payroll Officer if you are unsure of the status of your allowance.
If you need to make any updates to your information, or have any queries, contact the WHS Unit on whs-admin@uow.edu.au.

Falls in Wet Weather

With wet and wintery conditions upon us, the likelihood of slips, trips and falls increases.
Be on the lookout for hazards that may result in incidents, including:
  • Water on floors due to wet footwear, umbrellas, etc
  • Poor lighting due to overcast conditions
  • Walkways covered in vegetation such as moss, tree roots, leaf litter, fallen fruit or seed pods, etc making them excessively slippery or concealing loose or uneven surfaces
If you see an area that may be hazardous, please complete a SafetyNet report and alert Facilities Management Division.

In order to minimise the risk of incidents occurring, follow these controls:
  • Only walk on established pathways
  • Use handrails when provided
Wipe shoes on mats at building entrances and place wet umbrellas in receptacles provided

Barbecue Gas Cylinder Fire

What happened?
A fire occurred  when the gas leaking from a BBQ cylinder connection point ignited.
What are the hazards?
1. The connection between the gas cylinder and the hose and regulator was insufficient to form a full seal.
2. The rubber seal on the end of the regulator had perished, becoming brittle and cracked.
3. A risk assessment on the use and operation of BBQ not been undertaken or documented.
4. There was insufficient training and instruction on the safety and use of the gas BBQ.
5. Procedures for the use of the BBQ were not available.
6. No maintenance scheduled on the gas cylinder hose and regulator.
What can you do?
Conduct a safety check of the BBQ before use and ensure BBQs are maintained on a regular basis.
Provide training and instruction to users and always follow the risk assessment.
Further information
Refer to the UOW Barbecues (BBQ's) safety webpage or contact the WHS Unit on 4221 3931 or whs-admin@uow.edu.au if you would like to find out more information about making your next gas BBQ safe.

 


 
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whs-admin@uow.edu.au

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