Safe@Work Newsletter - 2019 Issue 6

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Safe@Work Newsletter - 2019 Issue 6

In this issue:

Christmas Time - Coping with Christmas
UOW Christmas Celebrations
Mental Health Contact Network
WHS Training in 2020
Emergency Evacuation Drills
Contractor Work around Wollongong Campus

Christmas Time - Coping with Christmas

It is officially the month of Christmas!

As the festive season approaches, it can be a time for celebrations, gift giving and family togetherness. But for some people it can be a stressful time. It could be that you or someone you care about are dealing with a loss, isolation, family conflict, financial difficulties, loneliness or mental ill-health.

If you, or a direct family member are not doing well during this season, please contact UOW's Employee Assistance Provider LifeWorks to speak with a qualified counsellor. These appointments can be via phone or face to face and are completely confidential.

For more information please visit the UOW Healthy Mind page.

UOW Christmas Celebrations

With the end of the year fast approaching, there will be a number of divisions, faculties and teams hosting celebrations.

This is a great time to celebrate with colleagues and enjoy each others company socially.
Please remember, that these celebrations are work functions and an appropriate standard of conduct is expected.

UOW's Guidelines on the use and management of alcohol at university functions applies to all Christmas parties and events. These guidelines provide staff members organising University based events and activities with an understanding of the legislative requirements and risks associated with alcohol misuse and their role in minimising risk.

As an employee, if you choose to drink alcohol, you must ensure that you drink responsibly.

'Cheers' to the end of a great year!

Mental Health Contact Network

As part of UOW's Mental Health Strategy, we have recently coordinated a network of Mental Health Contacts.

The UOW Mental Health Contact Network is made up of staff who have completed Mental Health First Aid or Mental Health Awareness and Intervention training. Their role is to be a point of contact for anyone experiencing mental ill-health as a referral point for:

Mental Health Support Services (internal and external)
Mental Health Training that is currently being offered
Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiatives that UOW is currently doing
Events that are happening on campus

This is not a counselling role.

We will be adding the Mental Health Contact for work areas to the 'First Aiders in This Area' poster.

Look out for the Mental Health Contact in your area and talk to them about any ideas you have in this space!

Safe@Work Representative Vacancy - Chief Operating Officer

Effective consultation is critical in the effective management of Work Health and Safety (WHS). Safe@Work Representatives (SWR) are responsible for resolving and communicating about Division of Faculty wide WHS initiatives and issues. Any issues that cannot be resolved at this level can be raised to the WHS Committee.

For more information about the role and responsibilities of a SWR see the Terms of Reference for SWRs.

Expressions of interest are to be sent to the Chair of the WHS Committee to help determine suitability and appointment.

I wish to nominate myself to be SWR for Chief Operating Officer

Any enquiries should be directed to the WHS Unit on x3931 or whs-admin@uow.edu.au

WHS Training in 2020

The WHS Unit recently facilitated face to face training in Risk Assessments and Safe Work Procedures.
The feedback was very positive with staff stating they now are "much more confident in completing Risk Assessments and Safe Work Procedures in SafetyNet".

In 2020, this training is going to broader to encompass all aspects of SafetyNet.

SafetyNet is the online system for recording hazards/incidents, safe work procedures and risk assessments at UOW. It is an integral part of the work we do to keep employees safe.

Please keep an eye out on the WHS Training Courses web page for the 2020 dates to be confirmed.

WHS Training Courses

Emergency Evacuation Drills

Wollongong campus is currently completing their emergency evacuation drills.

The WHS Unit would like to thank everyone for their active participation in these drills.
WHS Advisor Patrick Beasley has advised that the reports are currently being generated and will be sent out with any corrective actions soon.

If you do have any questions regarding these drills, please contact Patrick.

Contractor work on campus

As things start to wind down for the year, there is an increase in works across the Wollongong campus

This means that we have a number of contractors conducting these works.

The WHS Unit is asking all staff to be vigilant and if you see something that you may think is a safety risk, please raise the individual or contact the WHS Unit on x3931 or whs-admin@uow.edu.au.

Our mailing address is:
whs-admin@uow.edu.au

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University of Wollongong · Northfields ave · Wollongong, Nsw 2500 · Australia