OHS Newsletter June 2001

Moving Furniture and Books

Please keep in mind that caretakers have been trained to lift, shift and carry objects safely. It is not appropriate to ask any staff other than caretakers to carry boxes of books or to shift furniture. Such requests may lead to embarrassment and/or injuries.

Tips to get you through the day

You do not have to put in a huge effort to make a healthy difference to your day.

• Make time for breakfast &endash; give your metabolism a start up boost;
• Take the stairs rather than the lift &endash; there is no shortage of stairs at the University;
• Do simple stretching exercises at your desk &endash; if you don't have the "Stretching your Productivity" card, with these exercises on it you can get one from the OH&S unit;
• Get outside at lunchtime and enjoy the fresh air. At the very least you should eat away from your desk;
• Organise a lunchtime walking group, or discussion group or any other interest group that can take you mind off your work for a short time;
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, this is important if you drink tea or coffee or work in an air-conditioned building as these all have a dehydrating effect;
• Don't take your work pressures home with you. Use your time at home for friends and family and most importantly for yourself.

Shibashi

These relaxation/exercise classes have been very popular again this year.

In Term 1, 14 people completed Shibashi 1 and 9 people completed Shibashi 2 exercises. Classes are fully booked at present and there is already a waiting list for next term.

Feldenkrais

This form of relaxation has also been extremely popular. The sessions for this year start in June and have been filled from our waiting list. Apologies to those who missed out. If you are interested in attending classes in future, please call Kerry Jaunutis on 8201 3117 or email kerry.jaunutis@flinders.edu.au, to add your name to the waiting list.

Eyes and Computers

The OH&S Unit is presenting sessions on eye function, eye care and work with visual display terminals. The sessions are open to all staff who work with visual display terminals. The session will give information on why visual discomfort occurs when working with VDTs and tells how to overcome these visual discomforts.

Information given at the session includes:-

• Anatomy of the eye
• The vision process
• Normal ageing of the eye
• Eye safety
• Visual rest
• Glare and reflection on screen
• Radiation

Three sessions will be held:-

• Tuesday 10 July 10.00am to 11.30am, Room 1305, Physical Sciences Building
• Tuesday 10 July 2.00pm to 3.30pm, Audio Visual Room, Social Sciences North
• Thursday 12 July 10.00am to 11.30am, Room N220B, Sturt Buildings

Blood Pressure/Sugar checks

During 2000 the Health and Counselling Service and the Occupational Health and Safety Unit offered free blood pressure and cholesterol checks to staff. This year along with blood pressure and cholesterol we will also be offering free blood sugar level checks. The times and venues for these will be advertised in the Faculties/Cost Centres.

Massage

As part of the University's commitment to providing and encouraging a healthy workplace, the OH&S Unit is again offering one free massage to staff. There are 100 massages available for staff members. If you were lucky enough to have a free massage in 2000 you are not be eligible for one this year.

To make a booking call Health & Counselling on 12118.

Kerry Jaunutis, Occupational Health Nurse

OH&S Accident/Incident Summary Statistics

During the first quarter of 2001 there were 39 accidents and incidents reported to the Occupational Health and Safety Unit.

Accident/incident statistics&endash;1st Quarter 01

Of the 39 accidents/incidents reported by staff members in this quarter, 9 resulted in workers compensation claims.

Staff accidents/incidents table

Comparison of staff accidents/incidents for 1st quarter of year over a 4 year period

Mechanism of Accident/Incident in each Major Cost Centre during 1st quarter of 2001

Workers Compensation Costs

Cost Centre workers compensation costs for 1st quarter

Comparison of workers compensation costs for 1st quarter of year over a 4 year period

Electrical Appliance Safety

There were 2 electrical incidents in May of this year &endash; neither resulted in injury. Both incidents were investigated by an Inspector from Workplace Services.

The investigations revealed that the area concerned had no documentation to prove that they carry out regular electrical safety inspections.

Please check all electrical plugs and leads in your area/office/workshop. If they are cracked, broken, frayed or abraded don't use them, tell your supervisor and/or OH&S representative and have them replaced or repaired.

DO NOT WORK WITH FAULTY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Common Room/Tea Room

Have you seen any hazards in your tea room? Please fix them or tell your supervisor and/or OH&S representative.

Returning Officer: OH&S Elections

In accordance with the recent Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, the OH&S Unit will act as Returning Officer for all future elections of Health and Safety Representatives and Deputy Representatives.