OHS Newsletter May 2002

Accident / Incident Statistics

The OH&S Unit is attempting to find out why the accident / incident numbers increased during 2001 compared to 2000.

One possibility is that because of increased training staff are now more aware of the need to report these events, but as we have no way of determining whether or not that is the case we can only assume that the number of accidents and incidents has actually increased.

In order to discover what has contributed to the increase the OH&S Unit staff now contact supervisors and/or injured staff and ask two questions in relation to each report: "Were correct procedures followed prior to the event occurring?" and "Was it reasonably practicable to prevent this occurrence?"

Cost Centre Heads and supervisors will be able to use the answers to determine whether reports are random events, or whether a pattern is emerging.

Jennie Cumming, Head, OH&S Unit

Summary Statistics for 1st quarter 2002

During the 1st quarter of 2002 there were 63 accidents and incidents reported to the Occupational Health and Safety Unit.

Accident/incident statistics&endash;1st quarter 02

Of the 44 accidents/incidents reported by staff members in this quarter, 13 resulted in workers compensation claims.

No. staff accidents/incidents by cost centre

In 32 of the 44 matters reported, prevention would have been "reasonably practicable". Of the 32 that could have been prevented, 22 occurred because correct procedures were not followed.

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 2002

Workers Compensation Costs

The costs listed below are for wages and medical expenses only (medical consultation, medication, medical reports, surgery, physiotherapy and so on).

Lump sum payments from Unisure to staff members to compensate them for permanent disabilities are not included in these figures.

Cost centre workers compensation costs for 1st quarter

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

 Chris Euripides, Administrative Assistant

OH&S Auditing

The OH&S Internal audit teams have now audited the following matters: hazardous substances, electrical safety, understanding of the audit system and first aid. They will soon audit: OH&S training and manual handling training.

OH&S Unit staff have audited: biosafety and working in hot conditions. They will soon audit: boats and boating activities and diving.

Consultants have audited: radiation safety, laser safety, chemical waste disposal, boilers and pressure vessels.

The WorkCover auditor will be at the University for the first two weeks of June to check the results of these audits and to audit any other matters he nominates at the time.

Yellow stress balls

If you haven't received a ball, call Chris Euripides on 13024 and she will send one.
If you have received a ball, try the web address.

Jennie Cumming, Head, OH&S Unit

EAP (Employee Assistance Program), 2002

All staff are reminded that an independent counselling service is available to staff members who are experiencing:

1. Work related difficulties
2. Marital or family problems
3. Alcohol and drug related problems
4. Stress
5. Financial and legal worries
6. Interpersonal conflict
7. Grief and trauma

Self Referral

Individual staff members can refer themselves directly to one of the designated psychologists, for up to 3 sessions paid by the University.

Procedure

• Call the psychologist you have chosen and make an appointment.
• Tell them that you are a Flinders University staff member and that the University will pay for your session(s) under the EAP scheme.
• Tell them your area of employment in broad terms only (that is, whether you work in the Library, Central Admin or a Faculty. Advise which Faculty)

Your name will not be disclosed to any member of the University at any time.

Counsellors Available:

You may choose any one of the following people for your counselling session:

Further information on a confidential basis is available from

Kerry Jaunutis (Occ Health Nurse), Phone 13117
Jennie Cumming (Head, OHS Unit), Phone 13703