OHS Newsletter May/June 2003

Electrical Safety Recall – appliances & plugs

Some Burton and ICM 3-Pin plugs, and appliances with these plugs attached, are being recalled as they may be unsafe. Extension cords are not affected.

Plugs that were manufactured between May 2001 and September 2002 may be unsafe in that they may not properly earth the circuit.

Please check any appliances purchased since May 2001 to see whether they have these plugs.

ICM plugs

If a plug has 3 pins and the letters "ICM" and "K1-53" around the outside edge, check if it either has texta marks on 2 of the pins, or a sticker that says "INSPECTED". If it does not, please contact your electrical testing coordinator.

Burton plugs

If a plug has 3 pins and the word "Burton" on it and the letters "F" and "B7" on the plug perimeter, check if the number "02" appears in the centre of the date stamp with an arrow pointing to 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 o’clock..

If it has all of those and does not have texta marks on 2 of the pins or a sticker that says "INSPECTED" please contact your electrical testing coordinator.

Electrical testing coordinators

Any powered equipment that does not have a test tag should also be drawn to the coordinator’s attention.

Further information for testing coordinators is available on Freecall number 1800 728 890.

Notice to First Aiders

If you provide First Aid assistance to any international students please notify the International Students office (Jane Horgan, 13135) if the injury or health problem is serious enough to require follow up. This International Students office will follow up and provide assistance where necessary.

Thanks to Bill Drury (Faculty of Science and Engineering) for alerting us of the need to let First Aiders know that they can request this type of assistance for the students.

OHS Internal audit

The OHS internal audit teams are currently undertaking two audits: Hazardous Substances and the University’s First Aid system.

If you need to brush up your knowledge of either topic, go to the OHS website (address on your yellow stress ball).
Jennie Cumming, Head OHS Unit

SARS

Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

For information and advice see the SARS Update near the top / left side of the University Home Page.

Hygiene

At this time of heightened awareness of the ease of spreading disease it should be noted that some respiratory diseases can live outside of their host for some time.

Some staff have expressed concern at the habit that others have of turning pages by licking their fingers. Although the risk of transferring infection is extremely low, it is a practice that is best avoided, particularly if using a shared folder.

Thimblettes are available from the stationary suppliers and should be used whenever possible.

Feldenkrais

Feldenkrais is a relaxation technique in which you learn new patterns of movement/behaviour specifically designed to expand body awareness, allowing more efficient and comfortable movement and self image.

Lunchtime classes will commence on July 3rd and run for 6 weeks. Sessions will be guided by a qualified Feldenkrais practitioner / physiotherapist.

To make booking and for further details please call Kerry Jaunutis (13117)
Spaces are limited.
Kerry Jaunutis, Occupational Health Nurse

Summary Statistics for 1st quarter 2003

During the 1st quarter of 2003 there were 32 accidents and incidents reported to the Occupational Health and Safety Unit.

Of the 22 accidents/incidents reported by staff members in this quarter, 13 resulted in workers compensation claims.

In 16 of the 22 matters reported by staff, prevention would have been "reasonably practicable". Of the 16 that could have been prevented, 9 occurred because correct procedures were not followed.

Mechanism of accident/incident in each major cost centre
during 1st quarter of 2003

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.

*One staff member was absent on workers compensation leave for the entire quarter.

Chris Euripides, Administrative Assistant