From 3 August 2009 the process for reporting OHS incidents will change.  An enhancement to the Human Resources and Student Administration System now allows direct reporting of incidents via HORUS (and ISIS for students) rather than the current Apollo System. (more…)

The new Act and Regulations commence in February 2009. This legislation is aimed at protecting public health and appropriate access to poisons. Work-related users of medicines (schedule 4) and poisons (schedule 7, 8 & 9 substances) should be aware of the new requirements. To assist with compliance the ANU OHS information has been updated. For more information click here.

There are numerous training courses available through the OHS Branch providing information and training on the hazards, risks and University policies and procedures. Examples of general courses include:

• First aid
• Occupational strains prevention
• Manual handling
• OHS principles and practices for managers, supervisors and OHS Committee members.

In addition to general courses, advanced OHS courses are offered which provide specific hazard management training for research, teaching and technical staff and higher degree students who are working in a relevant area of research, teaching or technology. Each course is presented by technical and OHS specialists and supported by comprehensive notes, including copies of relevant technical standards. An examination is held in conjunction with each course to provide an objective assessment of participant understanding of the material. Examples of advanced course include:

• Biological safety
• Chemical safety
• Confined spaces
• Height safety

Further information and enrolment details for OHS training courses can be found here.

ANU’s Occupational Health and Safety Performance statistics for 2007 are now available and can be found here.  The statistics show good results with a decrease in both incident and workers’ compensation claim numbers and a  general downward trend in most other categories.  No big impact has been made yet on incident numbers for the categories of body stressing and falls, slips and trips but strategies are being developed to address these in 2008.

The OHS Branch uses these statistics to monitor performance and develop injury reduction/management strategies.  In addition it is hoped that these statistics are useful and relevant to wider University staff and would appreciate any comments on the format of the report or the information it contains.

All new equipment designed or modified in the ANU is required to undergo the design certification process.  This new training course will offer useful guidance in judging compliance with relevant Australian Standards for equipment designed in a research/teaching environment, to fulfil the requirements of the ANU’s Hazard Management Procedure for Electrical Safety.
The course is presented in a forum style to encourage open technical discussion of electrical design experiences.  A certificate is issued on satisfactory completion of the course.
In 2008 sessions will run on 25 June, 24 September and 26 November.  Further details and enrolment information can be found here.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 was modified in 2007 to require employers to develop Health and Safety Management Arrangements (HSMAs) in consultation with their employees.

The ANU OHS Branch and OHS Policy Committee have developed the draft HSMA document. It has been reviewed by the University Staff Consultative Committee (USCC).  For more click here.

When dealing with chemicals it is important to have access to an eyewash and safety shower if the risk of exposure is likely.  However, for fieldwork, remote work locations, work in non-laboratory situations (around drains, on roofs etc) and some other areas, it may not be possible to have a plumbed eyewash and a safety shower within appropriate reach. (more…)

To complement the University’s Plant (Equipment) documentation and processes a new draft Isolation and Danger Tagging Procedure has been developed and is available for comment. It is relevant to all staff that work with or may need to work on Plant (Equipment) including electrical items. If you would like to see the draft please contact the OHS Officer. Any comments can also be forwarded to the same email by 22 June 2007.

The Risk Management & Audit Office, in consultation with other key risk management areas on campus, has developed the ANU Risk Portal as a means for staff and students to access a range of risk management information and tools.  There are links within the portal that encourage the suggestion of links and general feedback on the site to allow the portal to evolve over time in response to user requirements.  The portal also contains a blog facility so that users can post comments or questions on any of the News and Events items listed.

Who should read this? Supervisors, lunchtime exercisers, outside workers, field workers. http://info.anu.edu.au/hr/OHS/Hazard_Alerts/_Avoiding_Heat_Related_Illnesses.asp