Risk Management

OHS Training Courses 2008

u9107158 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:23:47 +0000

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 OHS Statistics for 2007

u9107158 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:18:19 +0000

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.

New OHS Course – Design Standards for Safety in Electrical Work and Equipment

u9107158 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:05:04 +0000

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.

Health and Safety Management Arrangements - Draft document

u9107158 — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:15:02 +0000

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.

Chemical Burns and Eye Wash/Safety Showers

u9107158 — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 01:54:49 +0000

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.

We would like to draw your attention to a new product that may be suitable for these locations - Diphoterine, produced by the Prevor Company - makes a number of claims in regards to treatment of chemical exposures. It claims to:

be more effective than water
be effective for a wide range of chemicals
decrease requirements for ongoing lost-time and medical care.

Single use personal eye-wash vials and pressurised spray cans (for skin) are available for carrying on an individual, or larger eye-wash packs are available for first aid kits or particularly hazardous locations.

Some examples of the situations where we see this product may be useful include:

plumbers, or other mobile personnel who may be exposed to chemicals without a ready source of clean water nearby
fieldwork first aid kits
remote work locations

Another product - Hexafluorine - is also available to treat burns from Hydrofluoric acid and other acidic fluorides.

For additional information please contact the OHS Branch or AMARE Safety. Please consider these products where there is limited water and the risk of a chemical skin splash or eye injury is possible.

New Draft - ANU Isolation and Danger Tagging Procedure

u9107158 — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 01:43:11 +0000

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.

ANU Plant (Equipment) Policy, Procedure & Guidelines

u9107158 — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 01:39:16 +0000

The new ANU Plant (Equipment) Policy, procedure and guidance material is now on the web and should be implemented. Plant (equipment) is defined as any machinery, equipment or tool, and any component thereof. It includes office equipment as well as workshop and trade machinery. The Plant (equipment) procedure takes on the risk management approach and covers the equipment from pre-purchase to disposal and everything in between, including use and maintenance. The documentation is available at http://info.anu.edu.au/hr/OHS/Hazard_Management_Procedures.asp under Plant.

ANU OHS Statistics for 2006

u9107158 — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 01:32:27 +0000

A report on the ANU’s Occupational Health and Safety Performance for 2006 has been prepared and can be found here. Any comments on the format of the report or information it contains are welcome to the OHS Officer. The statistical collection will continue and be used to monitor performance and develop injury reduction strategies/programmes.

New Research Contracts Risk Assessment Tool released

u9107158 — Tue, 08 May 2007 07:08:18 +0000

The Risk Management & Audit Office (RMAO), in consultation with the Legal Office and Research Office, has developed a contracts risk assessment tool that will improve local areas knowledge of what issues/risks should be considered prior to signing a contract, as well as identifying the trigger points where further advice/input should be sought from ‘expert areas’. The tool can be accessed through the Risk Portal or through the RMAO website.

Changes to Workers’ Compensation

u9107158 — Tue, 08 May 2007 06:00:35 +0000

The Federal Government has passed amendments to the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act) which came into effect from 13 April 2007. This Act governs workers’ compensation arrangements for University staff. Key changes include the removal of workers’ compensation coverage for non-work related journeys, including normal travel between a staff member’s residence and usual place of work; and absences from the workplace during an ordinary recess, for example, lunch breaks.The amendments include a strengthening of the connection between work and eligibility for workers’ compensation particularly in relation to disease claims. Specific details on these changes will be distributed by HR as they become available. In the interim, staff should submit claims for workers’ compensation under the current arrangements. Enquiries regarding these changes can be lodged via the Human Resources Division Help Desk or by contacting Occupational Health and Safety at OHS@anu.edu.au