Safety and Health Newsletter - April 2006

University Safety Committee Annual Report 2005

The University Safety Committee (USC) Annual Report 2005 has recently been released and is available from the USC website. Areas of the report which may be relevant include:

• Incident and injury – types, trends, costs, current and proposed reduction strategies 
• New and revised policies, procedures and guidelines 
• Safety and health related awareness raising and training provided 
• USC related business – items referred and actions taken
• WorkSafe improvement notices issued in 2005
• Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems audit program – progress and results
• UWA safety and health policy framework – showing more clearly policy linkages 
• USC OPP 2005-07 – which seeks Faculty / School specific OSH plans by July 2006 http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/people/committees/safety 

Safety and Health Representatives – update 

The annual call for nominations for Safety and Health Representatives in work areas whose SHR's two year term expires or who do not currently have a SHR has now been completed. Appointed SHR include: 

• Greg Cawthray (Plant Biology)
• Greg Cozens (Anatomy and Human Biology)
• Kael Driscoll (Library)
• Alex Duff (Civil and Resource Engineering)
• Olivia Harper (Student Services)
• Rebecca Joel (Library)
• Borut Klopcic (Medicine and Pharmacology)
• Jason Langoulant (Library)
• Paula Leigh-Procak (Medicine and Pharmacology)
• Colin Phillips (Human Movement and Exercise Science)
• Jenny Pottier (Facilities Management)
• Peta Reddington (Human Resources)
• Lesley Roberts (Human Resources)
• Rod Robinson (Human Movement and Exercise Science)
• Graeme Warburton (Architecture and Fine Arts)
• Robert Wilson (Facilities Management – Workshops and Central Plant)

The current list of SHR is available at:
http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/people/safety_and_health_representatives

Safety Talk - Chemical Safety Legislation – Tuesday 23rd May

For a whirlwind tour of legislative requirements for the acquisition, transport, storage, use and disposal of chemicals in their various forms. The talk covers dangerous goods (storage and transport), poisons, drugs, industrial waste disposal to sewer, off site waste disposal, excise free ethanol for laboratory use, chemical weapons, import and export restrictions, National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Act, hazardous substances, carcinogens, illicit drug precursors and other miscellaneous legislation. To be presented by Jeff Davis from 1 pm to 1:45 pm on Tuesday 23 May 2006 in MCS Seminar Room G35 (in the new Biochemical Sciences building). 

OSH for Managers and Supervisors – Monday 12 June

Essential for those who manager and supervise others to better understand their occupational safety and health responsibilities and what support is available to assist with this. The next 0.5 day course is from 9 am – 1 pm on Monday 12 June. Refer: http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/courses/Safety_and_Health_for_Managers_and_Supervisors 

Safety Concerns On Shared Pathways 

 There have been recent safety concerns raised regarding shared pathways on the main campus. All users of these pathways are reminded of the following :

1. Give Way To Pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right of way on campus. There are “Leg Rules” signs strategically placed around the campus to remind us. 
2. Abide with Cycling Rules. Cyclists are reminded that speeding is an offence under the Road Traffic Code. The code also requires that cyclists do not ride carelessly or recklessly. Refer to the UWA Bicycle Users Group (BUG) website : 
   http://sponsored.uwa.edu.au/bug/welcome/cycling_and_the_law. 
   Requirements for cyclists on shared paths include :
   a. keep to the left of the path at all times, unless overtaking
   b. give way to pedestrians at all times
   c. signal early your intentions to turn at intersections 
   d. slow down when approaching pedestrians
   e. ring your bell about 30m behind pedestrians when approaching them
3. Abide with Vehicle Rules. Vehicle access to the inner campus must be cleared with UWA Parking & Security. When on the inner campus grounds (not designated roads), drivers must have their vehicle hazard lights on and the vehicle should not exceed walking speed.
4. Be Alert & Report Incidents. Pedestrians should be on constant look-out and exercise caution at all times. Report any instances of near misses or incidents using the UWA Incident or Hazard Report forms which can be found at : http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/forms/reporting

Nitric Acid Spill

Recently a five litre leak of concentrated (60%) nitric acid leak resulted in damage to the top 5 cm of the concrete floor on the first floor of a University building. Fortunately no one was injured and the post tensioning cables were not affected. The use of smaller containers, bunding and/or storage in specifically designed acid / corrosive cabinets would have prevented this incident.

What’s New

WorkSafe WA website

WorkSafe WA has launched its new website. http://www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/newsite/worksafe/default.html

2006 Review of the OSH ACT

A review of WA's OSH laws, first announced in January 2006, is being conducted by barrister Richard Hooker. A discussion paper has been released, seeking further comments by 12 May 2006. Issues include Work Choices, Codes of Practice, OSH Tribunal, penalties, intangible hazards, mandatory OSH policies, Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC), provisional improvement notices (PINS) and others. 
http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/Corporate/Content//Reviews/OSH/overview.html 
http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/Corporate/Content//Reviews/OSH/media_include/Discussion_Paper_OSH_Review.pdf 

University Safety Committee

The USC met on Tuesday 11th April. Approved minutes from previous meetings are available from the Safety and Health website. 

Copies of previous newsletters can be obtained from the ‘following web site: http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/newsletter 

The University of Western Australia

Safety and Health M450

Bus. 08 6488 3938

Fax. 08 6488 1179

Web: www.safety.uwa.edu.au

Email: safety@uwa.edu.au

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