The University of Western Australia
Safety, Health and Injury Management and Wellbeing
 
 

Safety, Health and Injury Management and Wellbeing

Newsletter August 2018

Our role is to develop and assist in the implementation of the UWA safety, health and wellbeing programs in order to minimise the risk of injury, illness and property damage.

We provide consultancy and other services to promote best practice and legislative compliance in all University and related activities.

Further Information

  • UWA Smoke Free
  • Become a first aid officer
  1. Safety Related Training
  2. Chemical Corner - Dr Laurton McGurk
  3. OSH Breach Fine increases
  4. University Safety Committee
  5. Previous Safety and Health Newsletters
  6. Wellbeing eNews

Safety Related Training

  • Building and Area Warden Training
    Emergency evacuation drills will be in September. For warden training sign up at the links below, the training covers the procedures and methods for dealing with emergencies within your buildings as well as emerging issues within the field.

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Chemical Corner - Dr Laurton McGurk

Old

You blinked! 60% of people who sustain work-related eye injuries were not wearing any eye protection at all.
We blink, on average, once every five seconds. 90% of eye injuries would not have happened if the correct PPE was worn.
A blink usually takes a tenth of second. Chemical burns to the eye are a medical emergency – treatment must start within minutes.
80% of our memories are visually triggered. Acid burns to the eye are usually non-progressive due to protein coagulation.
Our sight involves 50% of our brain areas. Alkali burns penetrate the eye tissues and trigger liquefactive necrosis.
Your pupil dilates when you look at someone you love. Wear eye protection – see what matters most.

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OSH Breach Fine Increases

Two amendment Bills increasing Western Australia's maximum work health and safety fines have passed Parliament.

The Occupational Safety and Health Amendment Bill 2017 and Mines Safety and Inspection Amendment Bill 2017 are scheduled to commence on days to be fixed by proclamation, but State Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan assured Parliament yesterday (28/08) that they will be proclaimed as quickly as possible after they receive royal assent.

They increase the maximum fine for the most serious breaches of the State Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 from $625,000 to $3.5 million

Maximum penalties for individuals who commit a repeat level-4 breach increase from $312,500 and two years' jail to $680,000 and five years' jail, while employees who commit repeat breaches of their OSH duties will face maximum fines of $50,000, up from $12,500.

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University Safety Committee

The University Safety Committee last met on 24th July 2018. The next Meeting is on 30th October 2018.
Approved minutes from previous meetings are available from the Safety, Health and Wellbeing website.
https://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/people/committees/safety

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Previous Safety, Health and Wellbeing Newsletters

For those who have missed out on our earlier editions, copies of previous newsletters can be obtained from the following web site: https://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/newsletter . All are encouraged to distribute relevant safety information in your workplaces.

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Wellbeing eNews

A reminder that the Wellbeing eNews is now available with lots of great tips and events to help you improve your health wellbeing. Click here to subscribe

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        Tuesday, 4 September, 2018 11:17 AM

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