The CSIT Building Occupational Health and Safety Committee (Meeting) ================================================================== Date: Wednesday 13 June 2007 Time: 14:05-15:00 Venue: CSIT N101 Present: Clem Baker-Finch, Lynnette Johns-Boast, Deanne Drummond, Bob Edwards, James Fellows, Jocelyn Smith, Doug Palmer, Peter Strazdins (chair) Apologies: James Sheridan MINUTES: 1. Apologies / Membership Apologies noted. 2. Minutes of previous meeting Approved. 3. Matters arising: 3.1 Updating local OH&S manual De reported that the manual was almost up-to-date, with nearest First Aid contacts to be added. In order to maintain the information on current roles of safety personnel, it was agreed it would be revised every 3 months. 3.2 OOS prevention measures Peter reported on an email from James S suggestion on-site massages for discounted prices. It was thought that this was aimed at therapy for people with existing OOS conditions. It was unclear what budget could be made available for such a purpose. There was a suggestion that checking for eye strain would be more useful. ACTION: James S to clarify this when he returns 3.3 OOS prevention seminar 2007 - report Peter reported that the seminar by Lucy Brooks on 3 pm May 30 was a good seminar, but only 15 people from CSIT / CSIRO attended. Of these, only 2 were PhD students. With especially several of the latter complaining of early symptoms of occupational strains recently, the attendance was disappointing. A discussion on how to improve attendance for next year included: * make the content different (and ensure this is reflected in the published abstract * chose a better week, e.g. out of the teaching term * ask the PhD students personally to attend 3.4 Fire Warden training & membership Doug reported that 5 new people were recruited as wardens, with a training session due later in the month. ACTION: Doug to inform (Peter) of names once trained. 3.5 CSIT Building Inspection (2006) - junk removal James F reported that substantial junk had been removed. De reported that there would be a DCS-wide removal of junk in early August, with a plan for a PT person to be appointed to assist. 4. New hazard and injury reports While none had been officially reported, De remarked that several PhD students had recently requested advice from her as the OSLO. Complaints included strains in the back and in the wrists. De reported that she is ordering document holders, which may help in some cases (e.g. reading papers). 5. ANU co-ordinated OHS Audit Peter reported that DCS needs to complete this audit internally by August. It was decided to delegate responsibility for each section to the various people present. Peter: OHS Administration De: First Aid, Cleaning and Waste, Ergonomics Hugh F/Doug: Fire and Emergency Bob/James F: Electrical, Housekeeping, Hand Tools, Storage, Manual Handling Clem: Other Hazards Lynette: Work Environment Bob reported that the Electrical Testing audit would be completed next month and would put a copy in Peter's pigeonhole. ACTION: the people above to investigate the checklist (and look into corrective action if necessary/feasible) by mid July, with Peter to assist / followup. Peter to give a 1 week reminder. 6. First Aid Issues De reported that she is an official First Aid Officer. 7. Any other business James F reported that the spilling of food and drinks in the stairwell was a nuisance (stains and smells). It was also mentioned the Tea Room suffered from cooking smalls and was often left unclean. While it was felt this was not clearly a safety issue, it was suggested a sign to be endorsed by the HoD in the Tea Room might be helpful. De volunteered to look into this.