The CSIT Building Occupational Health and Safety Committee (Meeting)
==================================================================

Date:   Wednesday 6 September 2006
Time:   14:05-14:35
Venue:  CSIT N335 

Present:
        Ian Barnes (acting chair), Antoinette Bosman, James
        Sheridan, Lynnette Johns-Boast, Doug Palmer.


MINUTES (draft):

1. Noting of Apologies and 
		
There were no apologies.


2. Minutes of previous meeting (http://cs.anu.edu.au/ohs/minutes/Jun06),

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.


3. Matters Arising:

3.1 Problems with the CSIT lift (James Fellows)

As James was not at the meeting, his report on this is held over
until the next meeting.


4. New Hazard and Injury Reports

There was one new injury report, yet another case of
Occupational Overuse Strain (OOS). A case manager is handling
it. Antoinette is buying some new furniture.

Antoinette mentioned that until it happens to them, people don't
take OOS and workstation inspections seriously. What can we do
about it?

Lynnette expressed concern about students who work extremely
long hours with terrible posture. Should we be teaching correct
use of computers, workstation setup etc in our courses?

James Sheridan suggested sending out a monthly email reminder
about posture and work habits.

Doug said that CSIRO force everyone to go through an annual risk
assessment and mitigation exercise. Should we do this too?

James said that for people who already have problems (and
perhaps also for those who have mild stiff neck symptoms but
haven't reported anything), regular massages can be very
helpful. Some workplaces have arranged to have massage
therapists come regularly and subsidise the cost, at least for
those who have already reported a problem. Perhaps we could
arrange something with massage or physiotherapy students from
CIT who need to get client hours before they can graduate.
Something like this happening regularly would also help to raise
awareness.

ACTION: Antoinette to consult with Gary Fronteyn about
strategies for raising awareness of OOS. James to find out about
CIT massage students, rates, group discounts etc. Ian &
Antoinette to talk with Chris (HoD) about funding.


5. Updating local OH&S manual

We need to print more, and it's a few years old, so it makes
sense to bring it up to date first.

ACTION: Antoinette and Pamela to revise the manual.


6. Other Business.

Doug raised the issue of the annoying alarm in the fire panel
downstairs that has been going off regularly. He has called to
request action but there has been none so far from F&S.

ACTION: Doug and Hugh Fisher (Fire Wardens) will continue to
pursue this.


The meeting ended at 14:35.