HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING

Transcription

1 HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING Date: Attendees: 1.30 pm Thursday 28 July 2011, Room 218, Student Union Building Health & Safety Representatives Roger Cliffe (School of Engineering and Computer Science & Victoria Rescue), Edwin Hermann (Information Technology Services), Belinda Pilcher (PVC International), Brett Challacombe-King (Disability Support Services), Trevor Bradley (School of Social and Cultural Studies), Doug Drysdale (School of Psychology), Trudi Pilkington (Faculty of Architecture and Design), David Flynn (School of Chemical and Physical Sciences) Alan Hoverd (School of Biological Sciences), Emma Coker (Campus Services), Mani Nambayah (School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences), Michelle Golding (Student Academic Services), Pam Blakemore (Communications and Marketing), Alison Melling (School of Social and Cultural Studies), Mike Playford (Faculty of Education) Specialist Advisors Marie Powell (Human Resources, Occupational Health Nurse), Rainsforth Dix (Campus Services, Associate Director Campus Operations) Rosaleen Loughman (Campus Operations, Campus Safety Coordinator) Tertiary Education Union Representatives Kathryn Walls (TEU Member) Minute Secretary: Chair: Lara Carson (Campus Operations, Administrator Safety and Risk) David Bibby (Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, Engineering, Science, Architecture & Design) Item Actions For completion by 1 Introductions and Apologies 1.1 Apologies were received from the following; Sarah Dunstan (School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies), Marina Dobrovolskaya (Commerce and Administration Faculty Office), Ray Brownrigg (School of Engineering and Computer Science), Joanna Kidman (Te Kura 1

2 Maori, Education) Roy Bridge (Campus Operations, Fire & Emergency Coordinator), Jeff Munn (Campus Operations, Campus Safety and Risk Manager), Amy de Boer (Faculty of Education), Pauline Castle (School of Law), Pam Green (Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health), Vicki Thorpe (Faculty of Education), Deborah Walker (Communications and Marketing) 1.2 The following representatives were unavailable; Trudy Lagolago (Early Childhood Education Services), Mark Shaw (Faculty of Architecture & Design), Kendra Troon (Campus Services), Matu Stevens (Maori Services), Ruth Neethling (Library), Michael Gilchrist (TEU Organiser), Doug Eckery (School of Biological Sciences), Raymond Hutchison (Information Technology Services) Catherine Galuzska (DVC Research Office), Terese McLeod (Te Kawa a Maui), 2 Actions from Health and Safety Committee meeting 1 June The Minutes of the meeting 1 June 2011 were confirmed as a true and accurate record. 3 Business arising from Previous Minutes 3.1 Safety Audit, Laboratory Safety, Radiation Safety discussed under General Business. 4 Accident Report (June - July 2011) 4.1 RL presented the H&S performance report attached to these minutes. 4.2 A discussion was held around the causation of accidents. RL stated that the increase in cuts among students at the Architecture and Design School was largely due to inattention and tiredness as they attempted to meet deadlines and complete heavy workloads. Rosaleen Loughman (RL) has followed up with staff to see if these kinds of accidents can be reduced through a more evenly spread workload throughout the year. The high level of back strains and sprains among crèche staff, despite manual handling training, was also identified. RL has been working with the Recreation Centre to develop a back strengthening programme to help further minimise the occurrence of these incidents. DB also questioned whether a pattern was found amongst slips, trips and falls (i.e. whether any black spots existed around the campuses). It was determined that repeated accidents had not occurred in any particular areas, however a VUWSA safety audit had noted that the pathway from Student Union Building down to Salamanca Road had poor lighting. 2

3 5 Emergency Preparedness 5.1 RL led a discussion around the power outage on Tuesday 26 th July. As a result, a hazard was identified in relation to several automatic doors within the Murphy and Von Zedlitz buildings when they failed to open. In the event of an emergency this could trap people inside. Power spikes in mid July resulted in people trapped in lifts, however, the emergency buttons were found to be functional and working correctly. The occurrence of these incidents in a non emergency situation provides the University the opportunity to recognise potential hazards and deal with them accordingly. BEIMS requests have been entered to address the automatic doors. 6 General Business 6.1 Safety Audits and Safety Plans (Rosaleen Loughman): RL reported a response rate of 25% (550 staff) to the Safety Audits (special thanks to the DVC Academic and Research groups for their input). Response was largely positive, although concern about building safety and securing of equipment was high; this could be remedied through better communication of information. Staff support, workload and knowledge of roles were positive but consultation during organisational change and unacceptable behaviour in the workplace could be improved. Unacceptable behaviour was generally not found within teams, but across departments (i.e. encountered when working on service desks) or as a result of interactions with students. An internal communications adviser has been appointed and will be responsible for developing a strategy to improve change processes. Information regarding staff exposure to unacceptable behaviour has been passed onto HR. The Safety Audit will be circulated with a Safety Plan template to all schools and units. A suggestion for improvement resulting from the audit was to create Health and Safety subcommittees located at each campus. This has already been established at Karori with the help of Amy de Boer and Mike Playford. It was suggested that Pipitea and Te Aro follow their lead. It was also agreed that Health and Safety should become a standing agenda item for team meetings. David Bibby (DB) and Rainsforth Dix (RD) to initiate this at SMT meetings. See attached H&S performance report for further information. Lab Safety. RL reported that Rob McLaren from Otago had conducted a lab safety audit of the University s Science areas (SBS, SCPS, SGEES, PSYCH, and VUCEL). It was noted that VUW may be asked to conduct a similar audit at Otago University. Alan Hoverd was nominated as a potential Auditor. RL noted that the chemical store was required to undergo an electrical inspection by a Wellington City Council auditor every 4 years. A discussion was then held around Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) of electrical equipment, including all small appliances. This is carried out routinely by Downers. Safety Coordinator to circulate Safety Plan DB, RD RL to send report to DB Chemical store to be audited by WCC As audit is completed Next SMT Meeting 5 August 2011 Meeting 3

4 6.2 Diving Safety: RL reported that VUCEL Technicians are currently reviewing their diving processes and reminded the committee that all diving operations conducted by the University must be done in consultation with VUCEL and their codes of practice applied. It was questioned whether VUW has a duty of care in regards to Student Clubs that may conduct diving activities, and whether the Committee should work with VUWSA to develop procedures in this instance. RD to investigate VUW responsibility for student clubs Meeting 6.4 Radiation Safety: RL is currently discussing this with HoS s and a policy (or similar) is being drafted. This relates to ionising radiation and not microwaves and lasers. 6.5 Contractor Safety: RL advised that all contractors and subcontractors are required to attend induction training before working on VUW premises. Improvements have been made this year to contractor management processes enabling VUW to track induction training, audit contractor s work and conduct a post contract review. Induction training is held weekly, and fortnightly meetings attended by FM, Campus Development and Campus Operations staff are also in place to discuss current and planned projects. The majority of contractors attending induction training are engaged through Campus Services, so awareness needs to be increased in other departments, particularly ITS. Contractor induction training can also be relevant to consultants, interns and casual staff. RL can provide resources to assist with this process. 6.6 Staff Wellness: RL gave feedback on the Staff Wellness Month run by Recreation Services in June. It was suggested that Garry Brown give the Committee a presentation at the next meeting. RL urged committee members to attend the Staff Sports League held on Tuesdays pm at Kelburn. 6.7 Other General Business I. OOS: Marie Powell advised that new guidelines for computer use were available from ACC. These could be accessed through their website or from MP. II. H&S Website: A conversation was held regarding the H&S intranet site. It is currently undergoing redevelopment, and should be available to view within the next week. The asbestos register has been removed but provisions will be made for contractors to access this information through the new website. 4

5 III. IV. Laby Alarm: A CO2 alarm activated in Laby building. Campus Care personnel who attended referred to it as an oxygen alarm. Use of Ladders: It was questioned whether VUW had a policy around the use of ladders. RL will follow up with Michael Gilchrist to see whether he has a copy of the draft guidelines previously circulated at the October 2010 H & S Committee meeting. RL to follow up with MiG meeting Meeting closed 2.30 pm Dates of 2011 Health & Safety Committee meetings are scheduled for: 5 Oct, 7 Dec in Alan MacDiarmid Room 101. Next Meeting: Wednesday 5 October, 1400hrs in AM101 5