Return to the Future!

The collective bargaining process is behind us for another three years and, for the first time in more than twelve years, we have moved out of the red and into the black! We have worked together to achieve an outcome that has been CANZ’s goal since its inception; a stress-free, user-friendly process that has delivered guaranteed annual salary increases and forfeited nothing in return.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members on behalf of the negotiating team for providing us with the level of support required to approach the process with confidence, determination and a clear strategic direction. It must be acknowledged that throughout the process both parties conducted themselves with a level of integrity that enabled good faith bargaining and a reasonably speedy conclusion. We can now look forward to the future with confidence!

Future Objectives

However, let’s not get too far into the “comfort zone”, because there are still many unresolved issues that need to be addressed before we can rest on our laurels. One of the major areas of concern is Health & Safety and there are several matters that take a fairly high priority in terms of our future agenda. These include, but are not limited to:

I. VDU Work Stations
II. Issue of Medication (including insulin).
III. Issue of Bleach Tablets

VDU Work Stations

You may recall that some considerable time ago, CANZ carried out a survey of all accessible work stations at every site in the country. We used the official OSH assessment documentation and it’s fair to say that the results were, by and large, not a pretty sight! The results were submitted to PPS for their consideration, but our efforts did not generate much of a response.

However, time is a great healer and it appears that PPS has decided to turn over a new leaf in this area. The PPPS (positive public prisons) approach has surfaced in the form of a document entitled “OOS – Self Report of Discomfort and Pain”. The document requires all employees to fill out this form on each and every occasion that a work-related task causes discomfort. It is pleasing to note that PPPS have acknowledged that this information is required in order to ensure that they fulfil their obligations pursuant to the provisions of both H&S and ACC legislation.

If ever there was a heaven-sent opportunity to document the pain and discomfort associated with using non-compliant VDU workstations – this is it! Accordingly, obtain a copy of the appropriate form (I will provide one as an attachment to this update), fill it in and submit it to your line Manager on each and every occasion that you have to use VDUs that do not comply with the Code of Practice. If PPPS are true to their word, they will fix any problems without delay!

Issue of Medication (including insulin)

Although we have had assurances galore and promises that were taken (and, I’m sure, given) in good faith, we are still no further ahead on the issue of the distribution of medication. The requirement for Corrections Officers to issue “household medication” continues, but it has become further complicated by an indication form PPS that on occasion they will also be required to take some of the responsibility for providing/accessing/issuing insulin to those inmates that require it.

It is my considered opinion that all of the above fall outside of the scope of Corrections Officers’ core duties. The fact that these issues arise at a time when PPS is cutting back on both numbers and hours of duty of qualified medical staff in what appears to be a cost-cutting measure is clearly no coincidence! Let there be no doubt in your mind that in the event that there is an error in the issue of either medication or insulin, if you’re involved then you’ll be held accountable!

We have given the employer a fair go on this one, but we have failed to make meaningful progress. Accordingly, it is my intention to recommend to the National Officers that these matters are returned to the Employment Relations Authority. In the meantime, if you are given what is deemed to be a lawful instruction to issue either medication or insulin, do so under protest and document the issue immediately via a CANZ grievance form. All documentation received will be used as supporting evidence in our case.

Issue of Bleach Tablets

You may or may not be aware of the fact that bleach tablets can be issued confidentially to inmates by medical staff upon request under a current pilot programme operating in some institutions. It appears that the purpose of the pilot is to encourage intravenous drug users/institutional tattooists to sterilize their equipment prior to use.

Unfortunately, what PPS does not seem to appreciate is that we are now supplying inmates with yet another potential weapon. A quick glance at the Material Safety Data Sheet for bleach reveals the following:

• Eyes – contact with liquid or vapour may produce severe irritation
• Skin contact may result in blistering and irritation
• Inhalation may cause bronchial irritation, coughing, pulmonary oedema
• Ingestion may cause corrosion of mucous membranes, burning and vomiting
• Bleach tablets will produce ammonia gas under the right circumstances
• In all cases, prompt medical attention is required
• Splash resistant goggles, gloves and a respirator are required for handling the product

Now if you think that’s bad, then check this out; the above information is associated with the liquid product in a 5% solution. If inmates are given the product in tablet form, then they are potentially in a position to make a much stronger solution.
How do you fancy a face-full of that as you open the cell door in the morning?

I have laid a formal complaint with OSH and we are currently awaiting the outcome. In the meantime, be aware – and please be careful out there!

Regards,

Brian Davies
National Organiser