Current Issues!

Health and Safety Workbook

By now most of you will have received a copy of the Department’s Health and Safety Workbook. As part of the Department’s H&S policy, all employees are required to complete this workbook and return it to their line manager. This is clearly a good thing, because it heightens employee awareness of issues relating to Health and Safety and these issues affect us all!

The workbook is, however, somewhat thin on the ground in terms of the obligations and responsibilities of the employer. Accordingly, we are somewhat concerned about the “sign off” page, which indicates an acceptance of your responsibilities pursuant to the provisions of the Act. The term “responsibilities” is somewhat subjective and there are those of you who understandably harbour concerns that signing the book could render you liable in the event of an incident or accident.

I believe that this is an issue that can quite easily be resolved and I’m sure that those driving the Department’s H&S policy harbour no sinister motives. However, until we have had the opportunity to discuss and resolve this issue, I recommend the following course of action;

Once you have read and completed the workbook, you could simply document the fact that you have read and understood the contents, sign and date the document, attach it to the workbook and return it to your supervisor. If intentions are honourable (and I’m sure they are), then this will suffice, at least as a temporary measure.

Issue of Medication

Could you please be aware that PPS medical staff are the “meat in the sandwich” in terms of the current dispute. They are doing an excellent job under very difficult circumstances and, accordingly, we should be giving them our full support. Ironically, this includes continuing to oppose the use of Corrections Officers for the distribution of medication. If we are successful in this area, then PPS will have to give considerable consideration to an alternative solution and this may well include the adequate resourcing of Prison medical services!

Whilst I’m on the subject of the last update, please be aware that the filling out of the “personal discomfort” form should not be limited to VDU use! Although it is an ideal opportunity to heighten employer-awareness in this area, you should be sure to use it for reporting all episodes of work-related discomfort.

CIE/Assets and Property

Since my return I have fielded a significant number of enquiries regarding the current restructuring in the above areas. Could you please be aware that my Wellington colleague John Slater has been tasked with the responsibilities associated with both of these issues. If you need to discuss any matters pertaining to the above, he can be contacted by the following means:
Ph. 04 3850304
Mob. 025764837
Email. canz@xtra.co.nz

Whilst we are on the subject of communication, due to administrative difficulties my landline and fax are currently out of service. However, whilst the problem is being rectified, I can be contacted by the following means:

Mob. 0274401320
Email. pooler@xtra.co.nz
pooler@slingshot.co.nz

Regards,

Brian Davies
National Organiser