Blood Collectors: Your Health, Your Hands

Sydney Childrens Hospital Westmead Dear Member, Blood Collectors are struggling with ongoing exposure to workplace health and safety risks. HSU intervention led to a Workplace Health and Safety Risk Assessment being conducted, and it was found working conditions were creating workplace injuries. Here are some of the issues identified: • Patients with behavioural issues unable to understand the health

professional’s instructions; • Health professionals working alone, reliant on the patient’s parent or carer to

provide support. Anecdotal evidence shows instances where the parent moved their hold, which led to unexpected movement and risks of jabbing the patient while collecting blood.

• Problems with the physical work space and work performed in a confined area.

The report (attached) provides a comprehensive review. As a result of this report, three new collecting benches have been purchased. Other issues remain unresolved, placing workers at risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Pressure to have procedures performed quickly is putting workers at risk of rushing procedures and making a mistake – with the onus on the employee if found negligent. Your union delegate is connecting with workers to gain a snapshot of the issues faced by Blood Collectors. There will also be a request for a separate workplace health and safety risk assessment on procedures conducted on the wards to understand the unique issues faced by workers. The Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) is clear about your employer’s duty to ensure the health and safety of workers. Section 19 states your employer ‘must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the health and safety of other persons is not put at risk from work carried out.’ Many employers use cost as an excuse for not providing a safer work environment. Under section 18, cost can only be used as an excuse when it is ‘grossly disproportionate to the risk.’ Preventative measures are always available and should be implemented to avoid injury in the workplace. Change happens when you raise issues in the workplace and act collectively to ensure these are addressed. Your union delegate will soon be in contact to gain insight into how things could be improved for Blood Collectors. All information

Newsletter: 637/2018 Date: 12 November 2018

Distribution: Sydney Childrens Hospital Westmead Contact: Your HSU Organiser

shared will remain anonymous. If you wish to find out more, speak to Denise via email denise.cunliffe@health.nsw.gov.au or call 02 9845 3191 (email preferred). Not a member of the HSU? Now is time to join and have your say! You can join online at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 HSU NSW and join over the phone. A union’s effectiveness and negotiation power depends upon the strength and density of its membership base. Join your work colleagues today by becoming a member of the Health Services Union and help us continue to protect and improve your working life. In unity,

Gerard Hayes Secretary, HSU NSW/ACT/QLD