May 1999 Volume 80 Number 5 "serving the protectors"
The Readout

Employee Health and Safety Paramount

Dear Peter

At the time of writing this letter a delegates' meeting has just concluded in respect to staffing levels within SAPOL. Reports from Holden Hill delegates at that meeting confirm that a PD 77 Hazard Notice was submitted in respect to stress associated with staffing levels within the Holden Hill LSA.

As you will recall at that meeting I raised the fact that academics and purists would like to keep industrial issues and occupational health and safety matters separate. Their concern being that they think it is not appropriate for unions and unionists to utilise powerful occupational health and safety legislation to bring about industrial change or reform. My concern was that some delegates at the meeting also felt this way. Indeed they are not alone and I feel this is also indicative of some sections of SAPOL.

I strongly feel that there is often an overlap between industrial matters and those of an occupational health and safety nature. Some occupational health and safety issues are symptoms of poorly managed industrial matters.

The bottom line is that occupational health and safety issues are serious matters. The Occupational Health and Safety Act is not a "toothless tiger". Interest parties, whether association or occupational health and safety representatives should work (sometimes together) to better the workplace. Employee health and safety must be paramount in any organisation.

Finally, I advocate that there is nothing militant about raising such issues whether they are industrial or occupational health and safety in nature, or both. When such issues are raised consultation and very often resolve is achieved. I support those, as I know the majority do, who identify such hazards of any kind that have an impact on the workplace and bring them to the attention of SAPOL. The obligations of such interested parties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act are clear. Such persons should not fear the courage of their obligations and commitment to a safer working environment.

Regards
Mick Fisher
Drugs & Organised Crime
Investigation Branch

Contact Makes a Difference

Dear Andy

Having been diagnosed with terminal cancer in November 1998, and now hopefully moving into a remission phase, it is timely to thank numerous people who supported my family and myself during this trying time.

To yourself, Peter Alexander, the executive committee and staff for unqualified support.

To Trevor Haskell, both in his executive role and welfare officer role for his timely and expert advice and information, and Michael Hogg for his prompt answering of superannuation questions.

To Bill Morris for is prompt and efficient handling of our estate planning.

And finally to all current and retired members, from the Commissioner and Deputy and SEG members, to other members from all around the state, and retired members who I had not heard from in years, thank you for your mail, telephone calls and personal visits, they do make a difference, thank you one and all.

In the early days a receptionist was needed to handle all the calls, but my paging service was always available when I didn't feel like taking any calls.

It is amazing how quickly the news travels and the different stories that are told, but I am still on sick leave and hopefully I will return to work in some capacity in the near future.

So on behalf of Avis, Lorey and Clinton, my heart felt thank you to each and every one of you for your support, and I am proud and touched to be part of the police culture.

Regards
David Neale
PASA Vice President.

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