Your CPSU representatives have negotiated changes which have been largely adopted in the revised ‘Remote Travel Standard Operating Protocols’.
The revised protocols strengthen some existing protocols and address other
issues raised by you. However, there are still some outstanding issues to be
considered and we would like your feedback on the revised protocols.
The revised Remote Travel Protocols
There are a number of CPSU members’ concerns that management have agreed to
address. The following table outlines these; as well as existing protocols that
have been strengthened.
Travel by air
Travel by air has been added to the definition of
remote travel. A protocol has been added in Section 3, ‘trip planning
and trip schedules’ which supports travel in twin engine aircrafts as
the general practice, but states that employees may be required to
travel in single engine aircrafts from time to time.
Orientation to remote servicing
Employees assigned to a remote servicing position will
participate in training prior to undertaking their first remote trip.
Where not operationally possible, orientation training must be completed
within 3 months of commencing a remote servicing role.
Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B
Vaccinations will be offered to all employees who are
expected to undertake regular remote servicing over a period of 3 months
(minimum). Eligible employees will be offered the first part of the
vaccination course prior to their first trip. Where not operationally
possible, employees who take up this opportunity will do so as soon as
possible after commencing in a remote servicing role.
Testing for Tuberculosis
Management have agreed to CPSU members’ recommendation
to provide employees involved in regular remote servicing to Indigenous
communities with baseline TB testing (tuberculin skin test or mantoux
test).
Trip planning and schedules
The protocols now identify factors that may lead to
trip changes; such as availability of employees, equipment,
accommodation, and community factors.
A journey plan will be developed for each remote
servicing team that will include directions for dealing with unforeseen
changes to the plan e.g. coming across a flooded road.
Post trip reporting
The post trip report will now include a section for
recording all OH&S issues experienced throughout the trip, including
issues relating to office and living quarters accommodation in the
community.
Clarification of the process for resolving OH&S issues
that arise out of the post trip report is;
Employees advise trip leader of all OH&S issues encountered on
the trip.
For any injury/illness arising out of these OH&S risks,
employees must report this on Infolink HR.
Trip leaders submit post trip report to the ‘Remote Services
Coordinator’ as soon as possible, and no later than one week prior
to the next trip. Remote Services Coordinator must pass on the
identified OH&S risks to the relevant manager, local Health and
Safety Representatives, and the local Health and Safety Committee
for resolution (Nb health and safety reps have legislative powers to
conduct OH&S inspections for suspected breaches of duty of care).
Employee OH&S declaration
An additional check box added for employees to identify
if they need additional training and/or information.
Safe driving
Protocol has been amended so that contact with the
Remote Services Coordinator following a breakdown be made when it is
safe and practical to do so. This addresses CPSU members’ concern that
assistance may be required as a matter of urgency and delays in
contacting the designated Coordinator could present additional
unnecessary risk to staff.
Outstanding Issues
The following table outlines a number of issues yet to be addressed in the
protocols.
Removal of the right to ‘review’ the Standard Operating
Protocols
Management had previously committed to reviewing this document at
least annually as part of the Division’s ongoing continuous improvement
arrangements.
Your union considers that annual review is necessary due to the ever
changing environment of remote servicing, in order to deal with new OH&S
risks that arise, and to strengthen existing protocols.
Vehicle maintenance checklist
Management has not agreed to include a vehicle log so that staff are
aware of previous issues with the vehicle.
Additional checklists
The survival kit and first aid kit have not been included in the
revised protocols.
‘Operational Leadership Program’ training
Management have not committed to providing Team Leaders,
Coordinators, and Trip Leaders with this training before their first
field trip, but have agreed to “generally within 3 months”.
Single officer travel
Management have not agreed to CSPU members’ suggestion to eliminate
single officer travel unless rare and exceptional circumstances are
demonstrated by a business case including a risk assessment. Members
believe that any business case should consider the specific risks
associated with visiting a particular community before approving single
officer travel.
Pre-employment OH&S self-assessment
Asks: “Do you suffer from any medical condition relevant to working
in remote communities?”
CPSU proposed that management either define what is ‘relevant’, or
insert a checklist that tests an employee’s suitability for working in
remote servicing - eg being able to drive long distances, and being able
to tolerate heat. Management has not agreed to these proposals
Where to from here?
Your union is seeking feedback from members on the revised protocols by
Friday 23 October 2009. The Your feedback will form the basis of discussions
with management in the coming health and safety committee meetings. ‘Remote
Travel Standard Operating Protocols’ will be finalised by the end of October
2009. We are seeking members’ endorsement of CPSU feedback. By signing the
petition in support of the CPSU feedback provided to management, you will be
giving strength and support to your CPSU representatives when they negotiate
further changes to the remote travel protocols with management.
Next steps
Provide feedback - Your union is looking for feedback from
members on the revised 'Remote Travel Standard Operating Protocols'. You can
post your comments online below or email
Josephine.zappia@cpsu.org.au
Sign the petition to endorse the CPSU submission - on the Remote
Travel Standard Operating Protocols and you will provide the support we need
to ensure safe and healthy conditions for workers. Talk to your Delegate or
Organiser Jo Zappia about how you do this.
Support the campaign for your health and safety by joining your union by
calling 1300 137 636 or joining
online
Become a campaign volunteer to help your local delegates with activities
or simply hand out updates. Talk with your delegate or send an email to
Josephine.zappia@cpsu.org.au
