CPSU believes that a healthy and safe workplace is every employee's right - and responsibility. CPSU also believes all employees should have access to a fair system of workers' compensation for injuries and illness that occurs during the course of employment.
Health and Safety
Unions have a proud history and proven track record when it comes to making work safer for all employees. Today, CPSU continues to play an active role in setting new industry benchmarks for healthy workplaces through training, policy formulation and enforcement of existing standards.
If you are concerned about safety standards at work, or have a desire to find out more and receive training as an OHS representative, CPSU can help. We also provide ongoing news, information, assistance and support to health and safety reps - so if you are not yet a member and want to find out more contact us today.
Safety first
Raise concerns: If you are have a health and safety concern at work make sure you tell someone immediately. Find out who your local health and safety representative is and raise the matter with them. Your OHS rep can then investigate and take up the matter with management. Make sure you keep a note or journal entry of any unsafe work practices you might observe.
Know your rights: If you have a heath and safety concern and you're a union member, contact CPSU. Staff from the Member Service Centre can provide facts and information on a range of OHS issues including basic facts, areas to watch out for and applicable industry standards. OHS reps and CPSU members can register for regular health and safety e-mail updates.
Negotiating compensation rules and procedures isn't easy at the best of times, let alone when you're sick or injured. CPSU can help take some of the added stress out of equation by providing advice on applicable procedures and entitlements, help lodging claims and reviews as well as negotiating return to work plans.
Get the facts: There are specific definitions relating to injury and illness, deadlines for claims and important information regarding the compensation system - so make sure you get the right advice from the beginning. Through the Member Service Centre, CPSU members have access to experienced organisers who are on hand to provide confidential advice and assistance. If you are not yet a member, find out more about joining.
Be realistic: Making a successful compensation claim can sometimes prove a real challenge - after all every case is different. There are evidentiary requirements that need to be met for claims to be successfully assessed and some significant timeframes are involved. Its another reason why it's important to get the right advice initially from somebody in the know.
Record keeping: Successful claims need plenty of supporting documentation: incident reports, diary entries, medical certificates, specialist information. Make sure you keep accurate and comprehensive records to support your case.
Swan's surplus drive adds to pressure as compo claims surge: The Australian- 8 December 2011 THE federal workers' compensation scheme is battling a 30% surge in mental stress claims, sparking union warnings that Wayne Swan's plan to reap $1.5 billion in savings through a public service efficiency dividend will put unprecedented strains on the sector, reports The Australian newspaper.
R U OK? - 9 August 2011 A new survey shows one in three Australian workers feel stressed or tense during their work day and 13% believe nobody at work cares for them, as a person.
Coming to work sick is bad for everyone- 12 July 2011 A new study into "presenteeism" has shown that a culture of coming to work sick has a substantial impact on workplace productivity.
Cold comfort - 9 May 2011 As thousands of Australians prepare to get their annual flu shots, spare a thought for CPSU delegate Ann Curtis, who prepares the seed viruses for the flu vaccines each year.
