Over
to you. . .
Call
to re-evaluate ‘high risk’ sports
I
refer to the Australian Govern-ment Solicitor decision and the
ADF's acceptance of perceived "high risk" hazardous
sporting activities.
As is evident in the latest Navy News this decision has angered
a number of Service personnel who participate in these activities,
often with commanding officers’ approval.
As a Safety Practitioner I am perplexed as to this decision.
Statistical and graphical evidence on the Defence Safety Management
Authority’s (DSMA) own website proves the major cause of
sporting injuries within Defence is related directly to service
organised sports such as rugby union, league, etc.
Most "high risk" sporting activities have strict operating
procedures and guidelines and safety practices for the respective
participants whereas any member of Defence can literally run onto
a rugby or soccer pitch. Safety standards are highly developed
in these avenues of sporting endeavour and this should be taken
into account by our managers.
When considering the Hazard Risk Index (HRI) for ‘hazardous’
sports, although the consequences may be serious (plus), the probability
and exposure are substantially reduced therefore reducing the
overall hazard itself to approximately the same HRI of the aforementioned
sports, if not lower.
An example of this is golf. A golf team plays regularly so its
members’ exposure to being struck by a golf ball is high.
However, the probability is low, even though the consequences
remain serious.
Most sporting bodies external to Defence have insurance policies
covering personnel who register with them. Therefore in the event
of an incident taking place and the participant becoming injured,
Defence could mitigate the cost of return to work/compensation
costs, as is the practice within the civilian sector re workers
compensation insurers (NRMA, Allianz etc).
Defence currently sponsors a number of infrequent sporting activities
such as alpine skiing, scuba diving etc. With their removal I
suggest active participants would tunnel into the everyday sporting
activities, further exacerbating existing compensation costs and
loss of productivity.
To address this issue the DSMA needs to look firstly at Strategic
Risk Management and its application to Defence and then mitigation
of a workers’ compensation overhead that is soaring out of
control as is evident in the civilian work force.
Do not limit the activities that personnel partake in but investigate
the sports for possible cost recapture should their participants
be injured.
Stephen
Plant
Safety Practitioner
Petty Officer Medic Hygiene Reserve
Customs
extend ‘thank you’
(Forwarded
by the Office of the Chief of the Defence Force)
This is just a short note to pass on to you my appreciation for
the tremendous work done by the ADF during the “Pong Su”
operation.
I know that others were involved, but the contribution of Stuart
and Special Forces provided the show of force necessary to bring
the operation to a successful conclusion.
The skill and adaptability displayed by the ADF was critical to
the success of what, in essence, was a major law enforcement issue.
I hope that you have the opportunity to pass on my thanks.
LB
Woodward
Chief Executive Office
Australian Customs Service
Note:
CDF forwarded the letter to the Service Chiefs with the note,
“Well done all concerned”.
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Bulletin
Board
Calling
WRANS from Intake 23/24 July 1978
Interest is sought from ladies who entered the WRANS in the above
intake. It is intended to hold a 25-year reunion in Canberra around
July 1 this year to coincide with the unveiling of a WRANS Memorial
at HMAS Harman. Contact WOWTR Angella Hillis (nee Cavanagh) 02-6265
1572, email angellahillis484@hotmail.com;
or ex-STD Alison ‘Squeak’ Stewart (nee Degenaro) on
02-6292 5538, email a.stewart@ramint.gov.au.
RAN Personnel 50s, 60s 70s Reunion
A reunion of all personnel who served in the RAN during the 1950s
to 1970s is to be held in Orford, Tasmania July 18 and 19. For
further information contact Ernie French 03 6257 1125 or Joseph
Charlton 03 6267 9931
Senior Sailors Gunnery/Boatswains Re-Union 2003
A Senior Sailors Gunnery/Boatswains re-union will be held Oct
31-Nov 02 2003 at HMAS Cerberus’ WOSSM. Guest Speaker Colin
Dowd (Ex WOB). Cost $35.00 all inclusive Fri, Sat and Sun functions.
For further information call CPOB Brian "Patto" Pattison
03 5950 7506, WOB Alan "Ricko" O'Shea 5950 7390, POB
Patrick "Guido" Crosbie 5950 7247, POB Shane "Spike"
Jones 5950 7356, WOB Dave "Knocka" White 02 9337 0203
Winter Ball
The Officers' Mess Canberra's annual Winter Ball “Winter
Wonderland: Winter Sports” will be held on Friday July 11
at the ADFA Officer Cadets' Mess. The cost is $55 for financial
mess members and their first three guests, and $70 for non-financial
members. Entertainment will include the Air Command Band, a DJ,
roving entertainers, a big prize draw and lots more. Olims Canberra
Hotel has offered accommodation packages. Information and tickets
http://defweb.cbr.defence.gov.au/adfr2offmess/
or from FLTLT Andrew Harrigan on (02) 626 54108.
TS Perth Ball
TS Perth Australian Navy Cadets on behalf of Australian Navy Cadets
(Western Australia) will be hosting a ball to celebrate 50 years
of the Australian Sea Cadet Corps, Naval Reserve Cadets and Australian
Navy Cadets. When - Saturday September 6 from 8pm till late at
the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Fremantle. Cost $100 per person,
music courtesy of the RAN Band’s WA contingent. All enquiries
contact Steve Valeriani at steveval@iinet.net.au or Mark Skinner
at mark.skinner2@defence.gov.au
2003 Swan Brewery Channel Nine Gold Rush Bash
The annual Bush Bash is scheduled to run from September 12 to
20 though the goldfields of WA.
Since it's inception in WA in 1989, the Bash has raised over eight
million dollars for charity.
We, CPOET Dale Kirgan, LSET Chris Hyde and LSET Joe Mettam from
HMAS Stirling, want to add a 'touch of Navy' to this year's event
and seek support from the naval community.
Sponsorship is needed to purchase a Bash approved vehicle as well
as raise money to cover the minimum donation required for entry.
$10,000 needs to be raised before August 31 in time for commencement
of the bash.
Anyone wishing to support can get further information from Dale
Kirgan (08) 9553 2736 or dale.kirgan@defence.gov.au
Anzac Reunion
All Anzac I, II & III as well as Tobruk personnel are invited
to join us for a great weekend, September 12 - 14 at Club Macquarie,
Lake Macquarie, NSW. Accommodation is available in the surrounding
areas. Cost is $40.00 per head which includes dinner Friday &
Saturday nights and BBQ at Club Macquarie on Sunday night. For
further information and registration form, Geoff Bennett 03 9532
3672 or Joseph Charlton 03 6267 9931.
Calling Corsair sailors
2003 marks the 35th year of the Corsair Class Association of Australia.
As the National President of the association an invitation is
extended for crews to enter the national championships taking
place at Hervey Bay Sailing Club, Queensland between December
28, 2003 and January 03, 2004 and to compete for the Services
perpetual trophy. Interested? What a great way to spend your Christmas
leave! For more details please contact me, John Wenban, at jwenban@iprimus.com.au
Email
your items for ‘Bulletin Board’ to: navynews@defencenews.gov.au,
or contact the editor by phoning 02-6266 7707.
.
