Call the HACSU Helpline
1300 88 00 32

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Autumn 2003

In a tight spot? Want information? Ring 1300 880 032

The HACSU 1300 880 032 Members Help Line is proving a big hit with members.

Members are able to get information quickly, many problems are being sorted out faster, and HACSU Industrial Organisers are now able to spend more time establishing worksite committees and building HACSU as an organisation.

The HACSU Members Help Line is staffed by experienced
Industrial Officers, Max Vizard (4 days a week), and Craig Stringer (1 day aweek). Max and Craig provide valuable advice and accurate information to members when they ring in. Craig Stringer told INFORM how a looming crisis was averted at the Peacock Centre late last year, when a member rang up concerned about pressure being applied by an Area Manager for the facility to take a client members knew to be a risk to their safety.

"Members had previous documented experience with this client," Craig said. "They thought this client would be likely to cause injury to staff."

Craig referred the member to Section 17 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the rights to refuse to work in such situations.

Craig said members should undertake all other duties but refuse to do any work with this client if he was admitted. Craig then told the member he would refer the matter to HACSU's nursing officer for follow up action.

The Nursing Officer was duly contacted, jumped into her car, and went around to the facility.

On arrival the HACSU Nursing Officer looked at the memo advising staff they had to take this client and the risk assessment sheet, which had been completed.

However, there was no plan for how to deal with this client. "If you have a risk assessment, you need a risk management plan," Craig said. "Staff then wrote to the Manager notifying him they wouldn't be accepting the client, and clearly stating their reasons."

"That staff letter, citing the OH&S Act, went to the various senior managers and at the end of the day the client was not admitted and no staff were injured."

"I think this shows how the Members Help Line can be effective and get results in a short period of time."

"The message about the phone advisory line is really getting through. I've got calls from all over the State, including King Island and Flinders Island, from people wanting to know their rights.

I've been able to help many members immediately with their concerns."