Page 1527 - Week 05 - Thursday, 12 May 1994

(4) Members of the public were not exposed to risk. A paint fume incident affected

seven of the eight staff members for a short time.

(5) In relation to Calvary Hospital no time was lost and no compensation claimed.

Half a working day was lost with compensation not claimed in respect of carpet

glue fumes. In respect of the solvent fumes incident 2.5 hours were lost with

compensation claimed. The employee affected by paint fumes lost 2 287 hours and

was compensated and retired on invalidity grounds in August, 1993. (a) Total

compensation paid was $27,096.02.

(b) No compensation was claimed by or paid to members of the public.

(6) A program of monitoring and implementing software standards in the work place

has been in force for several years. Ongoing action taken to rectify the reasons for

the failures included the updating of the Hazardous Substances Register, re-

inforcement of safe work practices, issuing protective clothing or equipment and

enforcing its use, undertaking certain tasks when a minimum of staff are on duty,

review of occupational health and safety procedures and increased awareness of

responsibilities of line managers.

(7) A continuous process of review and refinement of controls takes place in the

Department of Health and Calvary Hospital to minimise the risk associated with

the disposal of hazardous waste, in accordance with occupational health and safety

standards.

(8) Initial costs for remedial work relating to the specific incidents mentioned above

were in the order of $1,900.

(9) Standards are currently being complied with in the Department of Health. At

Calvary Hospital current estimates to cover known anticipated costs to ensure

fullest compliance will be in the order of $40,000 for the 1994/95 Financial Year,

most of which is earmarked for ergonomic furnishings.