We have had blocks provided to rest over the tracks for the compact shelving in order to ensure the stacks cannot close in on staff. The first blocks prepared are to be trialled in MB and Store A – Library and Archives. As the tracks are a known hazard we thought it was better to keep the blocks with the tracks. Please trial them if you work in these areas. Send any feedback to me for modification. These are for your increased safety if you choose to use them. Joan Simpson

Muscle Use

When sitting at your desk only use as much muscle power as is required.
Example :
You can thump the keys down heavily when typing (lots of effort), or you can gently tap the keys (little effort).
Shoulders can be hunched up (lots of effort) or relaxed (little effort).
Head can be leaning forward (lots of effort) or relaxed and straight (little effort).

Using more effort than necessary may make discomfort, pain or injury happen more quickly than if you use your muscles efficiently and relaxed.

Through the Library Health and Safety Group a guest speaker Jill Williamson, has been organised to talk on “avoiding discomfort, pain and injury caused by sedentary working conditions/habits“. Wednesday 30 April from 2-3pm

Some staff from the College of Engineering are also attending this session so there are limited spaces.

If you would like to attend this talk please check with your manager/supervisor and then add your name to the list.

If there is sufficient demand a second session will be organized later in the year. If the list is full, please add your name at the bottom to indicate your interest.

Library Health & Safety Team

If you aren’t taking leave over Easter/Anzac Day, you may find yourself working in an emptier space than usual. Use it to do some stretches, without having to worry about invading your neighbour’s space. Remember the ACC website Habitatwork has exercises that target areas where you may be feeling discomfort or pain.

If you are taking leave, have a good holiday – and clean your keyboard before you go!

Manual handling of hampers – across the libraries

Think first
Avoid lifting risky items:
Use safe lifting techniques Ask for assistance
Empty book-by-book if necessary
Look out for your workmates
Offer assistance where you can
Use mechanical aids
Use trolleys or carts
Slide objects where possible
Maintain a level of fitness Bend from the knees and hips
Take rest breaks Don’t work at a high pace and rest where necessary.

Mick and Paddy are out in the country shooting rabbits.
Suddenly, right in front of his friend Paddy, Mick falls to the
ground, throws a quick spasm, then lies perfectly still.
He doesn’t seem to be breathing, his eyes are rolled back in his
head. In fact, he looks pretty well dead!

Quick as a flash, a horrified Paddy whips out his mobile and calls
999. He gasps breathlessly to the operator… “Mick just fell to the
ground right here in front o’ me!
He’s not breathing.
He has no heartbeat!
I tink he’s dead!
What can I do?”

Well accustomed to this sort of situation however, the emergency
operator
responds with her most soothing tone… “Okay Paddy, you must try to
stay calm. If there’s anything can be done, we’ll do it.
But you will have to keep your cool, then we can take it one step at
A time! Okay now?

“Sure! Sure! Of course, your right. I’m fine.
Just tell me what must I do?”

“Great! Now first of all, let’s make sure he’s dead.”
….The line goes silent, then a shot is heard…..

Paddy’s voice comes back down the network…. “OK! What next?”

DPI Tip: Choose your friends carefully.

Happy St Patrick’s Day!

Over the last few years we have enjoyed the presence of more security staff than we now have. Security staff would station themselves at the entrance to the library during and evacuation and not allow students back in until the all clear had been given.

In the last two evacuations the Security Office have not been able to provide staff to cover the main entrance and this role needs to be taken by the floor wardens. After clearing the floor with paddle and armband the floor wardens should report to the Building Warden and then proceed to the front door to stop students reentering the building before the all clear is given.

The “all clear” may not coincide with the sirens being turned off.

Both Evacuations, yesterday and today, were smooth and uneventful.

Thanks
Tim O’Sullivan
James Hight Building Warden

In order to avoid the symptoms of DPI, some LSS staff are taking a stretch break each day at 11.30-11.40. Simon Cooke is taking the lead to guide staff through the stretch exercises. You are invited to join us on any day if you happen to be near rm 519 at 11.30 am. Joan Simpson

STAY FIT
30 minutes exercise a day helps keep you well
Being healthy and physically flexible helps keep you safe at work
Keep moving. Use the steps not the lift. Park your car 10 minutes from work and walk. Cycle to work. Take a walk at lunch time
Start exercising with a friend
When you start exercising, start slowly. Gradually increase activity as you get used to it
Make your exercise as fun and playful as possible
Have regular health checks.

From ACC Work Smart Tips

http://www.worksmarttips.co.nz

When photocopying remember to support books with both hands and slide rather than lift.
If the copier is too low stand with your feet apart and if it is too high make sure your feet are together.

Nicola