Health and wellbeing
Smoking
The leading cause of preventable death in Victoria is smoking. Smoking-caused deaths in every area of the state outstrip other major avoidable deaths caused by alcohol, other drugs and road deaths, even when combined. Smoking is a contributing factor to almost 12% of all deaths in Victoria annually. (Source: Quit Victoria)
After recommendations from both the Burwood OHS Committee and the University OHS Subcommittee, smoking restrictions on the Melbourne Campus at Burwood (204 KB) have been introduced. People wishing to smoke will be restricted to five areas on the campus. The areas include the east side of building LA at Elgar road, the north and south sides of Building H (cafeteria), a small area on the south side of Building HB and the central courtyard from Burwood Highway to the south side of Building X.
Smoking on campus outside of these areas is not permitted.
Comments or other queries about these restrictions should be forwarded to the Burwood OHS Committee through the Executive Officer, Michael O'Donoghue (ext. 68175).
People wishing to reduce or stop smoking can find further information at the current students website or through Quit Victoria .
Optical glasses subsidy
Staff may claim a small subsidy after they obtain prescription glasses for work purposes: Optical glasses subsidy (20 KB)
Depression
Supporting the return to work of employees with depression
Mental illness in the workplace
With one in five Australian adults experiencing a mental illness every year, a new publication from the Australian Human Rights Commission will assist managers and supervisors to find the best way to maximise productivity while reducing the incidence of illness in their workplaces. The Guide provides information on how to appropriately support workers with mental illness. It also provides information about how to develop and promote a safe and healthy work environment for all workers. The guide is intended to help managers and supervisors understand their obligations under Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and disability discrimination legislation and to understand mental illness and how to talk about mental illness.
Australian Human Rights Commission: Workers with Mental Illness: a Practical Guide for Managers, May 2010
Compensation for damaged clothing
The University will provide reasonable reimbursement for costs associated with the replacement or repair of clothing damaged in the course of employment: Compensation for damage to clothing (15 KB)
Useful links
