OH&S

[coxy]

So, it now appears that we are really a group of people who have received "specialised" training. Therefore I see that as something that should be paid extra. If training is so essential for our position, then we MUST be worth more money. Sounds really simple to me. Doesn't everyone pay a little extra for quality!!

[Labbie]

The question I asked via an email to the PSA, "Is chemical safety in schools training mandatory for all NSW Lab assistants" " If this is so does that then mean that no casuals can work in Science if they haven't had the training".

Today at 12.29pm I received a email from Carol Pike PSA.

Quote " Regarding your question about Science Lab assistants"
You are correct, yes the person has to be trained in chemical handling. Therefore the Adminstrative Office (Science) should be trained towork in that area. A casual could work there but not handle chemcials, perhaps put equipment on benches thats about it, the teacher would have to organise the chemcials." End of quote

Regards Carol Pike Organiser schools public service associationof NSW

I can fax it to people should you like a copy?

[RosalieM]

So, how does someone go about finding said training?

[Labbie]

Try your local tafe, its a whole can of worms, as far as I understand, their are no more training programs, if you are with a DET school their is the traineeship, but I do believe that is also stopping soon. Your head teacher can help you with the training, their is a book given to all DET schools "Job skills for school assistants working in science" it came out June 2001. Perhaps you local DET high school, would let you see their copy, their is training in there.

Also all schools should have the CSIS Chemcial Safety in Schools, it has a little more information.

[rae]

Hi Rosalie,

As you are from an Independent school why don't you try th Independent Schools Association. They do various courses through the year. They should be able to help you regarding training.

Lorrae

[Labbie]

If you are a member of the PSA, you would be getting a survey, on your job. It is worth filling out, as the PSA are hoping to do a hugh revamp on the SAO manual School Admin Officer's manual, and jobs that we do. In the manual at the science depts are not mentioned at all. So fingers crossed

[Slartibartfast]

Filled it out and sent it in already.

I have made blank copies of it so PSA members who didn't recieve it by mail to their home address can request it through me in the form of a PM and I'll snail mail it to them. You won't get a replied postage paid envelope with it though!

There is plenty of space for lengthy answers and the PSA have done this as we've been ignored for years by our employer and there are many issues we want/need to let them be aware of.

When was the last time we had a payrise in the DET eh? Don't hold back on your answers. If it troubles you no matter how small you think the issue is - write it down and let 'em know.

[sunray18]

I am in IEU - but would love to see the survey - maybe we could ask the IEU to do same!Could you email me copy?
We just got news that we are getting a 2.5% pay rise!!!! yippee.. after tax will be the equivalent of 2 Big Mac meals... could they spare the cash????

[Slartibartfast]

Just got feedback from the PSA and they are reluctant to pass on the survey to anyone that isn't a member of that union. Not sure as to why but they have stated that all members would have received one mailed to their home address assuming that that address is correct and up to date on their database.

Mmmmm, oh well. They have emailed a blank copy to me but I can only pass it on to members of the NSW Public Service Assoc.

[Slartibartfast]

Here is the survey for PSA members to download if they did not receive it. It is available to non members to view but the PSA request that it is not filled out and sent to the PSA offices unless you are a member.

Hi Richard,

Attached is the survey we spoke about in our telephone conversation. As I said this was mailed out to members, if you know of members who did not get this ask them to get in touch with us as their address is wrong on our data base. If some are not members ask them to join, they can download an application form from our website at http://www.psa.labor.net.au.

Regards,
Carol Pike
Organiser, Schools
Public Service Association of NSW
160 Clarence St
Sydney NSW 2000

Contact details:
Email: cpike@psa.asn.au
Ph: 02 9220 0929
Fax: 02 9262 1623
Mail: GPO Box 3365, Sydney NSW 2001

[Dee]

Just filled this out today and faxed it off
made huge mention of lack of training, lack of understanding and appreciation of the skills that we have to have - not only with chemicals etc, but technology in the classroom, etc etc understanding and implementing CSIS and the lack of training etc given to that and how many unanswered questions people still have and how much confusion is still around.
believe that we should be under a different classification like teacher's aides as we are not the same as office staff, do not have the same skills etc.

Our work enviroment is so entirely different to the front office and along with the assistant in TAS should have our skills recognised as such

Talked about career paths and incentives for taking up training if it was available etc etc
Sure I have missed things but I thought it was a start.

It would be great if everyone who can fills this form out so they get the information that could help to make a difference for all of us.

[Labbie]

Why is page 4 blank Richard, do not remember it being blank????????????

[Slartibartfast]

Not sure Sue. Maybe they wanted to add something in but thought better of it or maybe it's room to really vent our feelings! I noticed it being different to the one sent home for that reason also.

[noona]

The training of the CSIS is up to the Principal to orginise,he has the resposibality of the school .
I was told once I not sure by how but you can do a self training with the Head Teacher of Science signing off on it.
Rosalie Cassar
p.s. If this is a ongoing thing maybe we could have a workshop on it at St Mary's this year.
Let me know

[Labbie]

Hi Rosalie, I think that would be a great idea, as you are part of the wonderful ladies that organize that great two days. I do feel their is a need for a training in CSIS.

Good on you