Wet weather increases your risk of injury

As we approach winter and a possible increase in rain and wet weather, travelling to, from, and around work can be more dangerous.

The instances of motor vehicle accidents getting to and from work, and slips, trips and falls on campus (both outside and when entering buildings with wet shoes) increase during rainy periods.

You can improve the safety for yourself and others during these times by: 

• Allowing extra time to travel to or from work or to other locations on campus 
• Slowing down while driving on campus and being aware of pedestrians who may be rushing to avoid rain 
• Ensuring that your footwear is suitable for walking on wet and slippery surfaces
• Paying attention to the various surfaces that you are walking on and proceeding according to the circumstances 
• Reporting any unsafe structures or tree limbs identified following heavy weather
• Reporting any slip, trip or fall hazards in addition to immediately rectifying them if it is possible to do so.

What can you do if you spot a wet weather hazard?

If you spot a hazard, you should control it, if it is possible to do so safely. If you think the hazard poses an immediate threat, then isolate the area, contact Security Services on ext: 15888 (Callaghan) or 84222 (Ourimbah) or 16293 (Port Macquarie) and complete the hazard report through the Online Incident Reporting system.

If the hazard is not immediately threatening, you should still submit a hazard report and also submit a maintenance request via Maximo and note a “Health and Safety issue” if Facilities Management need to fix the issue.

Reporting hazards in this way will notify the Health and Safety Team who can then follow-up and monitor trends (for example ongoing slip, trip or fall hazards in an area may identify a need to install non-slip surfacing in an area, or investigate drainage solutions for washed over pathways).

Contact the Health and Safety Team for more advice and information