Health in the Workplace

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 3, 16 June 1987, Page 4

Health in the Workplace

These days a lot of emphasis is placed on health and safety in the workplace. For example, employers are required by law to provide certain protective clothing and equipment. Hearing conservation in occupations with noise hazards is emphasised and employees undertake job rotation schemes to prevent stress and injury. But what health measures are taken to care for those unseen workers - the housewives? This group of workers are exposed, more often than is realised, to health hazards such as dermatitis, fumes from household agents, poor ergonomic designs in the home, accidents and stress. Would you apply for the following? Position Vacant: HOUSEWIFE Applications are invited for the position of manager of a lively team of four demanding I individuals of differing jneeds and personalities. The successful applicant will be required to perform and co-ordinate the following functions: companion, counsellor, jfinancial manager, buying 'officer, teacher, nurse,

chef, nutritionist, decorator, cleaner, driver, child care supervisor, social secretary and recreation officer. Qualifications: Applicants must have unlimited drive and the strongest sense of responsibility if they are to succeed in this job. They must be independent and self-motivated, and be able to work in isolation and without supervision. They must be skilled in the managment of people of all ages. They must be able to work under stress, for long periods of time if necessary. They must have flexibility to perform a number of conflicting tasks at the one time without tiring. They must

have the adaptability to handle all new developments in the life of the team, including emergencies and serious crises. They must be able to communicate on a range of issues with people of all ages, including public servants, school teachers, doctors, dentists, tradespeople, businesspeople, teenagers and children. They must be competent in the practical skills listed above. They must be healthy, creative, active and outgoing, to encourage the physical and social development of the team members. They must have imagination, sensitivity, warmth, love and understanding, since they are responsible for the

mental and emotional wellbeing of the team. Hours of work: All waking hours and a 24hour shift when necessary. Pay: No salary or wage. Allowances by arrangement, from time to time, with the incomeearning member of the team. The successful applicant may be required to hold a second job, in addition to the one advertised here. Benefits: No guaranteed holidays. No guaranteed sick leave or long service leave. No guaranteed life or accident insurance. No worker's compens ation. No superannuation.

Leigh Berry

Public Health Nurse