We can’t discus welfare and safety matters without acknowledging the huge impact COVID19 has had on our to our face to face programs and members sense of well being. Zoom meetings have enabled some positive contacts in between the gatherings at the Hangar and our new Shed at Stringers. Some key achievements over the past 12 months include the following:-
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- A Welfare and Safety Sub Committee has been established and is the key forum for developing policies and procedures to put to our Committee for consideration. Members include Graham Goudie, John Crough, Lloyd Eldred and David Bevens.
- COVID Shed Guidelines and Operational Procedures have been continually updated based on advice from the various authorities. We are now preparing our next opening up protocols. It is noted that Committee has determined that any members or visitors participating in our Shed activities must be fully vaccinated.
- Enhanced Safety procedures and policies are now in draft form to be presented to Committee for consideration – and many thanks to David and Lloyd for bringing their significant industry experience to this process. We are aiming to have these procedures consistent with the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) guidelines – necessary for insurance and for members safety.
- Guidelines for our ‘Shed Captain’ roles and processes are now in initial draft form and will be considered and amended by the Committee later this year for implementation in 2022.
- A Welfare Grant of $750 was received from the AMSA (thanks again to Terry P for his great application!). Previous grant funds were allocated to a range of items, including COVID safety gear (gloves, sprays, sanitiser, Posters), a BBQ for the Hangar, safety gear for the Van – including a Defib machine. Our First Aid programs have been paused until we can run them again in 2022. It was also agreed to fund $800 towards improving the sound system in the Hangar and additional gear for the Music group.
- A Member Ring Around to many members we hadn’t heard from for a while for a catch up chat was recently done by Rob Koller, John Crough, Warren Dickins and Graham Goudie, and was much appreciated by those contacted.
- The Off-Site Projects Guidelines and Checklist is now operational.
- The Guest Speakers program, including men’s health topics, has had a number of informative guests however COVID has impacted this program.
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Thank you to everyone who has contributed to helping our fellow members in our health, safety and welfare focus. It’s what we are all about and we look forward to your ideas how we can further enhance this area in the coming years.
Welfare and Safety Sub Committee, Graham Goudie, John Crough, David Bevans and Lloyd Eldred
October 2021