Be Safe & Well@Work - 2023 Issue 3

SAFE DRIVING IN FLOOD WATERS

March is, on average, the wettest month of the year here in Wollongong, and as such it is necessary that we all take precautions to prevent road incidents caused by the rain or flooding situations. It is important to never enter floodwater while driving. Not only can the water be deeper than it appears and contain hidden and life-threatening debris, but the water can also contain sewage, chemicals, snakes and spiders that could cause illness and death, especially in the flora and fauna dense environment of UOW. When driving around the university, ensure you follow safe wet weather driving practices, including turning out headlights, going below the advertised speed limit and turning on air conditioning to avoid internal condensation. If you aquaplane, or lose traction between your tyres and the road, stop accelerating and do not break unless collision is imminent.

If there are any concerns about the integrity of the roads at the UOW campus or if there are any other hazards around the area, make a report on the SafetyNet page.

The University of Wollongong is a smoke-free zone, and this includes the use of vapes and e-cigarettes. Tobacco smoking remains one of the largest preventable causes of death and disease in Australia and is estimated to cause 13% of all deaths each year. Reports estimate that even non-smokers who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20-30%. By maintaining our standard of a smoke-free campus, staff and students are protecting themselves, each other, and the environment around us.

The first semester at UOW is likely to see an increase in the number of people smoking or vaping on campus, particularly amongst the student population who may be unaware of UOW policies. An estimated 14% of young people have used an e-cigarette before the age of 17, and because of the many health concerns linked to vaping, promoting a smoke-free UOW also helps to promote better health amongst our students and staff and demote peer pressure to vape or social smoking.

If you see someone smoking where they shouldn’t and you feel confident to approach them about the smoke-free requirements, make sure that you do this respectfully and politely. Be aware that smoking can be an addiction and avoid any arguments about smoking. If you do not feel confident approaching someone who is smoking on campus outside of the designated smoking area at the UniBar please send an email to smoke-free@uow.edu.au and we can monitor the area to help with compliance.

.www.quit.org.auSmokers seeking advice on how to quit smoking should contact the Quitline on 137848 or visit the Quit website

HEALTHY WORKING FROM HOME ROUTINE

Over 40% of Australians have begun working from home over the past three years, including many UOW staff. It is important to maintain a healthy routine while at home to ensure positive personal wellbeing as well as work standard and production. A healthy working from home routine should include ample rest time and a set-up to avoid distractions. Some ideas to improve your work from home lifestyle include:

Having a designated workspace, preferably away from personal or ‘relaxing’ areas such as a living room or bedroom

Sticking to a routine, including when your working day begins

Managing time by dedicating blocks of 20-to-30-minute periods to working solidly in order to minimise distractions

Staying connected with colleagues

MOSQUITO SAFETY

We are very lucky and proud to have such a beautiful and largely natural campus, but this provides a great environment for mosquitos to live and thrive. Particularly due to the wet weather due to come in this month, you may find some unwanted guests in your home and in the workplace. Mosquitos in New South Wales have been recorded to have transmitted an array of diseases, including but not limited to Japanese, Ross River, Barmah Forest, Kunjin and Murray Valley encephalitis. The NSW government advises to avoid mosquito bites by wearing loose, light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and pants, and shoes and socks where possible. They also advise to apply mosquito repellent to all areas of exposed skin.

NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

An easy and healthy treat to pack for work or as an evening snack!

Ingredients:

2/3 cup unsalted creamy peanut butter

½ cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt

2 ½ cups whole rolled oats

¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

Line a baking tray with baking paper and set aside.

In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add the oats and chocolate chips and stir until combined.

Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to portion the dough.

Use your hands to form into balls and place on the baking sheet, then flatten into disks with your fingers.

Chill overnight to allow the cookies to firm up.

Enjoy!