Pool Tables in Prisons
Deputy Commissioner Rod Wise issued an instruction back in August to withdraw all pool cues and balls from correctional facilities after two further incidents involving assaults using pool cues and balls at maximum and medium security prisons.

The purpose of the review was to undertake OH&S assessments of the pool table operations across the prisons and consider further controls to eliminate or reduce the potential risks to prison officers and prisoners.

CPSU recently met with DOJ Corrections management to review the OH&S Risk Assessments and Action Plans for Pool Tables in Prisons. The Prisons that the OH&S assessments have been completed for are; Ararat, Barwon, DPFC, Fulham, Loddon, Marngoneet, MRC, MAP and PPP.

CPSU expressed concerns at this meeting with the limited level of involvement of local prison Health and Safety Representatives (HSR s) to provide their input into the risk assessment process as required by the OH&S Act 2004.

If prison officers have concerns with pool cue and pool ball risks CPSU recommends that you discuss this with your prison HSR s and view the local prison risk assessment.

CPSU also calls on all prison HSR s to get a copy of your prison pool table risk assessment and provide your feedback to CPSU.

CPSU has expressed an initial view that consideration needs to be given to situations where the classification and risks from prisoners should limit their access to pool table facilities.

The location of pool tables in prisons should also consider containment rooms where access can be significantly controlled and limited.

Considerations should also be given to alternative forms of recreational activities that limit the potential for occupational violence incidents.

The effectiveness of disciplinary procedures and emergency response processes also requires assessment.

MAP HSR s preference was for the removal of pool tables and balls and I have had some similar initial responses from other prisons.

CPSU is required to formally respond to this OH&S matter by COB on 7th December 2010 and a further meeting is planned for the following week to seek resolution.

I have attached a copy of summary OH&S Risk Assessment and Action Plan report and a copy of the Barwon risk assessment report which DOJ Corrections are considering as a basis for control measures across prisons.

CPSU has been told that a number of these risk controls currently exist across some prisons and the level of risk reduction may therefore be very limited.

Discuss concerns with your local prison HSR s and also provide CPSU OHS Officer Carl Marsich with a response via email cmarsich@cpsuvic.org or phone 94136645.

You may also contact your CPSU Union Organiser Geoff Drechsler, or CPSU executive officers; Mark Nestor, Gary Greaves and John Milne for further clarification.

Please distribute this bulletin and ask your colleagues to join CPSU to have their voice heard and their views represented.

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CPSU - 125 in 2010.

When 1,000 colonial public servants crammed into the Athenaeum Hall in Collins Street on 17 June 1885 to form the Victorian Public Service Association they had no idea that we d be still here and turning 125 this year.


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KAREN BATT
CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary

Wednesday, 1 December 2010