EEO and Diversity

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SESSION 4
Caroline Corney Coordinator, Occupational Safety
Health City of Belmont Ph 9477 7218 Email
Caroline.Corney_at_belmont.wa.gov.au
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Managing and Retaining People with Disabilities
Presented by Caroline Corney Chelsey
Phillips
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Presentation topics to be covered

• Our Culture The Belmont Way
• Two (2) case studies practical examples
• Staff testimonials

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The Belmont Way
Our values Teamwork Leadership
Integrity
Innovation People Focus
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• SUPPORTING SYSTEMS
• Strategic Plan
• Equal Opportunities Cultural Diversity Plan and
  Policy
• Human Resources Management Plan
• Injury/ Illness Management Policy
• Injury Management Team
• Active Social Club
• Internal Communications Strategy (Team Brief,
  Intranet)
• Integration of our Systems and teams
• Induction process
• Organisational Cultural Inductions
• Job Descriptions and staff development
• Confidential Employee surveys
• Staff Recognition Program
• Citys staff Band The Opportunists
• Staff Recruitment

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Case Study One - Ben

• Diagnosed with Bipolar disorder
• Concerns in the work place raised
• Increased accident/incident reports
• Equipment damage
• Job requirements too high for skill level
• Poor performance
• Absenteeism

Bens employment was in jeopardy!
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What did we do?

• Consulted with Ben and outlined organisational
  concerns in relation to safety, performance and
  responsibilities
• Received Bens acceptance to participate in
  working through the process and to participate in
  program - liaised with GP in relation to
  medication and
• Enlisted assistance from outside agency PEP
• Developed a new JDF which matched Bens skills
• Set up a daily work program that set out step by
  step what was required and in what time frame.
• Allowed for recreational time within the working
  week
• Shift commencement time set later to allow time
  for medication to be at optimal

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Outcome 2.5years on

• No accident/incident reports
• No performance issues
• Cohesive team that cares and watches out for each
  other
• All work standards have been achieved

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Case Study Two - Jen

• Jen has a slow progressive disorder of the
  nervous system and muscles
• We needed to identify tasks and work activities
  to match physical capacity
• Significant effort taken to achieve and maintain
  good communication and trust, as the need to
  monitor condition is paramount
• Effective communication has enabled
  identification of issues when difficulties arise.
  

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Identified Issues

• Weight of doors ease of movement through the
  building
• Visibility at doorways secured areas
• Bench heights and access to equipment
• Transfer issues (in out of vehicle)

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What did we do?

• Installed electronic door opening devices at key
  access points
• Installed glass panels into other doors to
  increase visibility
• Purchased desktop printer/copier for individual
  workstation
• Installed a wireless duress system (light
  buzzer warning assembly)
• Issued pendant style duress transmitter
• Developed a Duress Alarm Response Plan
• Care Plan put in place and training for response
  team

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Pendant style transmitter
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Outcomes

• Electronic doors glass viewing panels assist
  all staff with movement through the building,
  also reduces likelihood of collisions and spills
  of hot liquids when transferred from kitchen to
  workstations
• Installation of desktop printer eliminated the
  requirement to reach and copy at angles above
  shoulder height, which eliminated discomfort
• Duress alarm response actions instilled
  confidence and ensured that dignity was
  maintained
• No performance issues
• Valued team member

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Organisational and Cultural Benefits Teamwork Hi
gh morale Loyalty Management know the risks Low
absenteeism No performance issues No additional
costs Skills retention
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TESTIMONIALS

• I was welcomed into a working place of warmth and
  compassion professionalism, resourcefulness and
  animation combined. It is no wonder why I am
  happiest working here!! (C)
• I have a disability and at times it sucks, but
  what can anyone do but carry on regardless?
  Working with City of Belmont has been an amazing
  experience . I am glad I made the decision to
  work here. I look forward to coming to work each
  morning as staff at Belmont do not treat me as
  disabled, they treat me with respect and
  kindness. They have taught me to be confident,
  they offer assistance when I need it (helping me
  from my car in wet weather, pumping up my wheel
  chair tyres) and tease me like a family member.
  I have worked in another organisation where I was
  not valued and I dreaded going to work each
  morning.

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TESTIMONIALS

• I have had so much help from the OSH section to
  make coming to work easier and comfortable (I
  have been given a personal alarm to use in time
  of need) I am not alone and that I can discuss
  any concerns I have. (L)
• The position gives me purpose, I now have a good
  routine to my daily life the City of Belmont
  staff are always willing to help. I enjoy my
  job, it gives me true purpose and routine in my
  life and with the financial reward it makes life
  so much more easier (A)

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QUESTIONS