What is Bullying?

What is bullying?

Bullying is when someone intentionally hurts you. That hurt could be inflicted verbally, physically, socially or psychologically.


What is the difference between having fun and Bullying?

It’s okay to have fun and share a joke, but if it becomes offensive to you and the person/s continually does or says those same things after you’ve requested them to stop, then it has become a form of bullying.


What are typical things that a person would do to bully someone?

* Name calling, which is usually based on a person’s appearance, ethnicity, religion, etc.
* Direct and/or inappropriate physical contact such as pushing, tripping, prodding, kicking, touching, etc.
* Pressuring someone to do something they are not comfortable with.


What sort of person bullies?

It’s not unusual for people that bully others to be very insecure themselves. They also may have been a victim of bullying and are repeating the same pattern in order to feel empowered instead of powerless. Although these ARE valid reasons, they ARE NOT an excuse for continual bad treatment of others.


What should you do if you are the victim of Bullying?

First of all, talk to someone that you feel you can trust and are comfortable with – don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Try to document any incidents that happen, as well as your attempts to stop the bullying. This documentation may help if you make a complaint. Also, find out what the company’s policy is concerning bullying. You can also ask for advice from your industry union and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.


How can Bullying affect you?

Bullying can make you feel alone, isolated and scared, can cause you to want to withdraw from people and situations, affect your self-esteem, cause stress at work and in your personal life, make you not want to go to work, can make you sick, possibly cause or trigger depression. The worst affect bullying can have on someone is suicide.


What are your rights?

It is the right of every person to carry out their everyday activities without being bullied, hassled or harassed in any way. If you are being bullied, hassled or harassed, then it is your right to take action and work with employers / co-workers / friends / counselors to ensure it is stopped.


Any other information you think will be helpful….

If you let bullying continue for a long period of time it can have serious and possibly long term mental and physical affects. Put a stop to it as soon as possible, no person deserves to be treated that way.

Internet Security.

Viruses.

Many types of files can carry viruses (such as E-mail attatchments), but one of the main types of file used to carry a virus is an Executable file.

The anti-virus software that I am currently using is called, The Sheild - Deluxe. When that runs out, I will most likely use AVG Freeware, which can be found at: http://free.avg.com/au-en/homepage.

I download updates for my anti-virus about once a week.

Security and Privacy.

When filling out a form on a webpage, I would not give out any of my personal telephone numbers or any banking/credit card/financial information.

Cookies are something that the Cookie Monster loves to eat. They are also small files stored on a computer by a web server in order to gather user information and target that person with almost 'personalised' web pages geared towards the users computer habits and likes acording to the information gathered. You should not leave a terminal unnattended because someone could access and take advantage of your private information.

Passwords and Zip files. It is important to use the correct type of 'case' (uppercase/lowercase) when entering passwords. If entered incorrectly, you will not be granted access to what you need. You also need to use the correct type of case for URLs.

A zip file is a file used to compress data size (make it smaller) so that multiple or large files can be either sent through the internet efficiently or archived.

Map & Time Evacuation

You should evacuate the library when:

* the fire alarm sounds

* the Fire Warden tells you to

* when you know there is immediate or imanent danger

The evacuation assembly point for the library is Carpark A (the carpark closest to pascoe Vale Road).

The Library Fire Warden on duty is responsible for ensuring all staff have been evacuated.

Other information such as; how long it takes to evacuate the library and the path to the assembly area are not readily available due to security reasons.

Potential OH&S Hazards In the Classroom and SAM.

Some potential OH&S hazards in the classroom are:

* drinks near computers could spill and cause damage to or destroy the computers and there is also the risk of electrocution.

* a cluttered, unclean and/or ill-adjusted workstation could result in accidents, discomfort and pain.

* cord/s sticking out from underneath furniture onto a walkway may cause injury if someone trips over them.

Some behaviors to minimise these risks are:

* make sure any drinks are in a bottle with a secure, tightened lid.

* to keep clutter to a minimum, only have things at your workstation that you need to use for the task at hand. Keep your workspace clean and tidy. Always adjust your workstation to your own personal comfort eg: adjust your chair, desk and computer monitor to the correct height and levels for YOU.

* if there is a cord in your walkway, move it safely out of the way, eg: if a cord is sticking out from under a desk or cupboard, slide it underneath if it is safe to do so.

Some slogans that could be used on a poster to address these problems could be:

* when you have a drink - CAP IT to prevent a spill.

* when you're cramped and uncomfortable - ADJUST IT for your own comfort.

* when a cord is in your way - STASH IT safely out of the way.

The examples that I have given in this blog demonstrate what is known as the SAM Principles. SAM stands for:

* Spot the Hazard
* Assess the Risk
* Make the Changes

Emergency Procedure for Kangan Institute.

The first aid officer for Kangan Institute ICT department at the Broadmeadows campus is Penny Locke, who can be located in room I115 (directly across from room ).

One of the fire extinguishers in Building I is located at the entry/exit area closest to the Teacher's Station Room I104. It is attatched directly to the Switch Board door.

The other fire extinguisher is located directly across from room I109, in between the Resource Room and the Ladies bathroom.

Emergency Evacuation Instructions are located on the wall next to Penny Locke's office, room I115.

The number for Campus Security is 9279-263. The number for teachers and staff is "55". Students are advised to go directly to the teacher or a staff member if there is an issue, or to call the police or "000" if needed.

The Counselling Office is located in Building C, room C139 (to the right as you exit the Student Caffeteria).

Smoking has not been permitted anywhere on the grounds of Kangan Institute since January 1st 2010.

There are many A3 size posters/signs around the campus, on many notice boards and windows, alerting staff, students and visitors of this policy.

OH&S Laws and Procedures.

What is the difference between OH&S Acts and Regulations?

An OH&S Act sets out requirements to ensure that workplaces are safe and healthy. Regulations explain the duties to be enforced in order to control the risks associated with workplace hazards.

The main responsibility employers have for workplace health and safety is to provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees by eliminating or minimizing risks and hazards and informing all staff and visitors of OH&S procedures.

A health & safety representative (HSR) is an employee who has been elected to represent a workplace's health and safety interests using procedures outlined in OH&S Acts and Regulations.
HSRs liais with employees, employers and inspectors about health and safety matters, can help carry out inspections, advise of hazards and risks and be involved in meetings, reports and consultations relating to OH&S in their workplace.

The HRS for the department where I'm studying is

The role of a workplace inspector is to enforce health and safety Acts and Regulations by inspecting and investigating workplaces and taking appropriate action (within their boundaries as Workplace Inspectors) regarding their findings.

Home Workstation.

I have a small desk that my laptop is on and my chair is my bed.

My power board is on the floor, directly in front o my desk. My lighting is pretty good, as I have the regular room light, plus a lamp on my desk if I need it. I have a storage basket underneath my desk.

There are definitely hazards in my home workstation. To start with, I don't have a proper chair as I use my bed to sit on. My desk doubles as my bedside table, which causes a big hazard as far a putting a drink there; it could easily be knocked an spill onto my computer or onto the power board. There is not a lot of room available, so I'm currently trying to de-clutter to make more space available. I'd rate my workstation as being bad from an OH&S standpoint.