Do you ever get the feeling you’re trying to put out a raging fire with a garden hose? You’re not alone.

We are receiving an increased number of contacts about the ongoing resourcing crisis that you are trying to deal with every day, and you need to make sure you’re keeping some type of record of the effects it is having on you and the ability for you to do all that is being asked of you.

Sometimes when you’re working at such high intensity you don’t take time to look after yourself – but it’s vital you take time to assess how it is affecting you.

If you have issues, you should raise them in an email with your team leader and use the safety reporting system as well. If there's no record of any issue and then you need support, not having any history of the issue will make things more difficult.

Employers are obliged to consult directly with workers about safety issues and the control measures that will be used to mitigate any risks. Telling workers what the solution is doesn’t qualify as consultation.

We’ll keep the pressure on the government to do something right now to fix this crisis, but please make sure you’re looking after yourself too.

For further information or to talk about safety, contact HACSU on 1300 880 032or assist@hacsu.org.au