SA Firefighter

General Discussion => SASES => Topic started by: Lizzy on September 25, 2007, 08:53:05 PM

Title: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Lizzy on September 25, 2007, 08:53:05 PM
okay, this is really odd. but i have just left a ses unit due to many reasons within the unit.
this unit has been stuggling all year with financial reasons and for crews in general, there are many things wrong with the unit, that will not get fixed, coz they ignor the problems and safety is a magor part of that aswell.(ie not wearing any PPE when using chainsaws and stuff)
anywayz now i have left the unit, is it within my responsibility to tell state head quarters that they are cheating the system? i did report the safety issues( within the unit) but nothing was done about them.
so is it my responsibility to 'report' this and if so who to?

Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: rescue5271 on September 25, 2007, 09:25:21 PM
Do you guys have a exit interview?? if so bring it up then and they will wont to know who why and where.......If this is going on then there needs to be someone will balls who is willing to say something..... what would have happended if someone got hurt and they where not wearing the correct PPE??? and where was the unit manager while all this was going on..........
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Lizzy on September 25, 2007, 09:46:54 PM
Do you guys have a exit interview?? if so bring it up then and they will wont to know who why and where.......If this is going on then there needs to be someone will balls who is willing to say something..... what would have happended if someone got hurt and they where not wearing the correct PPE??? and where was the unit manager while all this was going on..........



YOU know wat .............it was the unit manager that was not wearing the PPE, and we stoped him and told him.........and his reply "i dont need to, i have 35 years expereince behind me, i know what to  do".
anyway the real worry is the other issues. oh and no to the exit interview, as far as i know.
so u rekon i should say something anyway?
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: CFS_Firey on September 25, 2007, 11:47:37 PM
I think you should say something - you'll only be helping the unit in the long run...
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: rescue5271 on September 26, 2007, 06:50:51 AM
I would say something,it would only help the service but this may also by why there are not new members joining..Just beacuse you have 35 or 5 years in the service does not mean you wont get hurt and that is why you should wear your PPE.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: 6739264 on September 26, 2007, 08:32:09 AM
It depends, what wasn't he wearing in terms of chainsaw operation?
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Lizzy on September 26, 2007, 08:51:03 AM
It depends, what wasn't he wearing in terms of chainsaw operation?

he had his overalls on thats it.
was they werent wearing, helmet ear plugs glasses chaps or gloves. and he was cutting at a height, like a branch above his head.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: 6739264 on September 26, 2007, 09:17:16 AM
Yep, fair enough. That really is pushing the limits of PPE wearing.

I believe I know who you're talking about and well, yeah, it doesn't surprise me. I'm just sorry for you and the rest of the switched on people in your unit.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Darius on September 26, 2007, 09:31:06 AM
I agree with CFS_Firey.  So are you joining another unit instead?  you would be welcome in the local CFS too I'm sure.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: JC on September 26, 2007, 09:44:08 AM
     Wearing just overalls using a chainsaw is about as safe a firies wearing a Lycra jumpsuit to a fire. He obviously doesn't believe in setting an example, if he that experienced then he should know better, neither the SES or the CFS need people like that.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: bajdas on September 26, 2007, 09:59:11 AM
okay, this is really odd. but i have just left a ses unit due to many reasons within the unit.
this unit has been stuggling all year with financial reasons and for crews in general, there are many things wrong with the unit, that will not get fixed, coz they ignor the problems and safety is a magor part of that aswell.(ie not wearing any PPE when using chainsaws and stuff)
anywayz now i have left the unit, is it within my responsibility to tell state head quarters that they are cheating the system? i did report the safety issues( within the unit) but nothing was done about them.
so is it my responsibility to 'report' this and if so who to?

Contact either SES Central Region office, David the VSO at Mt Barker or SASESVA via myself or Lyn. The SASESVA contacts are listed inside front cover of Frontline magazine. Otherwise private message me.

The reasons for yourself leaving need to be addressed....
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Hippy on September 26, 2007, 10:05:28 AM
This issue has been dealt with at unit level. The senior members brought this up at a committee meeting and it was both addressed and to our knowledge had finished. If the issue was continuing, why was the issue not brought back to attention? Considering present climate one might think its convenient that certain members have decided to start causing trouble.

If you choose not to inform your seniors of other issues at the time, then are you not also "cheating the system?" Not to mention circumventing the chain of command?

The financial reasons you mention are no different to any other emergency service unit in SA, sure it doesnt help that most of our budget is taken away by $22k of rent each year but hey, we have lasted the last 5+ years and will last longer still.

It should also be mentioned in light of recent events that you should be careful what kind of dirty laundry you air and where. Internet based comments can still be considered Libel.

Do you guys have a exit interview??
I beleive State HQ do call members for random exit interviews.

I believe I know who you're talking about and well, yeah, it doesn't surprise me.
I think you are referring to the issues with the ex unit manager, who was somewhat infamous for his somewhat cowboy antics. The current UM has done nothing but improve the relationships that previous management destroyed with both the local CFS and other organisations in the area.

Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: 6739264 on September 26, 2007, 10:19:27 AM
I believe I know who you're talking about and well, yeah, it doesn't surprise me.


I think you are referring to the issues with the ex unit manager, who was somewhat infamous for his somewhat cowboy antics. The current UM has done nothing but improve the relationships that previous management destroyed with both the local CFS and other organisations in the area.

There is nothing 'EX' about the unit manager I know champ.


Now, how about people try to deal with things at their own Brigade/Unit/Service, rather than turning SAFF into a public shitflinging episode. Its happened on multiple occasions over the past years.

Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Hippy on September 26, 2007, 10:28:59 AM
I believe I know who you're talking about and well, yeah, it doesn't surprise me.


I think you are referring to the issues with the ex unit manager, who was somewhat infamous for his somewhat cowboy antics. The current UM has done nothing but improve the relationships that previous management destroyed with both the local CFS and other organisations in the area.

There is nothing 'EX' about the unit manager I know champ.


Now, how about people try to deal with things at their own Brigade/Unit/Service, rather than turning SAFF into a public shitflinging episode. Its happened on multiple occasions over the past years.


Isn't that what I was just saying champ? evidently literacy isn't your strong point..
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: 6739264 on September 26, 2007, 10:55:44 AM
I believe I know who you're talking about and well, yeah, it doesn't surprise me.


I think you are referring to the issues with the ex unit manager, who was somewhat infamous for his somewhat cowboy antics. The current UM has done nothing but improve the relationships that previous management destroyed with both the local CFS and other organisations in the area.

There is nothing 'EX' about the unit manager I know champ.


Now, how about people try to deal with things at their own Brigade/Unit/Service, rather than turning SAFF into a public shitflinging episode. Its happened on multiple occasions over the past years.


Isn't that what I was just saying champ? evidently literacy isn't your strong point..

Sorry champ, as you yourself have shown that literacy is far from your own strong point, I'll try to explain myself to you. Pay more attention this time around:

You suggested the UM I knew was the infamous, ex UM. I suggested it wasn't. I then went on to make a comment regarding multiple threads on these boards, concerning not only SES issues. This was in contrast to your discussion regarding the aforementioned matter of an occurrence of a breach of SOP's/SOG's regarding the issue of wearing correct PPE for a given operation.

So now, how about you stop being your typical "holier than thou" SES member, an relax a little.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Firefrog on September 26, 2007, 11:23:55 AM
Lets keep it civil
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Lizzy on September 26, 2007, 12:29:16 PM
This issue has been dealt with at unit level. The senior members brought this up at a committee meeting and it was both addressed and to our knowledge had finished. If the issue was continuing, why was the issue not brought back to attention? Considering present climate one might think its convenient that certain members have decided to start causing trouble.

If you choose not to inform your seniors of other issues at the time, then are you not also "cheating the system?" Not to mention circumventing the chain of command?

The financial reasons you mention are no different to any other emergency service unit in SA, sure it doesnt help that most of our budget is taken away by $22k of rent each year but hey, we have lasted the last 5+ years and will last longer still.

It should also be mentioned in light of recent events that you should be careful what kind of dirty laundry you air and where. Internet based comments can still be considered Libel.

Do you guys have a exit interview??
I beleive State HQ do call members for random exit interviews.

I believe I know who you're talking about and well, yeah, it doesn't surprise me.
I think you are referring to the issues with the ex unit manager, who was somewhat infamous for his somewhat cowboy antics. The current UM has done nothing but improve the relationships that previous management destroyed with both the local CFS and other organisations in the area.



HA! fancy talking to you on here......
im not trying causing trouble.
 and i did bring it up again...but wat ya know...it got swept under the carpet. didnt surprise me.
ahwell... thats life.
oh and instead of sitting round complaing bout not gettin enough funds why woudnt the unit listen to anyones fundraising ideas. i know another brigade that did a BBQ and raised $700!!!! wasnt hard 4 ppl, for a matter of 4 hours. and there was ppl adel hills unit wiling to do that. but it never got the okay, wen i suggested it.
 

Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Firefrog on September 26, 2007, 12:55:14 PM
This will not be allowed to degrade into an argument.....If you have constructive feedback/criticism that is welcome here, it might wake someone up. But this site is not for mudslinging etc. etc.....

In my view the time for action on these matters is while you are a member. You have shared your views loud and clear by leaving the unit.

Why not move on and enjoy your time or find another organisation that suits you.

Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Lizzy on September 26, 2007, 12:58:15 PM
This will not be allowed to degrade into an argument.....If you have constructive feedback/criticism that is welcome here, it might wake someone up. But this site is not for mudslinging etc. etc.....

In my view the time for action on these matters is while you are a member. You have shared your views loud and clear by leaving the unit.

Why not move on and enjoy your time or find another organisation that suits you.



understood. and yes i am in another service. cfs. very nice bunch of locals and knowledgable.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: mack on September 26, 2007, 02:45:20 PM
why didnt you take the correct course and lodge OHS forms?


If you were was truly concerned about your unit and you wanted to do something then maybe accident/near miss forms would have been the way to go... something official.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: 6739264 on September 26, 2007, 03:08:26 PM
why didnt you take the correct course and lodge OHS forms?


If you were was truly concerned about your unit and you wanted to do something then maybe accident/near miss forms would have been the way to go... something official.
Mind you, there are numerous occasions where OHS reports and the forming of paper trails has not done a thing to fix issues.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Lizzy on September 26, 2007, 05:06:02 PM
why didnt you take the correct course and lodge OHS forms?


If you were was truly concerned about your unit and you wanted to do something then maybe accident/near miss forms would have been the way to go... something official.

i didnt know about them. i hadent been in the unit very long. nor been told wat to do in that situation. so for the first couple of times yes i honestly did let it go coz i was unsure.
least now i know.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: 6739264 on September 26, 2007, 05:09:20 PM
least now i know.

And at least now, you're not wearing a silly orange jumpsuit :P
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: bajdas on September 26, 2007, 05:43:21 PM
why didnt you take the correct course and lodge OHS forms?

If you were was truly concerned about your unit and you wanted to do something then maybe accident/near miss forms would have been the way to go... something official.

i didnt know about them. i hadent been in the unit very long. nor been told wat to do in that situation. so for the first couple of times yes i honestly did let it go coz i was unsure.
least now i know.

Interesting comment....given that this is part of the SES Induction Course that every member needs to undertake has part of Level 1 training.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: bajdas on September 26, 2007, 05:53:57 PM
This issue has been dealt with at unit level. The senior members brought this up at a committee meeting and it was both addressed and to our knowledge had finished. If the issue was continuing, why was the issue not brought back to attention? Considering present climate one might think its convenient that certain members have decided to start causing trouble.

If you choose not to inform your seniors of other issues at the time, then are you not also "cheating the system?" Not to mention circumventing the chain of command?

The financial reasons you mention are no different to any other emergency service unit in SA, sure it doesnt help that most of our budget is taken away by $22k of rent each year but hey, we have lasted the last 5+ years and will last longer still.

It should also be mentioned in light of recent events that you should be careful what kind of dirty laundry you air and where. Internet based comments can still be considered Libel.

Do you guys have a exit interview??
I beleive State HQ do call members for random exit interviews.

I believe I know who you're talking about and well, yeah, it doesn't surprise me.
I think you are referring to the issues with the ex unit manager, who was somewhat infamous for his somewhat cowboy antics. The current UM has done nothing but improve the relationships that previous management destroyed with both the local CFS and other organisations in the area.



HA! fancy talking to you on here......
im not trying causing trouble.
 and i did bring it up again...but wat ya know...it got swept under the carpet. didnt surprise me.
ahwell... thats life.
oh and instead of sitting round complaing bout not gettin enough funds why woudnt the unit listen to anyones fundraising ideas. i know another brigade that did a BBQ and raised $700!!!! wasnt hard 4 ppl, for a matter of 4 hours. and there was ppl adel hills unit wiling to do that. but it never got the okay, wen i suggested it.
 

Just for everyone's information, an offer to have the issues recorded on the reason for the volunteer leaving has been made. Various methods were offered that included internal SES & external via VSO.

The offer has not been accepted.

I have contacted another person for advice today and until the volunteer comes forward for the problem to be documented, no action can be taken.

The internet is toooo anonymous and not enough details have been provided.

A pity because feedback information has now been lost.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Smallflame on September 26, 2007, 06:43:44 PM
Having issues in the emergency services always feels awkward, but coming forward can sometimes help. However, for breaches of OH&S there are certain avenues that could be followed, perhaps a VSO isn't the best option, and something more like a letter to mr. Nygaard would be more appropriate.

Venting over a forum, and making specific allegations however isn't the best possible, nor most mature option, and could be construed as harrassment or defamation if the wrong person reads it.

I hope the issues continue to resolve, (but bearing in mind there may be two sides to the story,) in such a way that it benefits everyone and allows everyone to come to some kind of closure.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: rowley on September 26, 2007, 10:18:57 PM
why didn't you take the correct course and lodge OHS forms?

If you were was truly concerned about your unit and you wanted to do something then maybe accident/near miss forms would have been the way to go... something official.

i didn't know about them. i hadn't been in the unit very long. nor been told Wat to do in that situation. so for the first couple of times yes i honestly did let it go Cox i was unsure.
least now i know.

Interesting comment....given that this is part of the SES Induction Course that every member needs to undertake has part of Level 1 training.

what induction Adel hills haven't done induction...and most units that have done think its a crock of Blaa...have fun Nemo
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Lizzy on September 26, 2007, 10:52:42 PM
why didn't you take the correct course and lodge OHS forms?

If you were was truly concerned about your unit and you wanted to do something then maybe accident/near miss forms would have been the way to go... something official.

i didn't know about them. i hadn't been in the unit very long. nor been told Wat to do in that situation. so for the first couple of times yes i honestly did let it go Cox i was unsure.
least now i know.

Interesting comment....given that this is part of the SES Induction Course that every member needs to undertake has part of Level 1 training.

what induction Adel hills haven't done induction...and most units that have done think its a crock of Blaa...have fun Nemo

well matt. no idea wat the induction is either. glad to see news gets round eh.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: squiddy on September 27, 2007, 08:01:55 AM
If you truly want to make a difference to the unit, you need to put your grievances in writing and send it to a VSO or to a Vollies Assoc rep. Sitting around slagging people off on the internet is neither mature, nor constructive. We all know there are issues with the unit you left... you didn't even have to name it for most people to know who it was. However, I have noticed your negative comments on this forum in regards to the unit and organisation time and time again since you joined. It all sounds a little petty and spiteful from this angle. If you really want things to change, get out from behind your computer and contact the powers that be, otherwise stay out of it and stop stirring the pot.

Cripes, its like high school around here with all the to-ing and fro-ing and the he said she said crap.
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: bajdas on September 28, 2007, 10:38:08 AM
Hi,

The volunteer has contacted some people in the system & decided not to pursue the issues further. I wish the person every success & happiness in CFS.

Other issues have been seen & they will be presented to the SASESVA Executive for a decision on if the problems will be pursued. This is related to the grievance process.

A visit by SASESVA Representative to the Unit will also be arranged to reinforce the grievance process.

Andrew Mac
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: rescue5271 on September 28, 2007, 04:47:36 PM
Nice to see that SES have it all in hand...........
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: 6739264 on September 28, 2007, 06:03:22 PM
Nice to see that SES have it all in hand...........

Situation... normal...
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: bajdas on September 28, 2007, 06:09:45 PM
Nice to see that SES have it all in hand...........

Situation... normal...

Unfortunately, not in hand....SES lost a volunteer...thankfully the person transferred so the community still gets the benefit.....
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: rescue5271 on September 28, 2007, 08:54:25 PM
true they have lost that member,and as you said ses are looking into the unit so end of story....(THE END)
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Nufty on September 30, 2007, 01:00:43 PM
Howdy all, long time lurker, first time poster!

This whole topic actually prompted me to jump on the trend train and grab an account for myself, cause just looking at these kinds of posts tends to irk me. The fact that everyone jumps to conclusions based on one side of what is more than likely a huge clusterspew of trouble... Why butt in, or criticize? I see several members who are far from perfect themselves criticize other services etc. Its all well and good to have an opinion, but forcing it upon all others and criticizing those who don't agree seems very narrow minded...

As for the OH&S issue, it would appear it was addressed at a unit level, so why come on here and whinge? Just because the resolution wasn't one you witnessed... Would that not mean that you are out for retribution rather than resolution? It seems this forum is filled with people who are soley here to stir the pot.. If you don't like so much about the services, why not leave? Its like looking in on a gaggle of teenage girls at lunch time on here sometimes... There's a lot of valuable input in some situations, but topics like this seem to be soley there to cause a bit of trouble. I agree with Squiddy in the fact that it does appear petty and spiteful.

Everyone is massively brave behind a computer screen, but none of these issues seem to be brought up at appropriate times with appropriate people. We all work hard, so why the hell make things any harder by adding MORE to the massive ball of politics?
Title: Re: Cheating the system!?!?
Post by: Firefrog on September 30, 2007, 01:24:50 PM
I think enough has been said on this. Topic Locked