Health Matters.............
National coordinator Max Hardy reminds members that DVA staff have been instructed by the National Manager Primary Claims to consider a range of chemicals that could contribute to certain conditions for all Claims from submariners. Hence the need to identify ourselves on the Claim Form as Submariners. The purpose of this BusinessLine is to provide information to delegates administering compensation claims relating to ADF service aboard Oberon Class Submariners under the provisions of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) and its predecessor legislation and the Veterans ' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA).

Occupational Hygiene Survey
As reported previously, the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) was going to conduct an Occupational Hygiene Survey of the Oberon Class Submarines. The aim of the project was:

a. To conduct a retrospective occupational hygiene survey of the Oberon Class Submarine.
b. To identify known hazards of the Oberon Class HMA Submarines and estimate exposures and risk of harm based on the available literature and existing DSTO reports.

The CMVH research included liaison with the Submarine Association Australia, inspection of Oberon Class submarine and focus groups that included Oberon Class submariners.

At last we have in our hot little hands the Final Report of the ‘Oberon Class Submarine Occupational Hygiene Project’ which was given to us at a meeting with Simon Harrington the Repatriation Commissioner, Representatives from DVA, Defence and the RMA on Friday 10th November. Whilst the recommendations sound positive I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for DVA or Defence to act on them. What was a positive out of the meeting was that DVA assured us that their delegates will receive a copy of the report and they will also put it on the DVA web site for Pension Officers and Doctors to refer too. DVA also advised that when seeking a diagnosis for a condition the following tables 1, 2, 4 and 5 may be of some assistant to the Doctor, also pages 47 – 53, 68 - 70 may be helpful. Please read carefully and use the report cautiously.

The Commissioner has also asked the SAA to respond to the report; the Executive has decided to reserve their comments and will not respond until it has the feeling of the members. I ask the members to read the report and send their thoughts to me by the 1st January 2007.  Follow the link below to get the Report.

Final Report of the ‘Oberon Class Submarine Occupational Hygiene Project’

Max Hardy
Health & Welfare Coordinator

Health Facts
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Aussies, British or Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Aussies, British or Americans.
3. The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Aussies, British or Americans.
4. The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Aussies, British or Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Aussies, British or Americans.

Conclusion:

Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

DVA Forms Online
DVA Forms is an online system which allows forms used by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) to be printed or viewed on screen is now available. But remember, if making a claim for the first time, consult a Pensions Officer to ensure you get it right. Not to do so can result in your claim being rejected. Link to DVA Forms Online

Health Alert
A reminder of the need for regular annual checks for Prostrate Cancer, a slow growing cancer correlated to age i.e. 58% of men aged 58 yrs will have prostrate cancer.