“If you’re enthusiastic about something and take a positive attitude you do learn a lot. I’ve really enjoyed being health and safety rep. It’s really helped my work in the library as well.”

Jane Goodbehere has worked at the University of Waikato Library for 14 years. The last five years she has worked in the New Zealand collection as a library assistant. She says it is great job with brilliant colleagues.

“My colleagues tell me I turn my hand to a number of things, they call me general dog’s body. I do a bit of everything; we do a lot together as a team here.”

Working part-time a few years ago Jane thought becoming a health and safety rep would be good way to meet a few people and find out a bit more about health and safety. It was a bit of challenge – Jane did not know much about health and safety at the time. However, that challenge was why she took on the role.

Initially there were very few hazards in the library so Jane started to concentrate more on health issues.

“I got staff involved in fitness sessions at the university recreation centre. We had team workouts – and then others from other parts of the university joined too.”

Then the university began constructing a new student centre and library, and Jane had to concentrate more on that.

“I did weekly hazard reports for management and the building coordinator, and then followed up to make sure any hazards or potential hazards were addressed.”

During this time, Jane sent out information to staff and always got back to them whenever they raised a health and safety issue. Jane’s regular and friendly communication with staff was one of the reasons she was nominated for, and won, the Waikato University Health and Safety award in 2010.