Work Health and Safety, Risk Management and Safe Environments

Learning Objectives By the end of this focus area, you will be able to:

Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023-2033 The Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2023-2033 was created to guide WHS practices, giving national direction for all states and territories. Since the initial strategy developed in 2012 each state and territory has developed their own safety plans. These plans encompass the national vision while addressing priorities […]

A safe workplace is everyone’s responsibility and benefits all. It protects workers from injury and illness, but it also increases productivity, lowers running costs and improves morale. Work Health and Safety Responsibilities Workers also have specific health and safety obligations and responsibilities. Workers Must: (NSW Government, 2020) It is Important that Workers: (NSW Government, 2020) […]

Definitions Hazard A “hazard” means a situation or thing that has the potential to harm a person. Hazards in an OSHC service may include a shattered window, a moving swing, chemicals, electricity or infectious disease.Example: A wet concrete area near the drinking taps is a hazard. The risk is that an educator or child may […]

Characteristics of an emergency or incident may be that they are sudden, unexpected, dangerous or distressing.  When normal routines are disrupted, people may experience an emotional response that can make it difficult to think clearly.Planning to manage incidents and emergencies assists services to protect adults and children, to maintain everyone’s wellbeing and a safe environment […]

Safety in Outside School Hours Care goes beyond physical safety. A safe service is also one where people feel respected, heard and able to be themselves. They can raise concerns, ask questions, make mistakes and bring their culture and identity into the space without fear of harm, ridicule or exclusion. This module looks at three […]

Cleaning and Sanitising All surfaces must be cleaned regularly. Surfaces that present a higher risk of infection transmission or have been contaminated by biological hazards require sanitising. It is important to understand that cleaning and sanitising are different procedures.Clean: means ‘clean to the touch’, that is, free from any visible dirt, dust or food particles, […]

Medical management is a collaborative effort. Risk minimising practices should be part of everyday operations. Educators should be aware of the children in their care with specific medical conditions, during higher risk activities like mealtimes, environmental factors (smoke), excursions or physical activity.Educators should take the time to become familiar with any additional requirements for children […]

From Safety Responsibilities to Everyday Practice Work health and safety in OSHC is a shared responsibility. National, state and territory laws set out the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers. Educators contribute to a safe workplace by taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others, following reasonable instructions, policies […]