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1 Occupational Health & Safety Policy v2 (draft).docx 3 Fulton Street, Armadale 3143 Ph: 9509 3187, www.armadaleelc.vic.edu.au

Mandatory – Quality Area 3

Occupational Health and Safety 1. Authorisation This policy was adopted by the Armadale Early Learning Centre Committee, at the committee meeting on May 8th 2007. 2. Review Date This policy was last reviewed August 2013 and will be reviewed every three years, or when deemed necessary. This policy is due to be reviewed August 2016. 3. Scope This policy applies to the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, Certified Supervisor, educators, staff, children, parents/guardians, students on placement, volunteers, contractors and visitors attending the programs and activities of AELC. 4. Background and Legislations 4.1 Background Everyone involved in an early childhood education and care service has a role to play in ensuring the service’s operations are safe and without risk to the health and safety of all parties. In Victoria, health and safety in the workplace is governed by a system of laws, regulations and compliance codes that set out the responsibilities of employers and employees to ensure safety is maintained at work. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) sets out the key principles, duties and rights in relation to workplace health and safety. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 specifies the ways duties imposed by the OHS Act must be undertaken and prescribes procedural/administrative matters to support the OHS Act, such as requiring licenses for specific activities, or the need to keep records or notify authorities on certain matters1. The legal duties of an employer under the OHS Act are:

• to provide and maintain a workplace that is safe and without risk to the health of employees. This responsibility extends to contractors for routine tasks over which the employer has management. For contractors completing non-routine tasks, the employer must ensure that the service’s daily operations and layout do not pose unreasonable risks

• to ensure other individuals, such as families and visitors, are not exposed to health and safety risks arising from the organisation’s activities

1 WorkSafe Victoria: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au


• to consult with employees about OHS matters that will, or will likely, affect employees directly, including identifying hazards and assessing risks, and making decisions about risk control measures.

The OHS Act places the responsibility on employees for:

• taking care of their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions

• co-operating with reasonable OHS actions taken by the employer, including following guidelines, attending OHS-related training, reporting incidents, co-operating with OHS investigations, encouraging good OHS practice with fellow employees and others at the service, and assisting the employer with conducting OHS inspections during operating hours

• not interfering with safety equipment provided at the service, such as fire extinguishers.

4.2 Legislation and standards Relevant legislation and standards include but are not limited to:

• Accident Compensation Act 1985, as amended 2007

• AS/NZS 4804:2001 and 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety systems

• Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010

• Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011

• National Quality Standard, Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety – Standard 2.3: Each child is protected

! Element 2.3.1: Children are adequately supervised at all times ! Element 2.3.2: Every reasonable precaution is taken to protect

children from harm and any hazard likely to cause injury

• National Quality Standard, Quality Area 3: Physical Environment – Standard 3.1: The design and location of the premises is appropriate

for the operation of a service ! Element 3.1.1: Outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, furniture,

equipment, facilities and resources are suitable for their purpose

! Element 3.1.2: Premises, furniture and equipment are safe, clean and well maintained

• National Quality Standard, Quality Area 7: Leadership and Service Management

– Standard 7.1: Effective leadership promotes a positive organisational culture and builds a professional learning community

• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004

• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007


5. Definitions Duty of care: A common law concept that refers to the responsibilities of organisations to provide people with an adequate level of protection against harm and all reasonable foreseeable risk of injury. In the context of this policy, duty of care refers to the responsibility of education and care services to provide children, staff, students, volunteers, contractors and anyone visiting the service with an adequate level of care and protection against reasonable foreseeable harm and injury. Hazard: An element with the potential to cause death, injury, illness or disease. Hazard identification: A process that involves identifying all foreseeable hazards in the workplace and understanding the possible harm that each hazard may cause. Hazard management: A structured process of hazard identification, risk assessment and control, aimed at providing safe and healthy conditions for employees, contractors and visitors while on the premises of AELC or while engaged in activities endorsed by AELC. Harm: Includes death, or injury, illness (physical or psychological) or disease that may be suffered by a person as a consequence of exposure to a hazard. Injury/incident: An injury/incident at the workplace where a person was or could have been injured but does not meet the requirement of a serious injury/incident. This could include an employee who suffers injury and is taken to casualty at a hospital but is not admitted, providing the employee does not have one of the serious injuries/incidents listed below. Material safety data sheet: Provides employees and emergency personnel with safety procedures for working with toxic or dangerous materials. The data sheet includes all relevant information about the material such as physical properties (e.g. melting/boiling point, toxicity and reactivity), health effects, first aid requirements and safe handling procedures (e.g. personal protective equipment, safe storage/disposal and management of spills). OHS committee: A committee that facilitates co-operation between an employer and employees in instigating, developing and carrying out measures designed to ensure the health and safety of employees in the workplace. Risk: The chance (likelihood) that a hazard will cause harm to individuals. Risk assessment: A process for developing knowledge/understanding about hazards and risks so that sound decisions can be made about the control of hazards. Risk assessments assist in determining: • what levels of harm can occur • how harm can occur • the likelihood that harm will occur. Risk control: A measure, work process or system that eliminates an OHS hazard or risk, or if this is not possible, reduces the risk so far as is reasonably practicable. Serious injury/incident: An injury/incident at the workplace that:

• Results in death


• Results in a person requiring medical treatment within 48 hours of being exposed to a substance

• Results in a person requiring immediate hospital treatment as an in-patient or immediate medical treatment for:

– Amputation – Serious head injury – Serious eye injury – Separation of skin from underlying tissue (for example degloving or

scalping) – Electric shock – Spinal injury – Loss of bodily function – Serious laceration

• Seriously endangers the lives or the health and safety of people in the immediate vicinity, including:

– The collapse of part of the building or structure – Implosion, explosion or fire – Escape, spillage or leakage of substances

• Involves a child and results in the death of a child, or an accident, incident, injury or trauma to a child while being cared for, or educated by, a centre, requiring the attention of a registered medical practitioner or admission to hospital.

6. Policy 6.1 Values This centre places a high priority on the safety of employees and those attending the workplace and will:

• Provide and maintain a safe working environment

• When necessary, ensure that employees can access training on how to perform their tasks safely

• Consider workplace safety when designing additions or modification to the centre

• Take appropriate preventive action after accidents

• Regard all accidents as preventable

• Recognise that the concept and practice of safety involves shared responsibilities and a team approach by both the employer and all employees; every effort will be made to work towards accident prevention; and employees must act in ways that do not endanger the health or safety of anyone

• Require employees to attend work free from the influence of alcohol or other non-prescription drugs.

6.2 Purpose AELC recognises its moral and legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work


environment for employees, contractors, volunteers, parents, children and visitors. This commitment extends to ensuring that the organisation’s operations do not place the local community at risk of injury, illness or property damage. 7. Procedures 7.1 Injury/incident notification and investigation not classified as serious 7.1.1 Notification All injuries and incidents where a person was or could have been injured must be reported as soon as possible using the Occupational Health and Safety Policy Register of Incident Form (Attachment 1). The OH&S representative needs to complete and sign the employer acknowledgment section within two working days. The original is placed in the register, a copy is placed in the employee’s personnel file and a copy is provided to the employee with the centre’s privacy collection statement.

If a person requires immediate medical attention, one of the employees present must notify the President as soon as practicable.

7.1.2 Investigation On receipt of the Register of Incident form, the OH&S representative or President will conduct an investigation and submit recommendations resulting from the outcome of the investigation to the Committee for consideration and thereafter implementation, where appropriate. 7.2. Injury/incident notification and investigation classified as serious 7.2.1 Notification Any workplace incident/injury that seriously affects the safety of employees or others in the workplace must be reported to the President immediately. As soon as possible after the incident/injury occurs, the employee or person affected, if able, completes an Occupational Health and Safety Policy Register of Incident form located at the workplace and an employee provides a copy to the OH&S representative (follow the same procedure described in (a) above).

Accidents involving children are to be recorded in the accident/injury/illness book in compliance with the Children’s Services Regulations 1998 (Regulation 18). 7.2.2 Legal Duties Under occupational health and safety legislation, the centre is responsible for advising the WorkSafe Victoria of serious incidents/injuries that occur at the workplace. Please refer to the Definitions Section of this policy for what is considered to be a serious accident/injury. If a workplace incident occurs, immediately after becoming aware an employer, occupier or person in charge must:

• contact the WorkSafe Incident Notification Unit on 132 360

• ensure incident scene is not disturbed until an inspector arrives. Sites can only be disturbed to protect a person's health or safety, help someone who is injured or to make the site safe

• complete and send an incident notification form to WorkSafe within the following 48 hours.


To lodge an incident notification form you can either:

• complete an Online Incident Notification Form using the reference number issued to you when you notified WorkSafe of the incident. The on-line incident notification form consists of six screens. When you have completed the last screen you will be able to:

– submit it to WorkSafe via the internet, and – print a copy of the submitted form for your records

• download an Incident Notification Form and fax it to (03) 9641 1091 or mail it to:

Incident Notification Unit Advisory Service WorkSafe Victoria GPO Box 4306 Melbourne 3001

You must keep a record of the incident notification form for at least 5 years. Queries should be directed to the Incident Notification Unit on 132 360, or to the Incident Notification Coordinator at [email protected] 7.2.3 Notification to other authorities - Department of Human Services (DHS) If deemed to be a reportable incident under the Children’s Services Regulations 1998 (Regulation 40), the President will advise DHS of the incident/injury as soon as practicable after it occurs.

7.2.4 Incident investigation On receipt of an injury/incident report, the President (or nominee) will arrange for an investigation to commence within two working days of the incident/injury and be completed within two operational days for the centre.

Summary of key tasks in the interview of employees or other persons materially involved in an incident or issue:

• Explain at the outset that this is a formal interview in accordance with the centre’s procedures

• Explain they may have a witness present

• Ask about the incident: – Provide each person with an opportunity to present their own version

of the incident – Present any specific allegations for responses – Present all details one by one and record the answers – Ask any other relevant questions arising from the statements by other

persons, particularly if there is any conflict or contradiction – Give the opportunity to review earlier versions of events outlined

during the interview.


7.2.5 Post-investigation actions Following completion of the investigation of an accident or incident that seriously affected the persons involved, the President for the committee prepares a report. The report will also propose any relevant recommendations or actions. A committee meeting will be convened as a priority to receive the report and recommendations. An appropriate action plan will be determined with relevant timelines. Staff involved in the injury/incident investigation will be advised as soon as possible of:

• Results of the investigation

• The action plan The action plan is to be implemented within designated timelines and the President will be responsible for ensuring that the plan is implemented.

8. Key Responsibilities & Authorities 8.1 Approved Provider The Approved Provider is responsible for:

• providing and maintaining a work environment that is safe and without risks to health (OHS Act: Section 21). This includes ensuring that:

– there are safe systems of work – all plant and equipment provided for use by staff, including machinery,

appliances and tools etc., are safe and meet relevant safety standards – substances, and plant and equipment, are used, handled, and stored

safely – material safety data sheets are supplied for all chemicals kept and/or

used at the service (refer to www.ohsinecservices.org.au) – there are adequate welfare facilities e.g. first aid and dining facilities

etc. – there is appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision

for employees (Note: This duty of care is owed to all employees, children, parents/guardians, volunteers, students, contractors and any members of the public who are at the workplace at any time)

• ensuring an OH&S representative on the AELC Committee has been appointed

• ensuring there is a systematic risk management approach (refer to www.ohsinecservices.org.au) to the management of workplace hazards. This includes ensuring that:

– hazards and risks to health and safety are identified, assessed and eliminated or, if it is not possible to remove the hazard/risk completely, effectively controlled

– measures employed to eliminate/control hazards and risks to health and safety are monitored and evaluated regularly

• ensuring regular safety audits of the following:


– indoor and outdoor environments – all equipment, including emergency equipment – playgrounds and fixed equipment in outdoor environments – cleaning services – horticultural maintenance – pest control

• monitoring the conditions of the workplace and the health of employees (OHS Act: Section 22)

• protecting other individuals from risks arising from the service’s activities, including holding a fete or a working bee etc., or any activity that is ancillary to the operation of the service e.g. contractors cleaning the premises after hours (OHS Act: Section 23)

• providing adequate instruction to staff in safe working procedures, and informing them of known hazards to their health and wellbeing that are associated with the work that they perform at the service

• ensuring that all plant, equipment and furniture are maintained in a safe condition

• developing procedures to guide the safe use of harmful substances, such as chemicals, in the workplace

• ensuring that OHS accountability is included in all position descriptions

• allocating adequate resources to implement this policy

• displaying this policy in a prominent location at the service premises

• ensuring the physical environment at the service is safe, secure and free from hazards for children (refer to Child Safe Environment Policy)

• implementing/practising emergency and evacuation procedures (refer to Emergency and Evacuation Policy)

• implementing and reviewing this policy in consultation with the Nominated Supervisor, educators, staff, contractors and parents/guardians

• identifying and providing appropriate resources, induction and training to assist educators, staff, contractors, visitors, volunteers and students to implement this policy

• ensuring the Nominated Supervisor, educators, staff, contractors, volunteers and students are kept informed of any relevant changes in legislation and practices in relation to this policy

• consulting appropriately with employees on OHS matters including: – identification of hazards – making decisions on how to manage and control health and safety

risks – making decisions on health and safety procedures – the need for establishing an OHS committee and determining

membership of the committee – proposed changes at the service that may impact on health and safety – establishing health and safety committees


• notifying WorkSafe Victoria about serious workplace incidents, and preserving the site of an incident (OHS Act: Sections 38–39)

• holding appropriate licenses, registrations and permits, where required by the OHS Act

• attempting to resolve OHS issues with employees or their representatives within a reasonable timeframe

• not discriminating against employees who are involved in health and safety negotiations

• allowing access to an authorised representative of a staff member who is acting within his/her powers under the OHS Act

• producing OHS documentation as required by inspectors and answering any questions that an inspector asks

• not obstructing, misleading or intimidating an inspector who is performing his/her duties.

8.2 OH&S Representative The OH&S Representative on the AELC Committee has the responsibility for occupational health & safety (OH&S) and will:

• Conduct workplace inspections and hazard assessments using the Occupational Health and Safety Policy Hazard Identification Checklist (Attachment 2) once per term.

• On completion of the assessment of the workplace, the OH&S representative will review the findings of this assessment and set in place an action plan as appropriate.

• Consult employees on a regular basis regarding OH&S.

• Review incident reports once per term. 8.3 Nominated Supervisor The Nominated Supervisor is responsible for:

• ensuring that all educators/staff are aware of this policy, and are supported to implement it at the service

• organising/facilitating regular safety audits of the following: – indoor and outdoor environments – all equipment, including emergency equipment – playgrounds and fixed equipment in outdoor environments – cleaning services – horticultural maintenance – pest control

The above list of procedures is not exhaustive. Services must develop specific procedures to be followed in managing hazards and issues identified. Such specific issues include chemical management, purchasing of equipment, hazard identification and risk assessment etc. For more information and guidance, refer to www.ohsinecservices.org.au


• ensuring that all cupboards/rooms are labelled accordingly, including those that contain chemicals and first aid kits, and that child-proof locks are installed on doors and cupboards where contents may be harmful

• ensuring the physical environment at the service is safe, secure and free from hazards for children (refer to Child Safe Environment Policy)

• ensuring that all equipment and materials used at the service meet relevant safety standards

• ensuring the service is up to date with current legislation on child restraints in vehicles if transporting children

• implementing and practising emergency and evacuation procedures (refer to Emergency and Evacuation Policy)

• implementing and reviewing this policy in consultation with the Approved Provider, educators, staff, contractors and parents/guardians

• identifying and providing appropriate resources and training to assist educators, staff, contractors, visitors, volunteers and students to implement this policy

• keeping up to date and complying with any relevant changes in legislation and practices in relation to this policy.

8.4 Certified Supervisors, educators and staff Certified Supervisors and other educators/staff are responsible for:

• taking care of their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions

• conducting a daily inspection of the premises prior to the children’s attendance at the centre using the Occupational Health and Safety Checklist for Daily Inspection (Attachment 3)

If the daily inspection identifies any problem, employees at the workplace are to correct the problem. If this is not possible, put in place temporary measures to ensure the children’s and employee’s safety and contact the OH&S representative who will assist in obtaining a more permanent solution

• ensuring all potentially dangerous materials & equipment are stored in a locked cupboard or out of reach of children. Refer to Chemical Hazard Policy.

• co-operating with reasonable OHS actions taken by the Approved Provider, including:

– following OHS rules and guidelines – helping to ensure housekeeping is of the standard set out in service

policies – attending OHS training as required – reporting OHS incidents – co-operating with OHS investigations – encouraging good OHS practices with fellow employees and others

attending the service – assisting the Approved Provider with tasks relating to OHS, such as

conducting OHS inspections during working hours

• not interfering with safety equipment provided by the Approved Provider


• practising emergency and evacuation procedures (refer to Emergency and Evacuation Policy)

• ensuring the service is up to date with current legislation on child restraints in vehicles if transporting children

• implementing and reviewing this policy in consultation with the Approved Provider, Nominated Supervisor, educators, staff, contractors and parents/guardians.

8.5 Students, volunteers, and visitors to AELC Students on placements, volunteers, contractors and parents/guardians at the service are responsible for:

• being familiar with this policy

• co-operating with reasonable OHS rules implemented by the service

• not acting recklessly and/or placing the health and safety of other adults or children at the service at risk.

9. Circulation Plan Who needs to know the policy and procedures exists?

• Parents whose children attend the AELC

• Staff and Committee members 9.1 Method A copy of the Policy will be adopted by the Committee and will be available upon request, in the Policy Manual (located in the AELC foyer), and available on the AELC website www.armadaleelc.vic.edu.au. 10. Resources and Support 10.1 Sources

• Early Childhood Management Manual, KPV

• Getting into the Act, WorkSafe Victoria

• Getting help to improve health and safety, WorkSafe Victoria

• Guide to the OHS Act 2004, WorkSafe Victoria

• Managing safety in your workplace, WorkSafe Victoria

• OHS in Early Childhood Services (KPV): www.ohsinecservices.org.au

• WorkSafe Victoria: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au 10.2 Service policies

• Child Safe Environment Policy

• Code of Conduct Policy

• Emergency and Evacuation Policy


• Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy

• Participation of Volunteers and Students Policy

• Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

• Staffing Policy 10.3 Training All employees will be given training/direction in manual handling and infection control on commencement of employment as part of the induction process. The OH&S representative, in consultation with all employees, will review the employees’ training needs on an annual basis and make a recommendation to the committee. 10.4 Additional Resources Please refer to the following attachments for additional information:

• Attachment 4: Manual Handling Worksheet – Risk Control

• Attachment 5: Manual Handling Worksheet – Risk Assessment

• Attachment 6: Manual Handling Worksheet – Hazardous Identification

• Attachment 7: Risk Assessment and Control Checklist

• Attachment 8: Emergency Evacuation Worksheet 11. Evaluation In order to assess whether the values and purposes of the policy have been achieved, the Approved Provider will:

• regularly seek feedback from everyone affected by the policy regarding its effectiveness, particularly in relation to identifying and responding to occupational health and safety issues

• monitor the implementation, compliance, complaints and incidents in relation to this policy

• keep the policy up to date with current legislation, research, policy and best practice

• revise the policy and procedures as part of the service’s policy review cycle, or as required

• notify parents/guardians at least 14 days before making any changes to this policy or its procedures (Regulation 172(2)).


12. Attachments

• Attachment 1: Register of Incident Form

• Attachment 2: Hazard Identification Checklist

• Attachment 3: OH&S Daily Checklist

• Attachment 4: Manual Handling Worksheet – Risk Control

• Attachment 5: Manual Handling Worksheet – Risk Assessment

• Attachment 6: Manual Handling Worksheet – Hazardous Identification

• Attachment 7: Risk Assessment and Control Checklist

• Attachment 8: Emergency Evacuation Worksheet

Date Reviewed Details of Changes (if any) Date of Next Review February 2012

Reviewed and updated. Removed reference to Subcommittee. Changed Injury form to Incident form.

February 2013

August 2013

Updated to reflect legislation changes and adhere to NQF guidelines.

August 2016


Attachment 1 Register of Incident Form Name of centre: Armadale Early Learning Centre Employee particulars

Name: Employee no:

Address:

Contact number:

Date of birth: Manager:

Sex: Occupation:

Particulars of incident

Date of incident: Time of incident: am " pm "

Date notified to manager:

Location at time of incident:

Type of Incident (tick one):

# No treatment required, no injury

# First aid treatment # Serious personal injury or illness

# Near miss incident, no treatment required

# Prescribed illness # Medical treatment as an inpatient in hospital

# Dangerous Occurrence

# Personal injury or illness

# Death

Please refer to definitions below; Personal injury or illness: Treatment by ambulance, Physio, Health Practitioner, GP. Off work for one day. Serious personal injury or illness: Treatment by GP or Health Practitioner. Off work for 2 days or more. Dangerous Occurrence: an incident that could have resulted in death or an injury requiring hospital admission. Prescribed Illness: A prescribed illness includes infections as a result from working with microorganisms, caring for a person, contact with blood or body fluids, handling animal hides, wool, skin carcasses or waste products. Zooneses including Q Fever, Anthrax, Leptospirosis, Brucellosis, Hendra Virus, Avian Flu or Psittacosis.

Description of incident:

Were there any witnesses to the incident: Yes " No "

Name: Phone:

Name: Phone:

Did the employee sustain an injury as a result: Yes " No "


Particulars of injury Nature of injury:

Part/s of body injured (tick applicable boxes):

$ Eye $ Shoulder $ Forearm/wrist $ Chest

$ Ear $ Upper arm $ Abdomen $ Knee

$ Head $ Elbow $ Ankle/foot/toe $ Leg

$ Neck $ Hip $ Internal organs $ Groin

$ Back $ Other …………………………………………………………………

How did the injury occur (tick applicable boxes):

$ Slip, trip fall $ Manual handling

$ Strike against object $ Contact with chemicals

$ Struck by moving object $ Biological affects

$ Climbing in or out of vehicle $ Noise or vibration

$ Cut/stabbed by sharp object $ Psychological stress $ Contact with electricity $ Other ……………………………………

Did the employee require treatment/first aid: Yes " No "

Type of treatment received (tick one):

$ None $ First aid $ Doctor $ Hospital

$ Other ………………………………………………………………………………………

Description of treatment received:

Description of injury:

Did the employee return to work after the treatment: Yes " No " If no, initiate RTW* procedures

Normal duties " Alternative duties "

Name of person making entry:

Relationship to injured person:

Signature: Date:

Employer acknowledgment Name: Signature:

Position: Date:

Victorian WorkCover Authority notification required: Yes " No "

To whom Date: Time: Copy of centre’s privacy collection statement to be provided to the employee. *RTW – Return to work


Attachment 2 Sample hazard identification checklist

Service:

Date:

Inspected by:

Hazard Yes No Comments

1. Floors

Surface is even and in good repair

Surface is free from tripping and slipping hazards (e.g. oil, water, sand)

Surface is safe (e.g. not likely to become excessively slippery when wet)

2. Kitchen and work benches

Work bench space is adequate and at comfortable working height

Kitchen and work bench space is clean and free of clutter

Equipment not in use is properly stored

Lighting is satisfactory

A door or gate restricts child access to the kitchen

Ventilation fan is in good working order

Kitchen appliances are clean and in good working order

3. Emergency evacuation

Staff have knowledge of fire drills and emergency evacuation procedures

Fire drill instructions are displayed prominently in the service

Regular fire drills are conducted

Extinguishers are in place, recently serviced and clearly marked for type of fire

Exit signs are posted and clear of obstructions

Exit doors are easily opened from inside


4. Security and lighting

Security lighting is installed in the building and car park

There is good natural lighting

There is no direct or reflected glare

Light fittings are clean and in good repair

Emergency lighting is readily available and operable (e.g. torch)

5. Windows

Windows are clean, admitting plenty of daylight

Windows have no broken panes

6. Steps and landings

All surfaces are safe

There is adequate protective railing which is in good condition

7. Ladders and steps

Ladders and steps are stored in a proper place

Ladders and steps are free of defects (e.g. broken or missing rungs etc.)

They conform to Australian Standards

They are used appropriately to access equipment stored above shoulder height

8. Chemicals and hazardous substances

All chemicals are clearly labelled

All chemicals are stored in locked cupboard

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are provided for all hazardous substances

9. Storage (internal and external)

Storage is designed to minimise lifting problems

Materials are stored securely

Shelves are free of dust and rubbish

Floors are clear of rubbish or obstacles

Dangerous material or equipment is stored out of reach of children

10. Manual handling and ergonomics

Trolleys or other devices are used to move


heavy objects

Heavy equipment (such as planks and trestles) is stored in a way that enables it to be lifted safely

Adult-sized chairs are provided and used for staff (to avoid sitting on children’s chairs)

Workstations are set up with the chair at the correct height

Workstations are set up with phone, mouse and documents within easy reach and screen adjusted properly

Work practices avoid the need to sit or stand for long periods at a time

11. Electrical

There are guards around heaters

Equipment not in use is properly stored

Electrical equipment has been checked and tagged

Use of extension leads, double adaptors and power boards are kept to a minimum

Plugs, sockets or switches are in good repair

Leads are free of defects and fraying

Floors are free from temporary leads

There are power outlet covers in place

12. Internal environment

Hand-washing facilities and toilets are clean and in good repair

There is adequate ventilation around photocopiers and printers

13. First aid and infection control

Staff have current approved first aid qualifications and training

First aid cabinet is clearly marked and accessible only to staff

Cabinet is fully stocked and meets Australian Standards (refer to Administration of First Aid Policy)

Disposable gloves are provided

Infection control procedures are in place

Current emergency telephone numbers are displayed


14. External areas

Fencing is secure, unscaleable and of a height prescribed by the Building Code of Australia (no breaches in the fence or materials left adjacent that would assist children to scale the fence)

Child-proof locks are fitted to gates

Paving and paths have an even surface and are in good repair

Paving and path surfaces are free of slipping hazards, such as sand

Soft-fall and grass areas are free of hazards

Equipment and materials used are in good repair and free of hazards

15. Equipment

Furniture and play equipment are in good repair (no protruding bolts, nails, splinters)

Impact-absorbing material is placed under all equipment where fall height could exceed 0.5 metres

Guardrails are provided for play equipment over 1 metre

16. Sun protection

There is an adequate supply of SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen provided for use by children and staff

Sunhats are provided for all staff required to work in the sun

There is a Sun Protection Policy in place, which requires staff and children, and others who work in the sun to use sunscreen and an appropriate sunhat


Attachment 3

Armadale Early Learning Centre Occupational Health and Safety Checklist for Daily Inspection Week Commencing: __________________

The following items need to be checked daily prior to the children’s attendance at the Centre. This will include walking around the perimeter fence of the playground. Please sign your name then tick the box for each day to indicate inspection completed.

OUTDOOR Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

INSPECTED BY:

Fencing is secure and un-scalable. (No breaches in the fence or materials left adjacent that would assist children to scale the fence)

Gates are secure and cannot be operated by children

Keys to gates are working

Playground free of syringes and other material that may have been left in the playground overnight, with special attention given to the area adjacent to the perimeter fence, enclosed areas and sandpit, if left uncovered

Sandpit checked if uncovered or covering breached to ensure free of animal faeces Paths and paving surfaces free of slipping hazards, for example, sand

Soft-fall and grassed area free from hazards

Tyres and other equipment with recessed areas free of snakes and spiders. Playground free of puddles or filled containers that could pose a potential risk to small children after heavy rain

INDOOR

INSPECTED BY: Exits clear

Doors to unused areas are closed

Heaters guarded

No hazardous materials or substances within reach of children

No hot drinks accessible to children. Hot drinks consumed at the centre are in accordance with the hot drinks guidelines (refer in the KPV Model Policies 2006 to Nutrition and Food Safety Policy).


Attachment 4 Manual Handling Worksheet – Risk Control

Workplace: ______________________________________ Date: ________________

Worksheet completed by: ___________________________ Date by which risk control(s) to be implemented: _____________________________ Person(s) responsible for taking the agreed action: _____________________________ Date by which effectiveness of the risk control(s) will be reviewed: _________________ Signed off by: __________________________________________________________

What are the sources of the manual handling risk?

Can you eliminate all or part of the task?

Is it possible to eliminate or reduce the risk by: • Making changes at the workplace • Changing the environmental

conditions • Altering the system of work • Changing objects used in the

task • Using mechanical aids

Can you reduce the risk by providing information, instruction and/or training to employees and volunteers who will carry out this task?

How?

How?

If Yes

If Yes

If No

If No


Attachment 5 Manual Handling Worksheet – Risk Assessment Checklist Completed By: ______________________________ Date: ______________

Task: _______________________________________________

RISK ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET Step 1a – Does the task involve repetitive or sustained postures, movements or forces? Tick if the task requires any of the following postures, movements or forces more than twice a minute (repetitive) OR more than 30 seconds at a time (sustained).!Postures and movements

Comments

(That is, when and where is it happening?) Bending the back forwards or sideways more than 20 degrees

Twisting the back more than 20 degrees

Bending the back backwards more than 5 degrees

Bending the head forwards or sideways more than 20 degrees

Twisting the neck more than 20 degrees

Bending the head backwards more than 5 degrees

Working with one or both hands above shoulder height

Reaching forwards or sideways more than 30 cm from the body

Reaching behind the body

Squatting, kneeling, crawling, lying, semi-lying or jumping

Standing with most of the body’s weight on one leg

Twisting, turning, grabbing, picking or wringing actions with the fingers, hands or arms

Working with the fingers close together or wide apart

Very fast movements

Excessive bending of the wrist

Lifting or lowering

Carrying with one hand or one side of the body


Exerting force with one hand or one side of the body

Pushing, pulling or dragging

Postures and movements Comments

(That is, when and where is it happening?) Gripping with the fingers pinched together or held wide apart

Exerting force while in an awkward posture, for example, - Supporting items while arms or shoulders in an

awkward posture - Moving items while legs are in an awkward

posture

Holding, supporting or restraining any object, person, animal or tool

Step 1b – Is the task carried out over a long period Tick if the task is done for more than two hours over a whole shift, OR continually for more than 30 minutes at a time Postures and movements

Comments

Step 2 – Does the task involve high force? Tick if the task involves any of the following high force actions, even if force is only applied once.

Comments (That is, when and where is it happening?)

Lifting, lowering or carrying heavy loads

Applying uneven, fast or jerky forces during lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling

Applying sudden or unexpected forces (e.g. when handling a person or animal)

Pushing or pulling objects that are hard to move or to stop (for example, a trolley)

Using a finger-grip, a pinch-grip or an open-handed grip to handle a heavy or large load

Exerting force at the limit of the grip span

Needing to use two hands to operate a tool designed for one hand

Throwing or catching

Hitting or kicking


Holding, supporting or restraining a person, animal or heavy object

Jumping while holding a load

Exerting force with the non-preferred hand

Two or more people need to be assigned to handle a heavy or bulky load

Exerting high force while in an awkward posture Refer to Step 1a for guidance on awkward postures

Tick if employees report any of the following about the task.

Comments (That is, when and where is it happening?)

Pain or significant discomfort during or after the task

The task can only be done for short periods

Stronger employees are assigned to do the task

Employees think the task should be done by more than one person, or seek help to do the task

Employees say the task is physically very strenuous or difficult to do

Step 3 – Is there a risk? Does the task involve repetitive or sustained postures, movements or forces, and long duration? (See WorkSafe’s Manual Handling Code of Practice for guidance) Tick if you ticked any boxes in Step 1a and Step 1b Comments

The task is a risk. Risk control is required. Does the task involve high force? Tick if you ticked any box in Step 2 Comments

The task is a risk. Risk control is required.

Step 4 – Are environmental factors increasing the risk? Tick if any of the following environmental factors are present in the task.

Comments

Vibration (hand-arm or whole body)

High temperatures

Radiant heat


High humidity

Low temperatures

Wearing protective clothing while working in hot conditions

Wearing thick clothing while working in cold conditions (for example, gloves)

Employees are working in hot conditions and are not used to it

Has there been a report of a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) associated with this task? Tick if yes Comments

It may be helpful to sketch the task or attach a photograph here, and describe the task or area more fully.

Generally, the more boxes you ticked in each section on this worksheet, the greater the risk. If the assessment shows a risk of MSD you must keep this record until the task is no longer done or if the task is changed and another assessment is done.


Attachment 6 Manual Handling Worksheet – Hazardous Identification Checklist completed by: _________________________________________ Date: _________________________ Does the task involve hazardous manual handling? Tick any of the following that apply to the task.

Task

Repetitive or sustained application

of force

Repetitive or sustained

awkward posture

Repetitive or sustained movement

Application of high force

Exposure to

sustained vibration

Handling live people or animals

Handling loads that are unbalanced,

unstable or difficult to grasp or hold

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! !

If more than one box is ticked for a particular task, you must do a risk assessment of that task. Hazardous manual handling must be identified for all existing and proposed tasks in your workplace. You must also identify hazardous manual handling whenever changes occur in the workplace or new information or reports of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are brought to your attention.


Attachment 7 Risk Assessment and Control Checklist

Hazard identification Risk assessment Risk control List hazards from Hazard Identification Checklist

How likely is an injury or illness and how severe could it be?

Can you eliminate the risk? If so, how?

If you can’t eliminate, the risk, how can you reduce it?

Who is responsible for implementing controls?

By when?

High Med Low

Centre: _________________________________________ Date: Inspected by:


Attachment 8

Emergency Evacuation Worksheet

EMERGENCY RISK CONTROL YES !

NO "

COMMENT / ACTION BY

DATE

All emergencies that could require evacuation of the working area have been identified

Persons responsible for managing emergencies, including any evacuation, have been nominated and informed

Signals/instructions that will trigger an evacuation have been established and communicated

Those responsible for activating alarms/warning signals have been nominated and informed

Emergency procedures are clearly displayed in the workplace at appropriate (and sufficient) locations

Employees and volunteers have been informed of emergency procedures (and briefed where necessary)

Emergency procedures are included in induction training for all new employees and volunteers

Evacuation route has been identified and needs of people with disabilities considered

Assembly points have been identified and communicated to all employees and volunteers

Procedures are in place to ensure that everyone is accounted for (including visitors and contractors)

Signal or instruction indicating ‘all clear’ has been established and person has been nominated for this role

Re-entry procedures have been established and persons nominated to manage this following the ‘all clear’

Evacuation ‘rehearsals’ are held on a regular basis and evaluated afterward to ensure that plans are being followed

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