Acton Early Childhood Centre.

 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

 

AIMS:

 

á    To provide and maintain a safe and healthy environment throughout the Centre.

á    To comply with the duty of care to workers, children, parents and visitors at the Centre.

á    To educate staff of possible health and safety issues.

á    To develop childrenÕs awareness of health and safety issues.

 

EXPLANATION:

 

This policy recognises that the employer will, so far as practicable, provide and maintain an environment that is safe and without risk to health (Sect. 27). The Centre will have an elected and trained occupational health and safety representative. Training will be provided as per the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991. This policy recognises that maintaining and complying with the Health and Safety Policy is the responsibility of the employer and all employees at the Centre.

 

ACTIONS:

 

MANAGEMENT WILL:-

 

á    Actively strive to prevent incidents and dangerous occurrences on the premises and reduce

     workplace illness and injury.

á    Ensure that the Centre has an elected and trained occupational health and safety representative.    Training will be provided as per the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991.

á    Ensure Material Safety Data Sheets are available for all chemicals used at the Centre and ensure   all chemicals are used and stored appropriately. Refer to Handling and Storage of Chemicals Policy.

á    Ensure students, visitors and contractors comply with occupational health and safety procedures

     whilst at the Centre.

á    Make regular assessments of the health and safety performances of staff and provide environments and resources that promote health and safety procedures.

á    Act accordingly and respond in writing to the Workplace Inspection Report provided by the

OH&S representative. Response to be provided to OH&S representative and communicated to

     staff.

á    Ensure all relevant policies developed at the Centre are adhered to by staff.

á    Ensure all relevant policies are revised on a regular basis.

á    Provide information, training and supervision for all employees in the correct occupational health and safety procedures for:-

á    Lifting and carrying (especially children). Refer to Manual Handling Policy.

á    Computer keyboard and work station use.

á    Use of machinery and appliances.

á    Use and storage of chemicals. Refer to Handling and Storage of Chemicals Policy.

á    Supervision of children. Refer to guidelines for supervision, especially in the outdoor area.

á    Spread of infectious diseases. Refer to Health Policy.

á    Be informed of incidents and accidents occurring at the Centre, so that health and safety issues can be dealt with appropriately and avoided in future.

á    Provide and maintain first aid and rehabilitation services for all employees for the treatment of

     injury and illness. Refer to Return to Work Policy.

á      Ensure all necessary equipment required for workplace safety is available at all times.

 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE WILL:-

 

á    Undergo relevant occupational health and safety training.

á    Complete two workplace inspections per year and report findings to the Centre director.

á    Act in accordance to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Sect. 43)

á    Hold the position for at least 12 months wherever possible.

 

ALL STAFF WILL:-

 

á    Be duty bound to take all reasonably practicable steps for their own health and safety and the

     safety of others affected by their work.

á    Become familiar with Centre policies and procedures and act accordingly. (Health, chemical storage, reporting and recording accidents, accident and emergency policies.) See Procedures   Manual.

á    Receive training and information in health and safety issues. See Staff Handbook including hand outs on care of back and stress in child care.

á    Be responsible for informing the director and the occupational health and safety representative on any hazards as soon as practicable so problems can be identified and action taken to rectify them.

á    Develop procedures and programmes appropriate to the varying ages of the children to increase the childrenÕs awareness of possible hazards and dangers within the centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources – Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approved by the AECC Management Committee on 20/2/97

Reviewed Staff Meeting 7-5-03

Reviewed Parent Meeting 12-5-03.

Reviewed 23-2-05. Reviewed by Policy Review Committee 12-6-07 . Reviewed by Policy Review Committee 30-6-09