Workplace Health and Safety Austeur AAPPTP Module 6 Learning Outcomes To adapt and practice a workplace culture that observes workplace health and safety principles To be aware of risks to self and children at all times To act in situations where risks are observed or anticipated Note to Presenter It is important to contextualise this work using existing practices at the school. Certain systems will be well practised such as fire drills and asbestos monitoring Other systems and practices will require vigilance around risks and a culture of acting when risks are identified.

Meta Statements Workplace Health and Safety I am aware of all risks each day. The teacher shares risk assessments with me. I know where the asbestos is in my school. We often work with students around safety. I know the school rules. I know why they exist and I can explain them. I am clear on the issues related to substance use. When there is a problem I know where to turn. School systems are known to everyone and they are practised. Specific evacuations and lock downs are practised. I am especially aware of water safety.

I am aware of all risks each day. Explanation I am conscious that there are risks in every environment. There are risks in the classroom. There are risks in the playground. There are risks between the children’s home and the school. There are risks in the bus and cars which transport the children. Demonstration/Practice The teacher and I have had detailed discussions about the risks associated with our daily activities. We have done an audit of the risks in our classroom, in the school, in the playground and outside the school. The teacher and I have taken steps to eliminate some of the risks. We are conscious of trip hazards associated with the use of electric cables and many other risks that are obvious – pushing, shoving, running. Some risks are less obvious – for example hazardous substances, mould infestations, asbestos, lead. There are clear warnings where needed.

I know the school rules. I know why they exist and I can explain them. Explanation Some risks are easily identified and as such the school rules will accommodate these risks. These risks are different from risks that are emergent. An emergent risk is unexpected. If a hole is caused in the playground then action needs to be taken around that risk. Similarly if for example the playground apparatus becomes faulty then again action must be taken. Demonstration/Practice We have a culture of awareness of risks. It is common that we talk about and report and share examples where risks have been identified and addressed.

The teacher shares risk assessments with me Explanation All school systems require teachers to identify risks as a formal process before activities are undertaken. Risk assessment for hop scotch is clearly different from risk assessment for scuba diving. Demonstration/ Practice It is common to sit with the teacher and walk through the risk assessments for the various activities that the children will participate in. This give me confidence in being a risk spotter and confidence to react.

I know where the asbestos is in my school. Explanation Most of our schools have materials that contain asbestos. Only new schools are possibly asbestos free. Asbestos when disturbed can create a significant health risk. Demonstration/Practice The school has an asbestos register we we know where the asbestos is in our school. In practice at staff meetings the location of asbestos has been discussed and where there are examples of asbestos being disturbed such as in drilling into walls, I speak up as I know there are risks involved.

We often work with students around safety. Explanation It is very important in our work place have a common understanding of safety and risk identification. Demonstration/Practice In our classrooms we take the time to talk about safety and train the children to become risks spotters. This means we have many eyes on the problem of risk identification and we listen closely to the concerns of the children when risks are identified.

I am clear on the issues related to substance abuse. Explanation Awareness of substance abuse is a major issue in our school. The important point here is not to encourage copy cat behaviour. Often drawing attention to the matters can have the effect of making the problem worse. The key to success is to be aware of evidence of substance abuse and to act quietly to address the problem quickly. Demonstration/Practice I am aware of the limit of my power and responsibility in this regard. I am very strong on establishing that the normal thing to do is not use or abuse substances which are harmful to one’s health at any time. I am a role model for this behaviour. If I become aware of substance abuse, I report it immediately

When there is a problem I know where to turn. Explanation All schools have clear lines of communication. It is important that I use these lines when I become aware of issues. The Principal is ultimately responsible for the good order of our school and I respect and work with the Principal. Demonstration/Practice I am aware of reporting relationships in our school. If I identify a risk I act and act immediately to ensure the children are safe. I follow up to make sure information I provide is acted upon.

School systems are known to everyone and they are practised. Explanation During the school year, there will be evidence of safety systems being in place. I take these all seriously and act accordingly. Demonstration/Practice When considering drills or systems that respond to risk it is important that I am well aware of my role. I know and understand the common risks in schools and take action as necessary to eliminate these risks.

I am especially aware of water safety. Explanation Drowning and diving into shallow water, predators can be a real issue for our young ones. Demonstration/Practice We have specific rules and practices that must be observed when we are near water. I know about these risks and I talk about them. I have undertaken my first aid certificate and feel confident that I could respond in any circumstance. While I am confident I could react the emphasis in our school is on the proactive elimination of the possibility of an emergency arising.