TOOL BOX TALKS Health and Safety Hazards in Children’s Services

OHS Legislation Sections 8 (1&2) requires an employer to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of employees and others in the workplace. All places where work is undertaken by staff is regarded as the workplace Section 20 of the OHS Act 2000 places a legal obligation on all employees to ensure the health and safety of others whilst at work.

OHS Consultation Employer must consult with employees prior to making any changes which may affect health and safety i.e. when doing risk assessments, implementing or changing risk controls, changing systems of work, facilities at work etc. Consultation should be direct with affected staff and via OHS Representative or OHS Committee for general OHS issues.

Risk Assessment Undertaken on equipment, premises and activities so that safe work procedures can be developed. Also undertaken on individual children/students prior to enrolment/admission and regularly or as need arises. Known hazards include lifting and moving children and equipment, storing equipment, materials and toys, bending, kneeling and squatting, working in the kitchen, fire emergencies, intruders, excursions, chemicals, infectious diseases, working in the kitchen and bullying, harassment and stress. Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of controls via workplace inspections etc.

Lifting and Moving Children and Equipment - Solutions Minimise bending by providing and using equipment such as height-adjustable change tables and cots Use steps when walking and hold hand Ensure large bulky or awkward items easily move e.g. fit castors or wheels to sand-pit covers and playground equipment, use wheeled trolleys or frames for laundry bags and height- adjustable trolleys for shifting goods in and out of vehicles.

Storing equipment, materials and toys - solutions Position storage/shelves between shoulder and knee height or provide stools or ladders, preferably with hand-rails, to access stored objects without over-reaching Dryers and washing machines should be able to be loaded at the best working zone (i.e. between shoulder and waist height)

Bending, kneeling, squatting - solutions Height adjustable change table with steps if child walking If not able to use change table, kneel on a padded surface with child’s feet directly in front of worker Adults should use adult furniture (e.g. height adjustable chair which can be lowered to child’s level) when engaging with children

Working in Kitchen - solutions Reduce repetitive movements by purchasing prepared food, or provide powered aids e.g. food processors, electric can openers Use job rotation to ensure workers are not exposed to repetitive actions for long periods Keep area tidy and clean up spills immediately Avoid carrying hot food, especially liquids over long distances Regulate hot water temperature so no scalds

Infectious Diseases - solutions Use ‘universal precautions’ when dealing with body fluids whether from child or linen etc. Consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, measles/mumps/rubella or pertussis (whooping cough).

Chemicals - solutions Minimise use of toxic substances without compromising hygiene Ensure product is labelled and stored out of reach of children Display warning signs and procedures for safe storage of chemicals Obtain material safety data sheets from manufacturers/suppliers and ensure safe work practices followed Do not expose children to fumes or sprays

Electrical - solutions Ensure safety cut-off switch in use Keep electrical cords, double adaptors and power boards out of children’s reach Cover unused power points with protective caps Regularly inspect all electrical cords and test and tag those in hazardous environments

Excursions Risk assess suitability of activity for individual children Undertake venue assessments on regularly used venues Undertake pre-use checks on day of visit and implement any measures required Provide staff with authority to cancel or change if risk cannot be controlled Ensure adequate adult/child ratios

Bullying, harassment & stress Have clear policies communicated to all staff and parents Encourage effective communication and provide clear roles and reasonable control over work tasks Provide post-incident care, including counselling and support

Safety/security Inspect all areas visually daily Practice evacuation drills regularly Check all equipment regularly Keep records of maintenance and repair Have trained first aiders and kits available Develop signal and procedure for intruder dangers Ensure communication system available if working alone in area and if working at external environments Ensure adequate lighting if work after hours