WHS INDUCTION For Volunteers Page 1
Index Instructions and Requirements Page 4 Access Procedures First Aid Emergency Evacuation Site Plan Smoking Toilets Rationale Page 5 Legal Responsibilities Page 5 Duties of Employers and Supervisors Duties of Volunteers and Visitors Resolution of Occupational Health and Safety Issues Injury and Incident Reporting Contractors Electrical Equipment Smoking in the workplace Student Safety Personal Protective Equipment Other Protection Alcohol and Drugs Working with heavy plant and vehicles, or near traffic Loads/Passengers High Visibility Vests Work on Roofs Use of Ladders Horseplay Page 2
Index continued Attachments: Job Safety Tasks Page 13 Occupational Safety and Health Policy Page 14 Risk Assessment Page 15 Incident and Accident Report Page 16 Evacuation Map Page 17 General Safety Induction Acknowledgement Form Page 18 Professional Attire Policy Page 19-22 Page 3
Schools are busy and constantly changing environments. Children by nature are inquisitive and they do not always evaluate the consequences of their actions. This means that it is critical that any risks arising from contracted work are managed to ensure our students, as well as other community members, are protected from harm. This will require adequate planning of contracted work, effective communication during the work and to remain ever vigilant in assessing and managing risks at the college. CATEGORY Access procedures First aid Emergency evacuation INSTRUCTIONS & REQUIREMENTS When working or visiting at the college, contractors, volunteers and visitors shall report to the office and sign in prior to commencing work each day. A visitor s badge will be issued which must be worn at all times. Contractors shall return the badge and sign out before leaving the college each day. If leaving the College grounds during the working day, or arriving late, employee s must sign in and sign out at the office. First Aid for staff and students is available from the Wellness Centre in the One World building. There are two ALARMS. Evacuation and Lockdown and one All Clear signal. Contractors and Visitors are to follow instructions of Wardens. (An evacuation plan is included in this induction pack) (EVACUATION) On hearing the alarm Whoop.Whoop.Whoop With the verbal instruction to Evacuate, move to designated areas leaving all belongings behind. CLOSE doors/windows. Do not re-enter buildings until the ALL CLEAR PA anouncement is given. (LOCKDOWN) On hearing the alarm Bong Bong Bong move into rooms, lock doors and windows in classrooms/offices. Close blinds, turn off air conditioning and sit underneath windows if possible. Remain there until further instructions are given. NOTE: Messages may be communicated from Chief Warden by VOIP (telephone screens) and e-mails during LOCKDOWN. Resume normal school/classroom/work activities on hearing the ALL CLEAR PA anouncement. Site Plan Smoking Toilets A Site plan is included in this induction pack. No smoking is allowed in the College grounds or College buildings or College vehicles. Use of student toilets is prohibited. Staff toilets may be used and are located in the One World Centre and the Staff Room. Page 4
Rationale The purpose of this General Safety Induction Acknowledgement is to outline general safety rules, procedures and systems that are an integral part of the management of Health and Safety within the work environments of St Brigid s College. Legal Responsibilities The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1986 are applicable to all employees, volunteers and the employer. (1) Duties of Employers and Supervisors St Brigid s College and all supervisors shall, so far as is practicable, provide and maintain a working environment in which their employees and volunteers are not exposed to hazards. Without limiting that duty, the matters to which it applies include: Providing and maintaining workplaces, plant and systems of work such that employees are not exposed to hazards as far as reasonably practicable. Providing such information, instruction, training and supervision of all employees to enable them to perform their work in such a manner that they have access to appropriate resources and that they are not exposed to hazards. Consulting and co-operating with the Safety and Health Committee and OSH Representatives. Providing adequate personal protective equipment and clothing where it is not practicable to avoid the presence of hazards. (2) Duties of Volunteers All volunteers shall: Take reasonable care to protect their own health and safety. Avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of any other person through any act or omissions at work. Co-operate with with college in ensuring that their workplace is as safe and healthy as is reasonably practicable. Protective equipment must be used where instructed and must not be misused or damaged. Inform Principal of any situation that is likely to pose a health or safety hazard. If leaving the College grounds during the day, volunteers are to sign out and sign in the College attendance registers at the front reception. Page 5
(3) Duties of Volunteers and Visitors Volunteers and other visitors are to sign in and sign out of the College attendance registers. Volunteers and other visitors are to wear issued ID badges when on campus. Volunteers and other visitors are required to obey the safety rules and directions of authorised staff members while on the school s properties. (4) Resolution of Occupational Health and Safety Issues All concerns relating to Occupational Health and Safety issues are to be reported to the Principal. (5) Injury and Incident Reporting Volunteers must: Contact their Supervisor immediately in the event of an injury or incident. Seek medical aid from the Wellness Centre (Nurse) if first aid items aren t readily available where injury occurred. Complete an Injury form in the presence of their Supervisor. (6) Volunteers Requirements before commencing: Volunteers are to be safety inducted and are required to supply applicable documents, agreements and acknowledgements before commencing volunteering at St Brigid s College: Signed General Safety Induction form Completed and signed Volunteer WHS Induction Checklist Working with Children Check (as appropriate) Crimtrac Police Clearance Community Use Agreement (as appropriate) Child Protection Declaration (as appropriate) As a volunteer you must ensure the occupational health and safety of yourself, and any other St Brigid s College Community members. St Brigid s College reserves the right to stop volunteer work being undertaken at this College where it is believed that workplace health and safety regulations or organisational safety requirements are being breached or where members of the College community are exposed to an unacceptable level of risk, until any such breach or condition is satisfactorily rectified. (7) Electrical Equipment Electrical equipment brought on to St Brigid s College and its properties are to be tested and tagged in accordance with the Electrical Safety Standard AS/NZS 3760:2001. Page 6
(8) Smoking In The Workplace Smoking is not permitted on College grounds, in or around College buildings or in College vehicles. (9) Student Safety Safety of students is to be given priority at all times. If there is uncertainty as to whether an activity presents a danger to students, that activity is to be ceased immediately until risks are assessed and appropriately managed. Noisy machinery and equipment is not to be operated in the vicinity of class groups or learning activities unless negotiated with the teacher or person responsible for the group. (10) Personal Protective Equipment St Brigid s College accepts its responsibility to provide personal protective equipment as is necessary. Volunteers and visitors are expected to accept responsibility by wearing or using it as and when required. (11) Other Protection There are numerous other forms of personal protective equipment, such as: Chaps for use when chain sawing (see chainsaws). Respirators for dusts, fumes, mists and other airborne contaminants (see chemicals). Wet weather gear/rubber boots for inclement weather/wet situations. Safety belts and harnesses for work at height or where there is a possibility of falls causing injury. Protective footwear. (12) Alcohol and Drugs Effects from drinking alcohol and drug use can endanger your own safety and those who work with you. Any volunteer or visitor who reports for duty in an unfit condition due to alcohol or other drugs will be asked to leave the college grounds. If you are using medication that may impair your ability to work, immediately notify your supervisor who will if necessary, arrange for alternative duties. (13) Loads/Passengers Drivers are to ensure that passengers and loads are secure before moving. Passengers must not be carried on machines that are not fitted with appropriate seating. Hitching of rides on plant or machinery is prohibited, and drivers are responsible for ensuring that persons are not carried in this manner. All students, staff, volunteers and visitors must wear seatbelts where provided. Page 7
(14) High Visibility Vests High visibility reflective vests shall be worn by all volunteers and visitors working in environments where traffic is present, including the crosswalk environment. (15) Working at Heights St Brigid s College Volunteers and Visitors shall not work on roofs where the eave height above ground level exceeds one storey without having being certified to Work at Heights. Any work over 2 metres requires a Working at Heights certification. Such work is to be carried out by competent employees or contractors who hold a current Working at Heights certification and they will be required to comply with Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. (16) Use of Ladders Inspect ladders before use to ensure that they are in good condition, free from obvious defects, e.g. broken, loose, cracked parts and appropriate for the work being undertaken (e.g. tall enough, electrically safe where required). When positioning a ladder ensure it is: On firm ground. Ensure the ladder has non-slip feet. Used at a slope no greater than four in one ( e.g. base 1 metre out from 4 metre high reach), and setting up stepladders in the fully opened position. Extends at least one metre above the landing point. Secure or tie at both the top and bottom of the ladder to a firm support. Ensure that the ladder is clear of traffic ways and walkways. When working on a ladder: Make sure the ladder is clear of power lines. Use non-conductive ladders when working on live electrical installations. Set up the ladder in places where there is no chance of the ladder being hit or knocked. Leave both hands free to grip the ladder when ascending/descending. Face the ladder rungs when going up or down or when working from the ladder. Ensure footwear and rungs are not slippery. Do not carry equipment or tools, use a rope or hoist to raise or lower these items. Do not leave any tools on ladder steps or tops. Do not use tools that require a high degree of leverage, such as stillsons or pinch bars. This may result in overbalancing or falling. Work from within the ladder stiles and not over-reach. Over-reaching can lead to the ladder tipping sideways. Set extension ladders with the correct amount of overlap, at least two rungs up to four metres, three rungs up to six metres, and four rungs over six metres. Stand on or below the second tread below the top plate of any stepladder. Page 8
Make sure that no one works underneath the ladder and do not allow anyone else to work on the ladder at the same time (Exception: Emergency Services personnel in certain circumstances). (17) Horseplay Fooling or "horseplay" is dangerous. "Horseplay" as applied to your job includes such things as: Fighting with or pushing and shoving another person. Throwing objects. Directing compressed air at another person. Any act that startles or distracts another person. "Horseplay" can result in serious injury and will be subject to disciplinary action. Page 9
JOB SAFETY TASKS Name: Date: / / Company: Location: Description: 1 JOB SAFETY TASK Y N 01 Have you consulted the Asbestos Register? 02 Have you read the site notes for this job? 03 Is workplace near unprotected electrical components? 04 Is isolation of electrical components required for these works? 05 Is hot-work/height/entry etc permits needed for workplace? 06 Do you need Personal Protection Equipment which you don t already have? 07 Do you need a safer means of access to the workplace? 08 Is the work at a height of 2.0M or greater? 09 Is workplace within 2.0M of an unprotected edge/skylight? 10 Does task need manual handling aids or other assistance? 11 Does work involve materials that require Material Safety Data Sheets and other Personal Protective equipment? 12 Do lighting conditions present hazards at this workplace? 13 Are you required to perform this work alone? 14 Are there concerns as to asbestos in this workplace? 15 Do any other aspects detract from safety at this workplace? 16 Have subcontractor Safe Work Method Statements been approved for this workplace? 17 Have you applied control measures for all YES responses? 18 Is this work safe to proceed? 19 Have you updated Site notes with any hazards identified? Number 01 Risk control measures Yes Do not proceed until you have followed the recommendations in the Asbestos Register, Consult the SBC Asbestos Policy and SBS Management Plan Please note that when working at the College if you find material always assume that is it Asbestos and follow the college Asbestos Management Policy and Asbestos Management Plan which can be located in the Risk and Compliance Officer s Office and a copy is held with the Property and Works Manager. 18 Yes Proceed with work 17 Yes Proceed with work 16 Yes Proceed with work 02 Yes I have read them Personal Protective Equipment Used NEVER CONTINUE WITH A JOB UNLESS YOU ARE CONFIDENT THAT ALL SAFETY ISSUES ARE ADEQUATELY CONTROLLED. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS DO NOT CONTINUE AND IMMEDIATELY CONTACT YOUR LINE MANAGER OR SUPERVISOR FOR ADVICE. I declare that I fully understand the safety requirements listed for this job and undertake to comply in full with these requirements at all times while performing my duties and ensure adequate safety supervision of apprentices under my charge. SIGNED: Page 10
St Brigid s College Occupational Safety and Health Policy Issue Date: 2012 Reviewed: 2015 Date for Review: 2017 RATIONALE Dignity, safety and wellbeing of people are central to the Church s teaching. Mercy Education Ltd acknowledges this and recognises that it is obligated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (the OSH Act) together with the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 (the Regulations) to ensure a safe and healthy environment for staff, students, contractors and other individuals. POLICY STATEMENT St Brigid s College is unequivocally committed to recognising that every person has the right to a safe and healthy working environment and that each individual has a prime responsibility to co-operate in the preservation and improvement of all occupational health and safety measures of College activities. St Brigid s College considers prevention of injury or ill-health to all individuals foremost in conducting its activities. Therefore, St Brigid s College is not only committed to ensuring that all legislative requirements are met, but to maintaining a position of excellence through a systematic and preventative approach in handling the occupational, safety, health and welfare issues affecting its activities. St Brigid s College will: ensure the safety, health and welfare of all employees, students, their parents, community members, contractors and other persons who are legally present on school premises. School premises include places away from a school campus such as a campsite or where school excursions may take place from time to time develop, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working environment that seeks to minimise the risk of injury or illness for such people create a culture of safety that precipitates the development, maintenance and promotion of a healthy working environment ensure that adequate financial, physical and human resources are available to support the management of occupational safety and health in the school provide the necessary direction and support to ensure St Brigid s College meets its responsibility and accountabilities under the requirements legislation and to provide clear guidelines for all College employees, students and others in meeting their legal obligations. This Policy will be reviewed every two years or in response to legislative changes. Dr Amelia Toffolli PRINCIPAL Page 11
RISK ASSESSMENT Note: Use this Risk Assessment for a high or extreme risk activity where a Guideline does not already exist. If a Guideline exists for your activity, it is to be adhered to and completed as your Risk Assessment (E.g. Camps and Excurisions/Incursions have Guidelines and procedures). Activity Description: Teachers/Leaders: Class / Groups: Start Date: Supervision ratio: No. of Students: Finish Date Use this risk assessment matrix as a guide to assess the inherent risk level. Likelihood 5 Almost Certain Consequence 1 Insignificant 2 Minor 3 Moderate 4 Major 5 Critical Medium Medium High Extreme Extreme 4 Likely Low Medium High High Extreme 3 Possible Low Medium High High High 2 Unlikely Low Low Medium Medium High 1 Rare Low Low Low Low Medium Indicate the assessed risk level and undertake the actions required for that level of risk. Low Medium High Inherent Risk Little chance of incident or injury. Some chance of an incident and injury requiring first aid. Likely chance of a serious incident and injury requiring medical treatment Extreme High chance of a serious incident resulting in highly debilitating injury Action Required/Approval Manage through regular planning processes Document controls in planning documents and complete this Risk Assessment Consider obtaining parental/carer permission. Risk Assessment is required. Principal or SLT approval is required before conducting this activity. Once approved, activity details are to be kept with the Communications Officer. Obtaining parent permission is recommended. Consider alternative activity. A Risk Assessment is required. Principal approval is required prior to conducting this activity. Once approved, the activity details are to be kept with the Communications officer. Parental/carer permission is required. Page 12
INCIDENT AND ACCIDENT REPORT NAME: DATE OF BIRTH: HOUSE: YEAR: INDICATE PERSON INVOLVED STUDENT STAFF PARENT VISITOR INDICATE EVENT TYPE ILLNESS INJURY NEAR MISS WORK RELATED INJURY PARENT / GUARDIAN / Next Of Kin NAME: CONTACT DETAILS: DATE/TIME OCCURRED: DATE/TIME REPORTED: REPORTED TO: DESCRIBE DETAILS OF WHAT HAPPENED: (e.g. include if chemicals used, equipment used, work being done, type of injury, safety equipment used, factors influencing the event, etc) INJURY ILLNESS (sprain, cut, rash, fever, fitting, burn,) TREATMENT GIVEN: PART OF BODY AFFECTED: (e.g left leg, right ear) ACCIDENT / INJURY SITE (oval, gym, pool) TREATED BY First aider Nurse Staff Other NOTIFICATION TO Parent/Guardian Head of boarding Director of Business Risk & Compliance Manager Nurse Other TRANSFER DETAILS Home Hospital Ambulance (000) Return to work / school Refer to GP Other WITNESSES: WITNESS DETAILS: Your signature: Date: Action by: Page 13
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General Safety Induction Acknowledgement I acknowledge receiving a General Safety Induction for Employees, Contractors and Volunteers. I have read and understood these general safety rules, procedures and systems and will follow the instructions contained herein. Explanation of my rights and responsibilities has been provided to me by the College where appropriate. If I am unsure about any of the Induction I will seek guidance from a Supervisor / Team Leader. EMPLOYEE RELIEF / CASUAL CONTRACTOR VOLUNTEER Name in Full: Signature: [BLOCK LETTERS] Position Held/Occupation: Name of School / Company: Date: / / Office Use Only: Synergetic entered by Date / / (BLOCK LETTERS) Page 15
St Brigid s College Professional Attire Policy Date of Issue: 2011 Date of Last Review: 2016 Date of Next Review: 2018 The Professional Attire Policy has been developed to act as a guide in defining appropriate dress wear for all staff at St Brigid s College. It is acknowledged that there are working environments in which clothing outside these guidelines may be appropriate, for example excursions, some practical lessons and carnivals. Rationale The Professional Attire Policy aims to assist staff in projecting a professional image to the wider community and to model for the students in our care. Consistent with these roles, all employees shall dress in a manner and have an appearance that is appropriate and professional in light of the environment in which we work, the duties of our jobs, and the young persons that we serve. Staff are asked to dress in a manner reflecting the status and dignity of their position as a staff member in a Catholic school. The expression of individuality and personal style should still be seen to reinforce and contribute towards upholding a professional atmosphere and image. In relation to dress, all staff should set a standard for students. Hence, staff should adopt a style and standard of dress no less formal than that which is expected of the students. Scope For all staff and volunteers at St Brigid s College. Principles 1. St Brigid s College Staff are required to dress in a manner suited to their professional workplace and in keeping with the high standards set in Catholic schools. 2. Teachers are required to dress in a manner reflecting the status of their profession. Parent Information Evenings, Parent Teacher Interviews, Presentation Night, Sacramental Celebrations and Year Twelve Valediction are examples of occasions when staff are required to dress formally. Exceptions to Page 16
this include retreats, camps, casual dress days and some excursions where staff can be more casually dressed. 3. Staff whose teaching duties require greater physical mobility (for example Junior School Classes, Physical Education, Outdoor Recreation and Dance) may dress suitably to permit ease of movement and ensure safety. However, dress standards should remain conservative and professional at all times. Staff undertaking activities in the outdoors are required to adopt appropriate SunSmart Practices as modelled to our students. This includes - clothing that covers as much skin as possible, SPF 30+ sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses. 4. All Staff are encouraged to be SunSmart for example, wear a hat whenever they are required on Yard Duty, teaching or supervising in Terms One and Four. 5. While maintaining dress standards the College is mindful of encompassing the necessary Occupational Health and Safety issues as part of the standards of dress. Therefore, some variations may be required on an individual basis. 6. Any member of staff may, for medical reasons, be exempt from specific standards. This should be discussed with a member of the College Senior Leadership Team. Procedures - Appropriate Attire The following outlines requirements for everyday wear at the College, in order to project a professional image and for staff to serve as an appropriate role model for the students of the College. Hence, staff are required to dress in a professional and conservative manner as interpreted Female Staff Attire The Standard Skirts and dresses are to be worn to an appropriate length Trousers must be tailored Sheer fabrics can only be worn with appropriate undergarment(s) No gaping armholes or necklines, low-cut, backless, halter neck or thin strapped (i.e. spaghetti strapped ) dresses or tops No casual wear such as denim clothing (including jeans), shorts (of any type), t- shirts containing slogans/advertising ( dress tops made of t-shirt material are permitted), tracksuit, windcheaters or casual three quarter pants (tailored three quarter pants are acceptable) No casual footwear, including thongs or slides. Dress sandals are acceptable. Footwear must be maintained at an appropriate state of repair and be suitable for the environment in which you are working. No visible tattoos Body piercings should be limited to, two piercings in each ear lobe Hair should be clean, combed and neatly trimmed or arranged. Page 17
Male Staff Attire The Standard Long or short-sleeved business shirts are to be worn A tie in Terms Two and Three (in line with the expectation placed on students) and encouraged for Terms One and Four Business trousers No casual wear including denim clothing (including jeans), shorts of any type, t-shirts containing slogans/advertising, tracksuit, windcheaters or three quarter pants No casual footwear, including thongs or slides. Footwear must be maintained at an appropriate state of repair. No visible tattoos Body piercings should be limited to, two piercings in each ear lobe. Hair should be clean, combed and neatly trimmed or arranged. Sideburns, moustaches, and beards should be neatly trimmed. Physical Education/Dance Staff The Standard Sun Smart principles are adhered to in relation to dress standards A collared (polo) t-shirt Skirts or shorts that are appropriate in length and not too short or tight fitting (Bike shorts are not appropriate attire to be worn). Sports shoes maintained at an appropriate state of repair. Track suits are appropriate wear. Staff who teach Physical Education/Dance are able to wear Physical Education/Dance attire all day even if only teaching one period. Staff involved in after-school sport are to wear normal clothes until as late as possible during the day. Maintenance/Grounds/Pool and Canteen/Kitchen Staff - The Standard Staff working in areas of potential hazard should dress appropriately for safety and health. This applies to footwear which should be safe for the relevant working environment. Laboratory Technicians - The Standard Staff working in these areas may wear outer protective garments but normal appropriate standards of dress and grooming apply. Page 18
Attire With College Crests There are a number of items available for staff to wear which contain either the College crest and/or House logo. Staff may wear these items on suitable occasions such as House Focus Days, Athletics Carnivals or when involved in activities requiring a more casual approach to dress standards. Formal Occasions Staff are expected to dress more formally for occasions such as Parent Information Evenings, Parent Teacher Interviews, Presentation Night, Sacramental Celebrations and Year Twelve Valediction Occupational Health and Safety Standards Staff are expected to adhere to the relevant Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and wear the required personal protective equipment specific to the activity. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) relevant to the hazardous items used in activity/s are to be followed. For example closed in footwear, appropriate gloves and eye or protection when conducting science experiments or when teaching Food Technology. Slips and falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injury. St Brigid s College greatest priority is keeping our employees safe and healthy. The most important protection against slip/falls and feet injuries is to wear appropriate comfortable footwear that suits the uneven terrain at the college. Staff are responsible for choosing appropriate footwear that suits their job responsibilities and the environment. Monitoring the Standard The appropriate Curriculum/Year Team Leaders and Line Managers will monitor the application of this Policy. If required, they may bring to the attention of the Senior Leadership Team any staff within their area whose standard of dress does not meet with the guidelines of this policy. Page 19