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AIM
To implement a management system that reduces risk and protects the Health, Safety and Welfare of children, families. Carers, Staff, sponsorsand visitors to the service by keeping them informed and up to date with the OH&S Act and other Regulations through consultation training and implementation of appropriate procedures.
RATIONALE
This OH&S policy document is the “umbrella” for a range of procedures, and in some instances workplace instructions, in accordance with the OH&S regulations and other pertinent legislative requirements. This policy and procedures apply to all Staff, Carers, clients, visitors, families and all others who are in contact with the Family Day Care service.
The purpose of this document is to ensure:
• Legislative requirements are met
• Provision, maintenance and promotion of a healthy work environment
• The policy and procedures are communicated to all relevant parties
• Consultation and co-operation with all involved in the service to implement, maintain, monitor and review risk management
• Access to ongoing professional development in OH&S issues
• Maintenance of appropriate records for all aspects of OH&S management
This applies to:
Licensee: Body licensed under current NSW Children’s Services Regulations to provide Family Day Care Services
Employer: Includes Licensee and a Career as a self-employed person (per Ch1, Clause 3, Pg 28 OH&S Regulation)
Carer: Self-employed small business owner providing Family Day Care.
Employee: Co-ordination Unit Staff
Stakeholders: All parties involved in provision and utilization of the Family Day Care Service
Visitors: Any other person present in the work environment
STRATEGIES
The Employer (including the Sponsor of Co-ordination Unit and Self-employed Carers) must ensure:
a) The health, safety and welfare of employees in the work environment
b) The premises controlled by the employer is safe, and without risks to health
c) Materials and equipment provided are safe and free from risks to health when properly used
d) Systems of work and the working environments are safe and without risks to health
e) Provision of information, instruction training/supervision to promote health and safety including adult immunisation
f) Documentation and safe work procedures are developed, maintained, reviewed and retained in accordance with the Act
g) Provision of adequate facilities for the welfare of employees and those present in the work environments
h) That people (other than employees of the employer) are not exposed to risk to their health, safety or wellbeing whilst attending the work environments
i) Consultation with employees in relation to implementing, maintaining monitoring and reviewing OH&S systems
j) Reasonable allocation of resources for ongoing OH&S implementation
The Licensee is responsible for:
a) Ensuring compliance with current licensing standards and legislative requirements
b) Counseling and disciplinary action in relation to an employee’s non-compliance
c) Removing a Carer’s name from the register for non-compliance with legislative requirements
d) Notifying relevant legislative bodies of significant instances of non-compliance
As Carers are self-employed small business operators they are responsible for the implementation, maintenance, monitoring and review of OH&S systems within their own work environment. This might include, but is not limited to:
a) Daily risk audit
b) Accident/incident report systems
c) Food handling procedures
d) Infection control
e) Sun safety
f) Excursions
g) Visitors register
h) Road and car safety procedures
i) Risk management systems
j) Glass/electrical audits
k) Informing the Co-ordination Unit of changes to their environment or work practices which may have an impact on health and safety
l) Injury management procedures
The Employee (Co-ordination Unit Staff) will:
a) Take reasonable care of their own and other’s health, welfare and safety through their own actions or omissions in all work environments (including office, vehicle, playgroup, excursions, Carer’s home etc)
b) Whilst at work co-operate reasonable with his/her employer to ensure compliance with OH&S regulations
c) Empower Cares to implement a risk management approach to health and safety in their work environment
d) Monitor and ensure compliance with licensing standards in relation to grounds, buildings equipment and amenities
e) Inform Carers about legislative requirements
f) Monitoring and supporting Carers in their compliance with appropriate regulations and legislation
g) Provide access to information on appropriate use of Co-ordination Unit equipment
REQUIREMENTS OF REGULATIONS OR OTHER STANDARDS
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001
Relevant OH&S standards
NSW Children’s Services Regulation 2004
National Childcare Accreditation Council Quality Practices Guide, 2nd edition 2004, Family Daycare Quality Assurance, Principle 4.1, 5.4, 6.1
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