Committee of Management

Position Description

OH&S Officer
(Occupational Health & Safety)

Position Objective:

Like any business, all kindergartens and childcare centres in Australia must adhere to OH&S legislation. Workplace health and safety is covered in Victoria by 2 pieces of legislation:

  • The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004; and
  • The Accident Compensation Action 1985 (Amended 2007)

Everyone involved in the kinder has a role to play in regards to safety – committee, employees, contractors and parents. The owners of the kinder building (the council) have legal OH&S obligations, relating to the maintenance of safety.

The OH&S Officer assists and supports:

  • in maintaining a high standard of health, safety and risk management processes.
  • in conjunction with the Committee of Management and staff, maintains a high priority to ensure the safety of employees and any others who attend the kindergarten.
  • the Committee in ensuring the children attending the kindergarten are in an environment that is healthy and safe.

MAIN TASKS:

  • In consultation with the staff and Committee review OH&S policies and procedures.
  • Co-ordinate the provision of OH&S information and training for staff and committee as required
  • In conjunction with the staff, completion workplace inspections
  • Provide opportunity for staff consultation in the provision of health and safety
  • Promote discussion of issues through having OH&S as an agenda item at each monthly Committee meeting
  • Maintenance of an ongoing OH&S action plan
  • Oversee completion of safety records and documentation where necessary
  • Oversee the safe use and storage of chemicals
  • Ensure staff are completing and filing daily safety checks (staff are required to scan the indoor and outdoor environment on a daily basis for any potential hazards)
  • Complete a workplace hazard assessment with a staff member once per term and update the OH&S improvement plan, raising any new items at monthly Committee meetings
  • Communicate maintenance to Maintenance Officer
  • Report on current and ongoing safety issues at month Committee meetings
  • Review Safety Policy Annually
  • Liaise with staff to organise Emergency Management Plan drills once per term
  • Regularly review chemicals being used and stored in the kinder and maintain a register of chemical data sheets
  • Compete hazard assessments as safety issues arise, bringing them to the attention of the Committee and staff and ensuring that such issues are seen through to resolution.
  • Review OH&S training needs annually and make recommendations to the Committee
  • Ensure President is informed of any serious injuries, incidents or near misses resulting from OH&S matters.

This is not an executive role, but the OH&S Officer is a full voting member of the Committee.