Audits conducted to improve work health and safety in childcare centres
As part of our ongoing commitment to improve work health and safety standards, between 2 November 2020 and 31 March 2021, WorkSafe ACT visited 45 childcare centres, issuing 179 improvement notices and 2 prohibition notices for work health and safety breaches. The prohibition notices were issued due to safety risks from exposed wires on an electrical power board and a damaged lead on a vacuum.
Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, said this initiative was part of a proactive campaign to improve worker safety at childcare centres.
“When our inspectors visited these centres, they found a range of work health and safety issues which put workers at risk.
“Trending issues included not having procedures to safely store chemicals (such as cleaning products), no safety data sheets about hazardous chemicals and not regularly testing and tagging electrical equipment.
“We also found it concerning that a number of centres didn’t have procedures in place to handle situations of occupational violence. By having these processes in place, employers can help prevent or minimise the risks of violence and aggression towards staff members.
“Employers are reminded they have a duty to protect their staff, and one way they can do this, is by assessing workplace risks and implementing safe systems of work.
“Everyone has the right to work in a safe and healthy workplace.”
Media contact
Amy Pedley
02 6205 4074
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