Common risks in childcare cetnres

How to keep your centre safe and your staff happy

Creating a safe workplace is the responsibility of everyone working there. It’s important that all hazards are reported to employers so they can ensure a safe working environment. 

This week we take a look at the list of common risks and hazards in Early childhood education and care and the positive impact prioritizing safety can have on the workplace.


Common Risks & Hazards

Worksafe Victoria has identified the following common hazards & risks in their ‘Early childhood education and care: Safety Basics’ factsheet

* Lifting, carrying and moving children and objects

* Working at low levels (on the floor or children’s furniture)

* Slips, trips and falls, for example on the floor or children’s furniture

* Standing on chairs and tables to put artwork up

* Communicable diseases

* Work-related stress

* Bullying and harassment


Positive Impacts of a safe workplace.

Prioritising safety will have a positive impact on the workplace and not just in regards to the main goal of less injuries, it can also;

  • Strengthen the employee / employer relationships 

  • Increase motivation

  • Foster a caring environment &  open communication 

  • Make the workplace a happy place to work 

  • Encourage discussion around OH&S issues

  • Minimises injury & claims 


The Detailed Facts

This fact sheet from Worksafe Victoria* provides further information on risk assessment, and the roles and responsibilities of the employee and the employer in maintaining a safe workplace.

*this information covers Victorian workplaces, make sure you seek information relevant to your state.