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.
