Milkwood Steiner School Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing (OHSW) Policy & Manual

Transcription

Milkwood Steiner School
Occupational Health, Safety
& Wellbeing (OHSW)
Policy & Manual
BACKGROUND
Number of pages: 63
Appendices: 35
Version: 3
Status: Endorsed
Reviewed by: Policy Review committee (JF), EA (MS), COT, Admin (LS)
Endorsed by; MSSA board
Date endorsed: 08/01/2014
Chairperson: Simon Stafford
Signature:
Next Review: 2015
Monitored by: Educational Administrator
Document location: Office(//NAS)(O)/Policies
Additional information:
DOCUMENT HISTORY
Version
Date
Nature of Amendment
1
2006
2
Feb 2010
MSSA OH&S Policy & Guidelines 2010
MSSA Duty Of Care Policy & relevant Guidelines 2010
3
8/2/2014
Combined various guidelines into one policy manual through the
adoption of TASS document base. Updated new legislation
requirements.
3.1
7/3/2014
Corrected date above. Added “bush block duty first aid kit” to Part 8
and the applicable appendix.
3.2
19/05/2014
Screening of School Based Personnel -Guideline
Improper conduct of a sexual nature against a student by any person
associated with Milkwood Steiner School - Guideline
Page 11 redlined hazard categories.
Revised & renamed “maintenance_hazard report form” to
“maintenance_hazard / risk assessment report form”, to clarify the form
to use for risk assessments.
“Weekly outdoor inspection checklist” – admin building added.
This document must be published on the school website and
available in hard copy from the Front Office.
Table of Contents
1. POLICY........................................................................................................................ 4
2. ALLOCATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES ....................................... 6
3. CONTRACTOR SAFETY ................................................................................................. 8
4. VISITOR SAFETY .......................................................................................................... 9
5. PURCHASING PROCEDURE ........................................................................................ 10
6. RISK MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................. 11
7. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND DANGEROUS GOODS ............................................... 18
8. ADMINISISTRATION OF MEDICINE AND FIRST AID ..................................................... 20
Applying General First Aid ................................................................................. 24
Diagnosed Short term Conditions ...................................................................... 26
Notified Medical Conditions................................................................................ 26
9. INFECTION AND DISEASE CONTROL ........................................................................... 30
Meliodosis .......................................................................................................... 31
Head Lice / Nits.................................................................................................. 32
10. FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................... 33
11. MISSING CHILD ......................................................................................................... 37
12. UNAUTHORISED PERSONS ON SITE ........................................................................... 39
13. BOMB THREAT.......................................................................................................... 41
14. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT SAFETY ............................................................................... 43
15. NATURAL DISASTERS AND SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS (Including cyclones) ................ 45
16. SUN AND HEAT PROTECTION .................................................................................... 48
17. MANUAL TASKS ........................................................................................................ 50
18. CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES ...................................................................................... 51
19. ASBESTOS ................................................................................................................. 52
20. GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING ......................................................................................... 53
21. SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT POLICY......................................................................... 54
22. WORKPLACE HARRASMENT ...................................................................................... 55
23. DOMESTIC ANIMALS ................................................................................................. 57
24. WILDLIFE / SNAKE DRILL ........................................................................................... 58
Snake Drill.......................................................................................................... 58
25. YOUNG WORKERS .................................................................................................... 60
26. CASH HANDLING ....................................................................................................... 61
27. KEY SECURITY ........................................................................................................... 62
28. LADDERS AND WORK PLATFORMS ............................................................................ 64
29. APPENDICES A - Z...................................................................................................... 65
2 OHSW Policy Manual Version 3: 08/01/2014
UPDATING THIS MANUAL
Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing is an area of constant improvement and
development and as such, this document represents a “Moment in Time”.
As Milkwood Steiner School has a philosophy of continuous improvement, this
Policy Manual will be treated as a “living” document and will, from time to time, be
subjected to amendments and reviews.
Substantive changes to the policy require board approval, whereas all other
changes can be made by management without board approval.
Staff and community will be advised of updates to this manual and copies will be
provided upon request.
Not withstanding the ongoing process of revision, the entire document shall be
subject to a comprehensive review in 2016.
1. POLICY
It is the policy of Milkwood Steiner School to conduct all activities in such a manner
that will:
1. Ensure that the safety of staff, children, students and the public is at all times
paramount; and
2. Actively encourages a culture of safe working practices both at the school
and at home.
In order to support this policy we are committed to:
1. Comply with the relevant Legislation, Advisory Standards, Codes of Practice
and Industry Standards and make adequate provision of resources to meet
these requirements.
2. Embrace a duty of care that protects all persons from harm, injury, illness or
abuse.
3. Administer and constantly improving risk management systems.
4. Continuous improvement of our safety procedures and practices.
5. Ongoing consultation with all stakeholders when reviewing policies.
6. Consulting with employees to identify and resolve workplace health and
safety matters in a timely fashion.
7. Working with employees to appoint a Workplace Health and Safety employee
representative
8. Maintaining and storing documents and records in accordance with
legislative requirements.
9. Providing all staff with ongoing professional development and training in all
aspects of their duties.
10. Maintaining a “best practice” ideal in response to legislative development.
11. Ensuring that all policies are transparent and available for any relevant
person to access.
Background
The Northern Territory has become party to National Uniform Legislation for Work
Health and Safety. As a result there is a new NT Work Health and Safety Act as of 1
Jan 2012, as well as Regulations and Codes of Practice.
Purpose
1. Ensure that all stakeholders are aware of Milkwood Steiner School’s
commitment to Health and Safety;
2. To ensure that all buildings and equipment are safe;
3. Promote Health and Safety throughout Milkwood Steiner School workforce
and activities.
4. Ensure that all workers comply with Health and Safety requirements and
maintain all required documentation.
Relevant Legislation
The list below includes some of the most relevant documents, however there are
many others (as well as, e.g. Standards, Material Data Safety Sheets) which will
apply to specific situations.
Important online resource sites include

NT WorkSafe
www.worksafe.nt.gov.au

Safe Work Australia
www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority
www.acecqa.gov.au
Legislation

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (NATIONAL UNIFORM LEGISLATION) ACT
2011

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (NATIONAL UNIFORM LEGISLATION)
IMPLEMENTATION ACT 2011

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (NATIONAL UNIFORM LEGISLATION)
REGULATIONS

National Quality Standards for Early Childhood Education and Care and
School Age Care 2009
Codes of Practice

NT WorkSafe First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice

How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice
Also Important
The NT regulator for work health and safety (OHS) compliance is NT Worksafe. It
is important to be familiar with their website on www.worksafe.nt.gov.au
2. ALLOCATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Each person with an obligation for health and safety will meet that obligation at all
times and to the best of their ability.
2. Milkwood Steiner School Association (MSSA) Board is identified as ‘the person
conducting a business or undertaking’ for the purposes of the Northern Territory
Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011. It has statutory
obligations under Part 2 of the NT Workplace Health and Safety Act, to ensure
that Milkwood Steiner School complies with the Act.
3. MSSA Board is the employer and as such has overall responsibility for the health
and safety of workers, other persons performing work for the purposes of the
business and visitors to the workplace. They must also ensure others are not
exposed to risks arising from business activities.
4. The responsibilities of the employer include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Ensuring workers and others are not exposed to risks to health and safety
arising from the conduct of the employer’s business;
b. Ensuring that the workplace, and the means of entering and leaving it are
safe;
c. Ensuring workplace infrastructure, equipment and materials are safe;
d. Ensuring safe systems of work;
e. Ensuring employees are adequately consulted about workplace health and
safety issues in accordance with the requirements of the NT Work Health &
Safety Act.
f. Providing information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure health
and safety.
5.
The Educational Administrator is identified as the “Person in Charge” of the
workplace by the MSSA Board and is required to implement Work Health and
Safety systems to fulfil the responsibilities of the MSSA Board. This includes a
responsibility to consult with workers to enable the workers to contribute to the
making of decisions affecting their health and safety at work. In the absence of
an Educational Administrator, the Educational Administrator’s responsibilities
defaults to the School Manager/ Business Manager or an employee appointed
by the MSSA Board to act on their behalf. This person has the same
responsibility as the Educational Administrator.
6.
The Educational Administrator under delegation from the MSSA Board is
responsible for the management and control over day-to-day operations of
Milkwood Steiner School. The Educational Administrator’s role will be
a. To ensure the risk of injury or illness from a workplace is minimised for
persons coming onto the workplace to work;
b. To ensure that all persons who enter or impact upon the workplace operate
at all times to eliminate or minimise the risks association with the operation of
the school.
c. To ensure the school Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing policies and
procedures are at all times adhered to;
d. To ensure employees are adequately consulted about workplace health and
safety issues in accordance with the requirements of the NT Work Health &
Safety Act.
e. To encourage and support the formation and maintenance of Health & Safety
Workgroup(s) of employees including, if elected, a Occupational Health,
Safety and Wellbeing Representative “OHSWR”.
7.
The Northern Territory Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation)
Act 2011 lists the functions of a WHSR as being:
a. to represent the workers in the work group in matters relating to work health
and safety; and
b. to monitor the measures taken by the person conducting the relevant
business or undertaking or that person's representative in compliance with
this Act in relation to workers in the work group; and
c. to investigate complaints from members of the work group relating to work
health and safety; and
d. to inquire into anything that appears to be a risk to the health or safety of
workers in the work group, arising from the conduct of the business or
undertaking.
8.
‘Workers’ include employees, trainees, contractors and sub-contractors and
their employees, labour hire employees, volunteers, or workers in any other
capacity. All have the same obligations under the Act, including to
take reasonable care for his or her own health and safety; and
take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the
health and safety of other persons; and
comply, so far as the worker is reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction that
is given by the person conducting the business or undertaking to allow the person to
comply with this Act; and
cooperate with any reasonable policy or procedure of the person conducting the
business or undertaking relating to health or safety at the workplace that has been
notified to workers.
9.
Milkwood Steiner School expects that all workers will willingly engage in
consultation and training about health and safety, including being open to
suggestions made by the employer, and reporting issues they consider may
give rise to a health or safety risk.
10. Workers who fail to meet their obligations shall be subject to disciplinary
proceedings, including official warnings and in the case of serious breaches,
immediate termination of employment.
3. CONTRACTOR SAFETY
Policy
1. Milkwood Steiner School will only engage contractors who demonstrate a
commitment to health and safety. The school will actively work to ensure the
health and safety of any contractors engaged;
2. The Educational Administrator is responsible for ensuring that health and safety
issues are included into any contractual arrangements and that all contractors
are appropriately briefed on health and safety issues before commencing work.
This will include providing the contractor with a copy of this policy;
3. All Contractors will be appropriately qualified;
4. All Contractors shall sign-in to the Visitors Register (See Appendix) at Front
Office on arrival and sign-out on departure and be authorised by a staff
member;
5. Contractors conducting construction work will be provided a set of Contractor
Rules (See Appendix) on health and safety including hazards that are present in
the workplace;
6. Contractor will notify the school of any hazards which the contractor may cause;
7. Contractor will comply with the safety requirements of the school and all
applicable laws and standards pertaining to the work undertaken;
8. Visitors are asked to use the staff toilet in the amenities block or the
administration building.
4. VISITOR SAFETY
Policy
1. Milkwood Steiner School works actively to ensure the health and safety of all
visitors to the school. All staff are responsible for ensuring that these
procedures are followed.
2. All visitors must be authorised by reporting to Front Office staff on arrival and
signing the Visitors Register (See Appendix). Sign-in does not include
parents who are picking up or dropping off students, or attending classroom
meetings organised by their child’s teacher.
3. Visitors must return to the Front Office for authorised departure.
4. Visitors are to be advised of any Safety Policies and Procedures that may be
relevant to the purpose and/or time of their visit.
5. The school must have a current ochre card on file for authorised visitors who
are not under direct supervision.
6. Any person found on the premises unescorted will be asked by any staff
member who observes them if they require assistance and then will direct the
person back to the Educational Administrator.
7. All non-public access areas shall be marked by clear signage and/or locked
doors shall restrict entry.
8. In the event of a fire or other emergency, staff are responsible for ensuring
that the visitors are evacuated to safety.
9. Visitors are asked to use the staff toilet in the amenities block or the
administration building.
5. PURCHASING PROCEDURE
Policy
1.
All materials, equipment and substances that are purchased or donated and
brought into Milkwood Steiner School shall be examined and assessed against
the Risk Assessment Matrix on the Maintenance_hazard / risk assessment
report form (see Appendix) to ensure that they do not present a hazard to
children, workers, contractors or visitors;
2.
Prior to the purchase of any regular consumable item for the school, the
Educational Administrator or delegate must ensure the appropriate Australian
Standard is listed on the purchase order or requested from the Supplier.
Following pick up or delivery, purchases must be checked to ensure they
comply with the school’s requirements by observing the Standards Australia
mark on the item or by a specific examination of the item prior to use;
3.
Non- standard or donated goods and substances:
3.1 Prior to the use of any new non-regular or donated materials,
equipment, machinery or hazardous substances a risk assessment
shall be carried out when, in the opinion of the Educational
Administrator it is required. Any risk assessment shall be conducted in
accordance with the risk management procedure in this manual;
4.
Where major items (in excess of $5,000 value) are to be purchased, a
specification for the required item will be developed. The specification for
major purchases will include the requirements for meeting all relevant
Australian Standards or other safety references as required. Whenever
possible the Educational Administrator will ensure that all major equipment
which is being purchased is inspected at the supplier’s premises prior to
delivery and that it complies with all agreed standards;
5.
Any substance or chemical purchase shall be preceded by the school viewing
the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the product. The staff member
should note that the MSDS must state clearly whether or not the substance is
hazardous;
6.
Hazardous goods will be dealt with in accordance with the Hazardous
Substances and Dangerous Goods policy in this manual;
7.
Non-hazardous goods shall be marked as such and the MSDS shall be kept
on file for access by any users of the product;
8.
Where services are being purchased checks will be undertaken to ensure that
the supplier is suitably qualified and experienced to undertake the service
required;
9.
All records of risk assessments, purchasing decisions and details provided by
the suppliers will be kept by the school;
10. All staff will be advised of the school’s commitment to purchasing and using
safe and healthy products as a part of general induction, and then annually.
6. RISK MANAGEMENT
Policy
All staff at Milkwood Steiner School and volunteers from the community shall ensure
that hazards within the workplace are identified, risks are assessed and appropriate
control measures are chosen, implemented, monitored and reviewed effectively.
The meaning of key terms
Hazard means a situation or thing that has the potential to harm a person. Hazards
at work may include: noisy machinery, a moving forklift, chemicals, electricity,
working at heights, a repetitive job, bullying and violence at the workplace.
Risk is the possibility that harm (death, injury or illness) might occur when exposed
to a hazard.
Risk control means taking action to eliminate health and safety risks so far as is
reasonably practicable, and if that is not possible, minimising the risks so far as is
reasonably practicable. Eliminating a hazard will also eliminate any risks associated
with that hazard.
Hazard Identification
1.The school identifies hazards in two categories.
a. Ongoing hazards that require specific policies and/or procedures to
control risk.
Ongoing hazards or hazardous situations include:
I.
Biological (blood, bodily fluid, virus, food handling)
II.
Environment (storms/weather, temperature, sun exposure,
water/creeks, noise, snakes & other animals/insects
III.
Chemical (non-hazardous and hazardous)
IV.
Energy Systems (Electricity, Gas)
V.
Facilities (entry & exits, buildings, carpark, furniture, playground
equipment)
VI.
Machinery Plant and Equipment (hand tools, vehicles,
machinery)
VII.
Manual Tasks (working at heights, repetitive work, restricted
spaces)
VIII.
People (intruders, psychological stress, bullying/behaviour)
b. Situational hazards that arise and can be eliminated quickly and
immediately.
2. All staff, as they move through the school site, should regularly observe ‘how
things are done’ with a view to predicting what could or might go wrong.
3.
Table 1 lists examples of common hazards
Table 1
Hazard
Potential harm
Manual tasks
Overexertion or repetitive movement can cause
muscular strain
Gravity
Falling objects, falls, slips and trips of people can
cause fractures, bruises, lacerations, dislocations,
concussion, etc
Electricity
Potential ignition source. Exposure to live electrical
wires can cause shock, burns or death from
electrocution
Machinery and
equipment
Faulty playground equipment, being hit by moving
vehicles, may cause serious injury
Rubbish & discarded
materials
Risks puncture wounds and falls
Extreme temperatures or
exposure to radiation
Heat can cause burns, heat stroke or fatigue
Exposure to chemicals
Can cause rashes, respiratory difficulties or sickness
Access to high risk areas
Children may encounter greater risk in environments
such as the workshop, shed etc
Biological
Micro-organisms can cause cross infection
Psychosocial hazards
Effects of work-related stress, bullying, violence and
work-related fatigue
4.
The processes the school uses to identify hazards are:
A. Review of Incidents of Near Misses recorded in the Incident Register as
soon as possible after the event. A review of the underlying causes (The
Hazard) will then take place.
B. Daily Inspections. All staff are expected to demonstrate ongoing
vigilance in the workplace by conducting a daily Hazard check of their
work area measuring it against the Risk Assessment Matrix on the
Hazard_Maintenace Report Form (See Appendix). Of particular concern
is where there has been any change made to the environment, e.g. new
furniture or equipment, or activities. This includes whatever areas the
worker may be on duty. Resolve issues immediately, completely and
without likelihood of recurrence if possible, otherwise it becomes a future
job by assessing, communicating and controlling the maintenance and/or
hazard following the process outlined below.
C. Weekly Inspections: A Work Health and Safety Representative or a
person appointed by the Educational Administrator will conduct general
weekly ground inspections using the OHSW Inspection Checklist –Weekly
(See Appendix). Resolve issues immediately, completely and without
likelihood of recurrence if possible, otherwise it becomes a future job by
assessing, communicating and controlling the maintenance and/or hazard
following the process outlined below.
D. Bi-annual Inspections: A Work Health Safety Representative or a person
appointed by the Educational Administrator will conduct bi-annual
inspections of the full school property and grounds during semester breaks
using the OHSW Inspection Checklist - Bi-annual (See Appendix) and
Playground Inspection Checklist (See Appendix). This is the same time
routine maintenance and inspections are conducted by professionals to
meet requirements set out in this policy. (See Appendix-Building and
Ground Routine Maintenance)
Risk Assessment
1. When a hazard is identified, a risk assessment shall be undertaken by the
person who has identified the hazard, using the Risk Matrix below that is on
the Maintenance_hazard / risk assessment report form.
2. Risk assessments shall estimate the likelihood and consequences of an
event occurring. In estimating the likelihood of an event taking place,
consideration shall be given to this Risk Assessment Matrix
(Likelihood of incident occurring)
1
2
1
2
3
4
5
(Possible
consequences)
Very
Unlikely
Unlikely
Likely
Very
Likely
Common
No Injury
1
2
3
4
5
2
3
4
5
6
3
4
5
6
7
Slight Injury
(First Aid Only)
Minor Injury
3
(Medical
Treatment)
Serious Injury
4
(Hospital more
than 3 days)
4
5
6
7
8
5
Fatalities
5
6
7
8
9
White= Identify and Monitor;
Light Grey = Address all the basic requirements;
Dark Grey = Intolerable - Active Management
3. Factors to consider when assessing a hazard:

How often the situation occurs;

How many people are exposed;

The duration of exposure to the hazard;

The position of the hazard relative to people and to
other hazards;

The skills and competence of persons potentially at
risk;

Environmental conditions;

Repetition of exposure;

The Condition of equipment;

The effectiveness of existing control measures;

Degree of change and unknown circumstances
Once the “likelihood” has been estimated, the potential consequences shall
be assessed, and a score given to the risk as per the Risk Assessment
Matrix;
4.
Communication - Implementing Control Measures
The staff member who identifies the risk will:
1. Take immediate action to eliminate the risk. If the risk scores a 1 or 2,
there is little or no chance the situation will arise again, and no further
maintenance is required then the matter can be considered closed.
2. Where a hazard score is 1 or 2 and further maintenance is required,
the Maintenance_hazard / risk assessment report form is optional, but
entry into the Maintenance Register (See Appendix) is essential.
3. Where the hazard score is 3 or above the job must be entered into the
Maintenance Register and the Maintenance_hazard / risk assessment
report form must be completed and passed to the Educational
Administrator or Work Health and Safety Representative who is
personally briefed about the matter as soon as possible.
Upon being notified of a hazard, the Educational Administrator, together with the
Work Health and Safety Representative or other appropriate staff member shall
determine if any of the following measures shall be put in place:
1.
Action to eliminate or significantly reduce hazard.
2.
Developing new or amending current work procedures;
3.
Communication of the changes to all staff and other stakeholders;
4.
Providing training and instruction where required;
5.
Supervision to ensure controls are being implemented;
Control Measures
1. Control measures that adequately eliminate or reduce the risk from each
hazard shall be developed and recorded on the Maintenance_hazard / risk
assessment report form;
2. Control measures shall be developed using the “Hierarchy of Controls”:
i.
Elimination – can we completely remove the hazard from the
school?
ii.
Substitution – can we replace the hazard with something else that
is less risk?
iii.
Redesign – can the hazard be redesigned to reduce the risk?
iv.
Isolation – can we lock up or fence off the hazard?
v.
Administration – can we introduce rules, policies and procedures to
make this safer?
vi.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)– can we use PPE to reduce
the risk?
3. In all cases, each stage will be considered before moving down to the next
level;
4. In some cases, it will be necessary to use more than one control measure to
manage the risk;
5. Staff will be advised once control measures are developed, and will be
expected to comply with them.
Review Of Control Measures
1.
Control measures noted on the Maintenance_hazard / risk assessment report
form shall be reviewed by the Educational Administrator in consultation with
the Work Health and Safety Representative or other appropriate staff member
to ensure effective action has been taken.
2.
The review process and result shall be noted on the Maintenance_hazard /
risk assessment report form.
3.
The school shall keep all Maintenance Register records in accordance with
archive requirements
Training and Development
1.
Milkwood Steiner School shall ensure all workers receive all the training
necessary to enable them to perform their work in an efficient and safe
manner.
2.
The Educational Administrator is responsible for identifying and addressing
the training needs of each worker within the school. All staff have a
responsibility for on-going learning and continuous improvement.
3.
All new staff will undertake a site-specific induction program. The induction
program will cover:
i.
General overview of the school
ii.
Roles of key people in the school;
iii.
Job description and responsibilities;
iv.
Rosters and attendance processes;
v.
Time recording procedures;
vi.
Leave entitlements;
vii.
Notification of sick leave or absences;
viii.
Out of hours enquiries and emergency procedures;
ix.
Lunch room, washing and toilet locations;
x.
Car parking;
xi.
Occupational Work Health and Safety Policy and procedures;
xii.
Roles and responsibilities for health and safety;
xiii.
Incident reporting procedures;
xiv.
Location of emergency exits, assembly point and fire
extinguishers;
4.
5.
6.
xv.
Security procedures.
xvi.
Mandatory reporting obligations
Ongoing and role-specific training needs will be identified in respect of both
task and function and in terms of individual staff or groups of staff;
Training may be conducted as in-service programs by Milkwood Steiner
School staff or by external training organisations. Training will be taken in
both formal and informal formats.
A formal record of all training shall be maintained and a copy placed in the
relevant staff member’s file. Records will include the following details:
i.
The type and purpose of the training course;
ii.
Who conducted the training course;
iii.
Workers attending;
iv.
Course content;
v.
Individual performance/results (where appropriate).
7.
Volunteers working at the school will receive induction in OHSW Policy and
procedures on an as needs basis. Volunteers can be referred to Safework
Australia Information for Volunteers Factsheet (See Appendix).
8.
All persons working at the school who have been inducted will be recorded in
the Induction Register (See Appendix)
Incident Reporting and Investigation
1. Milkwood Steiner School shall ensure that all workplace incidents are
investigated and reported in accordance with legislative requirements;
2. The Educational Administrator shall ensure that all incidents are investigated
and appropriate corrective action taken. The Educational Administrator shall
ensure that the appropriate government agencies are notified, as required,
as a result of any incident;
3. The Educational Administrator will review all incident reports received with
the school maintenance staff and undertake a risk management process in
relation to the incident;
4. All incidents (including near misses) are to be documented by staff on the
OHSW Incident Report Form (See Appendix) and reported to the Educational
Administrator as soon as possible. The Educational Administrator, in
consultation with the person reporting an incident, may record additional
details of the incident;
5. The school administration staff will keep an Incident Register (See Appendix)
and file all completed Incident Report Forms on the affected persons file;
6. The following incidents must be reported to NT Worksafe as soon as
practicable by phone on 1800 019 115. In addition a completed Incident
Notification Form (Fm 137) (See Appendix) must be lodged with NT
Worksafe within 48 hours of the incident.
i.
work-related accident (resulting in death, serious injury
or illness); or
ii.
a dangerous incident at a workplace creating a risk of a
work-related accident
7. All incidents that occur within the school shall be investigated to identify all
possible causes of the incident and to enable control measures to be put into
place;
8. Investigations will commence within 24 hours
Administrator becoming aware of the incident;
of
the
Educational
9. The level of detail involved in the investigation shall correspond to the
severity or potential severity of the accident. The Educational Administrator
will consult with NT Worksafe and/or police where an incident has resulted in
death, serious injury or illness, to determine who will undertake the
investigation in that case.
10. Good investigation practice includes:
i.
Examining the scene before the physical evidence is disturbed;
ii.
Taking samples of any substance which may have contributed to the
incident, noting conditions that may have affected the sample;
iii.
Making comprehensive documentation e.g., photographs, diagrams or
video;
iv.
Determining which items should be preserved;
v.
Identifying the people involved in the incident, including eye witnesses;
vi.
Conducting interviews with witnesses and other relevant personnel;
vii.
Reviewing all sources of potentially useful information, including
design specifications, previous incident reports, drawings, workplace
inspection records, purchasing records, risk assessment records,
maintenance logs, procedures and instructions, inspection and test
records, training records.
7. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND DANGEROUS GOODS
Policy
1. Milkwood Steiner School avoids the use of Hazardous Substances and
Dangerous Goods wherever possible but where they are required their use
within the school will be managed safely.
2. All staff and volunteers are responsible for ensuring that this policy is followed
at all times.
Purchasing hazardous substances and dangerous goods
At all times, products with the lowest hazard level and the least quantity for the
required task will be purchased.
Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods Register
Maintenance staff will keep a Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods
Register (See Appendix) and details (including quantity) of all Hazardous
Substances and Dangerous Goods held at or brought into the school will be listed
on the Register.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
A MSDS is a form that contains detailed information about a substance or a mixture
of substances. It describes the chemical and physical properties, health hazards
and safe use information required to minimise risks associated with the substances
use. A MSDS will be obtained from the supplier for each hazardous substance and
dangerous goods and these will be filed in the Hazardous Substances and
Dangerous Goods Register (See Appendix) by Front Office staff. A copy of the
relevant MSDS will also be kept in the place where any hazardous substances or
dangerous goods are held or used;
Following the MSDS
At all times, reference must be made to the MSDS for the substance. Spills and
leaks will be cleaned up and disposed of in accordance with instructions provided in
the MSDS.
Personal Protective Equipment
No substance will be used without the correct personal protective equipment being
worn by the user.
Storage
Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods storage areas will ensure product
stability and segregation from any potentially reactive materials. All Hazardous
Substances shall be stored in such a way that unauthorised access to the
substance is prevented. Storage areas will display appropriate placards/signs and
emergency information.
Containers
All substance containers will be appropriately and clearly labelled. All empty
substance containers or disused substances will be removed from the school and
disposed of correctly.
Risk Assessment
A Risk Assessment will be conducted for each hazardous substance used in the
workplace as soon as is practicable after it is acquired and within 2 years after the
last assessment. A significant change of use of a product shall result in a new risk
assessment being undertaken.
Risk Assessment results will be recorded in writing and filed in the Hazardous
Substances and Dangerous Goods Register as well as the Maintenance Register.
Records of hazardous substances risk assessments must be retained for 5 years.
Risk Minimising
Risks associated with the transportation, storage, handling and disposal of all
Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods will be managed and controlled in
accordance with the school’s Risk Management practices.
Training
Induction and ongoing training must be provided to any staff member or volunteer
who may be exposed to hazardous substances or dangerous goods. Training
records shall be kept by the school for at least 5 years.
Definitions
A Hazardous Substance is any substance which is designated as ‘Hazardous’
according to the MSDS or under the National Model Regulations for the Control of
Workplace Hazardous Substances.
Goods are “dangerous goods” if they are
defined under the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code as dangerous goods or
are goods which are too dangerous to be transported.
Australian Standards
The following Australian Standards are important:
AS1940 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
AS2507 The storage and handling of Pesticides
AS3780 The storage and handling of corrosive substances
AS4326 The storage and handling of oxidizing agents
AS/NZS1596 The storage and handling of LP Gas
AS/NZS3833 The storage and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods
in packages and intermediate bulk container
8. ADMINISISTRATION OF MEDICINE AND FIRST AID
Policy
1. Milkwood Steiner School shall ensure that immediate, appropriate and
adequate first aid treatment is provided for the initial treatment of persons
suffering injury or illness.
2. Milkwood Steiner School shall follow the first aid practices outlined in NT
WorkSafe: First Aid in the Workplace: Code of Practice.
3. Milkwood Steiner School shall ensure that needs of students with notified
ongoing medical needs are managed with due care and diligence.
4. At enrolment parents or legal guardians are required to provide relevant
medical history and immunisation status.
5. Upon engagement a staff member must notify the school of any known
health conditions and supply the school with management information.
6. At enrolment or as required, parents or legal guardians of a child with a
known medical condition or allergies are required to sign a direction for first
aid trained staff to follow in the event of a medical emergency requiring the
administration of medication.
7. Administration staff must include this information in the student file, in the
Student Administration Management System (SAMS) database.
8. A list of children with notified medical conditions is maintained at reception
and with each class roll.
Definitions
Medical Emergency: the need to seek immediate medical assistance to maintain
physical wellbeing.
First aid: the immediate care given to an ill or injured person until more advanced
care arrives or the person recovers.
Slight injury: an injury or complaint that does not significantly impair normal
participation and is likely to resolve completely on the same day without medical
intervention. For example small cuts, splinters, abrasions.
Minor Injury: injury or complaint which requires a period of time to be withdrawn
from the person’s day to day activities and be kept under observation. Medical
Examination is recommended. For example head aches, sprains, mild asthma
attacks, a large knock or fall to below the head (head is a serious incident) that may
have secondary affects.
Serious Injury: an injury or illness requiring urgent medical attention beyond initial
first aid. For example broken bones (even if suspected), convulsions, head injuries,
severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
Incident: an event that has occurred in the course of employment, study, volunteer
work or contract work
1.
At Milkwood Steiner School, or
2.
Whilst participating in an ‘off site activity’ with Milkwood Steiner School, or
3.
Whilst journeying to and from Milkwood Steiner School on the day of
employment AND
4.
Has or could have affected the health, safety or wellbeing of the above
named persons
Biological hazards mean substances which consist of, or which may contain
micro-organisms or non-viable products of living matter, which can create a risk to
health such as:
Blood is a biological hazard because it may contain hepatitis B and C or HIV
viruses.
Mouldy hay is a biological hazard because it may contain organisms that can cause
respiratory sensitisation if inhaled.
Particles of animal skin, feathers and hair found, for instance, in poultry sheds and
other animal housing are biological hazards that are non-viable products of living
matter. These particles can cause respiratory sensitisation if inhaled.
Notified Medical Condition: the school is notified by parent/guardian or medical
practitioner, that a student has a diagnosed condition such as Asthma, Diabetes,
Epilepsy, or severe allergy/ Anaphylaxis requiring medication/treatment in a school
context.
Health Care Plan: a plan made by the parent and health care practitioner and
approved by the Educational Administrator outlining how to manage the
administration of medication to the student a student with a notified medical
condition that supports the management of a student’s medical condition in a school
context.
Introduction
Despite careful adherence to this policy manual, emergency situations involving
students with medical conditions and/or the administration of medication by staff in
a school context may still eventuate. It is important that staff are aware that in
adhering to this policy manual they are assisting the school to exercise its duty of
care to students. In doing so, and providing they act in good faith and to the best of
their ability, they will not incur personal legal liability in the event of a student injury
arising out of the administration of medication and/or assisting with a medical
emergency in a school context. Staff are protected by the legal principle of vicarious
liability in relation to any personal injury proceedings. This means that unless the
staff member has deliberately injured the student, or behaved with disregard for the
student’s safety, the school will be liable for any injury caused by the negligence of
the staff member.
Biological Hazard Control
The school shall carry out a risk management process (in accordance with the
school policy on Risk Management in this manual) to determine the appropriate
controls for the management of biological hazards that may be encountered during
the provision of first aid.
The effectiveness of the following should be monitored by the Educational
Administrator:

Infection control policies and procedures as well as the level of
compliance with these policies and procedures:

Information and training programs;

Reporting procedures for incidents involving exposure to blood and
body substances.
First aid infection control practices should be reviewed when:

First aid practice involving exposure to biological hazards is introduced or
modified;

Accident investigation indicates that control measures need to be reviewed;

New information about a biological hazard becomes available;

An illness or injury arises as a result of first aid practices;

Work practices change and the risk of injury or illness is increased;

There is any exposure to blood or body substances resulting from first aid
activities.
First aid personnel
Milkwood Steiner School shall ensure that there is an appropriate number of staff
who have first aid qualifications in attendance at the school during all operating
times;
During recruitment each new teaching or office staff member will be required to
provide proof of current first aid qualifications or commit to obtaining first aid
qualifications. Office staff are required to hold current Apply First Aid Certificates
and teaching staff area required to hold current Apply First Aid, Asthma and
Anaphylactic Certificates.
The initial care provided by first aid personnel shall be consistent with their level of
training and competence. When the first aid management required is beyond the
level of training and competence of the first aid personnel available, the injured or ill
person shall be referred to medical assistance;
Staff First Aid training
All people at the school must know what to do, where to go, and from whom to seek
first aid;
Staff and volunteers shall receive induction about and be kept up to date on:

The availability of first aid equipment, facilities and services;

Infection control procedures

Information about specific risks in the workplace

The School’s Accident Plan (See Appendix)
Information shall be complete, easy to understand and accessible. Language
factors and the literacy levels shall be taken into account when people are informed
about the provisions at the workplace;
Information shall be provided through:

Induction programs;

Staff meetings;

Training courses;

Newsletters;

Policy and procedure manuals.
First aid Equipment
Milkwood Steiner School will at all times hold correctly stocked and maintained first
aid kits for use within the school and on school excursions. Contents will reflect
outcomes of risk assessments and previous incidents.
There are 3 first aid kits of which the contents are listed in the appendix First Aid Kit
Contents:
a. Main Kit - stored in the first aid area
b. Excursion Kit - stored in the first aid area
c. Classroom Kit -stored in the classroom
Responsibility to maintain kits
It is the responsibility of the teacher to maintain the classroom first aid kit from the
Main Kit.
It is the responsibility of the Front Office staff to check the contents of the Main first
Aid Kit and Excursion First Aid Kit.
First aid area equipment and documentation
1. Main first aid kit
2. Excursion first aid kit
3. Facilities to enable infection control (sink, hand cleanser, paper towels
disinfectant etc).
4. Sick bed with plastic cover
5. Container with disposable lining for soiled waste
6. Bowl or bucket
7. Emergency services medical and hospital details
8. List of names of staff qualified to administer first aid
9. Health Care Plans
10. Up-to-date lists of the telephone numbers of emergency personnel and
services (emergency services, Darwin Hospital, Medical Clinic used by the
school, Poisons Information) shall be clearly displayed in the first aid area
and at the school’s Front Office desk
11. Accident Plan
12. Chart of Exclusions for Infectious Diseases
The School’s Accident Plan includes:

The ‘response’ procedures to be followed in an accident situation, such
as, notify Educational Administrator or senior staff; telephone for
medical assistance;

Allocation of specific tasks involved in such procedures to individuals,
for example, Educational Administrator to telephone the ambulance or
direct administration staff to do so;

Emergency transportation arrangements, for example, who has a
driver’s license; location of available vehicle for use, use of parents or
teachers’ cars;

Detail of the location of first aid equipment and facilities at the
workplace, including details of first aid providers and personnel
responsible for the equipment and facilities;

A statement about the role of the first aid provider i.e. that this person
should not administer assistance beyond their level of qualification and
competence and that the first aid providers should be instructed not to
exceed their training and expertise in first aid;
Applying General First Aid
This section refers to unforseen incidents that occur at school and require first aid.
The first person on the scene must carry out the Accident Plan. In general
Kindergarten staff administer first aid to Kindergarten children and call upon office
staff in emergencies. Office staff administer first aid to Class 1 - 6, though the
teacher on duty is responsbile for the initital response and when the injury can not
wait for referal to the office.
Record Keeping
When first aid is administered the person administering the first aid must record
details of the assistance given on the Incident Register (See Appendix). If the injury
is ‘Slight’ no further action is necessary.
If the injury is minor or serious, in addition to the register, an Incident Report Form
(See Appendix) must be completed by the staff member who witnessed the
incident.
The following details must be included:

Name, address, date of birth and sex of injured or ill child or adult;

Nature of injury or illness, for example, fracture, burn, respiratory
difficulties;

Bodily location of injury or illness;

How when and where the injury or illness occurred;

Details of treatment, for example, the first aid treatment given and/or
referral to ambulance, doctor, hospital or elsewhere;

Any follow up injury/illness management;

Any other relevant details such as witnesses to the incident;

Name and signature of person completing the record.
The completed Incident Form must be copied to the parent and the original filed on
the student or adult’s individual HR/student record file.
A copy of the first aid record shall accompany an injured or ill person if the person is
transferred to a medical service or hospital;
The Incident Register shall be maintained at the school to:

Identify areas or processes that are likely to give rise to injury or
illness;

Review safety procedures for preventing further problems;

Implement safer and healthier work practices;

Identify where first aid facilities and services are most needed;

Keep as evidence of implementation of this standard;

Maintain for workers’ compensation purposes.
Any staff member or parent/carer of a child receiving first aid treatment at the school
will be given a copy of the first aid record on request.
Personal information about the health of a worker and treatment provided shall be
kept confidential;
Administration of non-prescsribed medications
Paracetamol or other available pain relief medicines will not be administered at
school.
In the event of sickness and where the child is not able to participate in class the
parent or guardian will be asked to take the child home.
In the event of first aid Homeopathic medications may be administered for those
students for whom permission has been given upon enrolment. These include;
Arnica for soft tissue injuries, bruises and sprains and shock; Rescue Remedy
(Bach Flowers) for shocks and upsets; and Calendula/Hypericum as an antiseptic
wash for minor wounds, Urtica Urens for minor Bites/Stings/ Burns
Administration of Homeopathic medicines will be as per directions on the label.
Standard first aid medicaments such as betadine may be applied externally.
Diagnosed Short term Conditions
This section relates to administering medicines for students with a temporary
condition that requires treatment while at school.
Administrations of Prescribed Medications
If a child has to take any form of medication the teacher must be informed in writing
by the parent. The teacher must check and sign all notes. Children must not take
any form of medication at school without a written note from a parent, and without
adult supervision.
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that all medication to be held
and administered at school by school staff does not exceed expiry date, as no out of
date medication will be administered.
All medication must be given to the Class Teacher upon the child’s arrival at school.
All medication must be kept securely until its administration.
An adult must supervise children administering their own medication at school and
record witnessing the administration using the note given by the parent. A Health
Care Plan Template can be used for this purpose.
Staff have a right to indicate that they are not willing to be involved in the
administration of medication. Alternative arrangements must be made with the
parents in the case of the absence of the persons willing to administer medication.
Notified Medical Conditions
This section relates to managing the wellbeing of a student or staff member with a
diagnosed medical condition that is medium to long term.
At enrolment or as required, parents or legal guardians of a child are required to
notify the school of any known medical conditions. Notified medical conditions
require the creation of a Health Care Plan that directs staff to act as a preventative
or emergency measure to support the student whilst at school.
Examples of Conditions That Require Notification
Asthma
Sever allergies/ Anaphylaxis
Diabetes
Heart or Blood Conditions
Epilepsy
These conditions may be episodic, critical, and require immediate, urgent and skilled
response to ensure survival, for example a hypoglycaemic episode due to diabetes. The
above list is not limited to these conditions; any condition that the parent is vigilant about
should be included in this section.
Health Care Plan
The development of a Health Care Plan commences with either diagnosis of a
chronic/severe medical condition, or enrolment processes involving the school, parent
and student when completing the school enrolment form.
A student with a diagnosed medical condition requiring the administration of approved
medication in a school context will need an agreed Health Care Plan. The Plan should be
reviewed whenever the medical condition, or medical advice in relation to the condition,
changes, if there is an incident involving this medical condition, and in any case not later
than at the beginning of each school semester (six monthly).
If a student is a new enrolment with a chronic/severe medical condition the school will
conduct a risk assessment and evaluation of the prospective student’s needs and put
specific strategies into place until a Health Care Plan has been developed. The School
will determine its participation in the Health Care Plan within its capacities and together
the parent/guardian and school will agree upon the implementation of a Health Care
Plan.
The agreed Health Care Plan will clearly state the needs of the student and the
responsibilities of each party (student, parent, health care team, school) and the
resources required to implement the Plan – including emergency situations.
The Health Care Plan should also articulate a “back-up‟ plan identifying alternative staff
and arrangements in the event that key personnel identified in the Health Care Plan are
unavailable.
A copy of the Plan is to be stored on the student file, given to the parent, noted in the
Student Administration Management System (SAMS), and kept adjacent to the stored
medication.
Administration staff must include this information in the student file, in the Student
Administration Management System (SAMS) database, and in the student’s Health Care
Plan.
A list including photograph identification of children on regular medication is maintained
at reception and with each class roll.
Transport of Medication
Parents are responsible for the safe transportation of medication to the school front
office. Students should not be carrying medication to school unless it is to self-administer
for a medical condition, where formal notification has been provided to the Principal, and
it is part of an agreed Health Care Plan.
Storage of medication:
Staff should store and supervise only medication that has been prescribed by a doctor for
the individual student, for the period of time specified. This ensures the medication is
medically warranted.
Medicines provided for the medication of students with diagnosed medical conditions
should be securely stored in an appropriate cupboard (refrigerator if specified) in close
proximity to the school’s first aid supplies. These medicines should be stored separately
in individual containers to ensure they are not disturbed or tampered with during access
to first aid supplies for everyday emergencies and use.
It is reasonable for school staff to accept and agree to supervise only medication required
during their period of supervision or care (for example, medication required three times a
day is generally not required during a school day - it can be taken before and after
school, and before bed). This minimises the quantity of medication held on site.
Medications must be stored strictly in accordance with product instructions (paying
particular note to temperature) and in the whole original container in which dispensed. In
recognition of the fact that the school may not always receive ongoing top ups of the
medication in the correct original containers, the school should keep a
photocopy/scanned record of the original container in which the medication was acquired
by the parent. Parents supply thermal carry packs to maintain safe temperature storage
and for ease of transport on excursions.
Storage should be secure with clear labelling and access limited to the staff responsible
for medication storage and supervision. Medications required to be prescribed in a
medical emergency should not be stored in a locked cabinet.
As a minimum standard the safe storage of medication therefore requires:
1. prescription by a doctor
2. medication provided by the parent
3. medication within the expiry date delivered to staff as a daily supply
(or a week’s supply at the most, except in long-term continuous care
arrangements). This might require parents to organise a second
labelled container from the pharmacy for safe storage at home
4. written instructions from the parent or doctor which must match
those printed on the product packaging.
Supervision of medication:
Everyone supervising medication needs to ensure that: the right child; has the right
medication; and the correct dose; by the right route (for example, oral or inhaled); at the
right time; and that they note when the medication has been administered.
Staff can ask for a medication authority to be provided by the prescribing doctor to assist
them with safe supervision of medication. This can be requested for over the counter
medication as well as prescription-only medication. If a medication authority is not
provided, staff should have written instructions from the parent or doctor. In all cases the
instructions must match those on the pharmacy label.
A student should not take his or her first dose of a new medication at school. Instead the
student should be supervised by the family or health professional in case of an allergic
reaction.
A parent whose child has been prescribed behaviour modification medication (eg Ritalin)
will need to discuss the administration of the medication with the class teacher.
If the medication is to be administered outside school hours (eg. before school) and it is
missed then the class teacher must be notified as soon as possible.
Information in the Health Care Plan, including arrangements and “back-up‟ procedures,
should be clearly explained to the student by the parent/guardian in the presence of the
class teacher.
Monitoring the effects of medication:
School staff should make observations as to the general behaviour and demeanour of
the student and, where necessary, document those observations. In some cases, for
example attention disorders or epilepsy, such observations can be used by health
professionals in determining care plans. Observations must be recorded on an incident
report of which a copy is provided to the parents.
It is not the role of school staff however, to interpret behaviour in relation to a medical
condition, nor can they be expected to clinically monitor the effects of the medication. If
staff are concerned for any reason about a student’s health, they should refer the parent
to a health practitioner.
If a student takes the wrong medication, the wrong amount of medication, or takes
medication via the wrong route, the following steps should be followed:
Ring the POISONS INFORMATION LINE 13 11 26
Give details of the incident and student
Act immediately upon their advice (for example, if you are advised to call an ambulance)
Notify the student‟s emergency contact person
Document your actions
Review administration of student medication at the worksite in light of the incident.
Excursions
If a student with a medical condition requiring medication participates in an excursion or
activity off the school grounds, an assessment of the issues relating to the student’s
participation should be undertaken by the Health Care Team, including the parent, to
assist in meeting the student’s needs.
The teacher in charge of the excursion or activity is required to take a copy of the Health
Care Plan to follow if medical intervention is required. The teacher in charge or
accompanying adult should be trained to handle medical conditions of all students listed
on the excursion register, or be accompanied by a trained First Aid Officer.
Parents of students with a medical condition may also be invited to provide additional
support if considered necessary, but this does not excuse the school or teachers from
their professional responsibilities regarding a child or children with a medical condition in
their care. Departmental staff have a non- delegable duty of care so even if a child’s
parent is on the excursion it is the school that is legally liable.
Chronic Disease Support Organisations
Name of Organisation
Contact
Anaphylaxis Australia
Maria Said
Telephone
Number
0409 609 831
Asthma Foundation NT
Jill McGee
8981 6066
[email protected]
Epilepsy Foundation
Mark Francis
8448 5600
[email protected]
Healthy Living (Diabetes) NT Anne Kemp Chrissie Inglis 8927 8488
Email address
[email protected]
[email protected]
9. INFECTION AND DISEASE CONTROL
Policy
Milkwood Steiner School is committed to ensuring that any risk of infection or spread of
disease shall be actively managed and effectively minimised. The spread of infections in
Milkwood Steiner School services is facilitated by crowding and microbial contamination
of the environment, as well as the unhygienic behaviours and greater susceptibility of
young children;
Responsibility
All staff, parents and other persons who may visit the school from time to time are
responsible for ensuring that the risk of infection and the spread of disease is minimised.
Rules For Disease Control
1. Areas shall be designed to encourage good hygiene practices;
2. Hands shall be washed frequently, especially after contact with urine and saliva and
after removing disposable gloves;
3. Disinfectant hand rub shall be used where hand-washing facilities are not readily
available, such as when taking children on excursions;
4. Cuts shall be covered with water-resistant dressings;
5. Disposable gloves (eg latex or vinyl) shall be used for activities that involve contact
with urine and saliva and instruct workers in their use;
6. Staff shall be given specific information about infection and disease risks;
7. All work practices shall be designed to reduce the risk of infection;
8. All toys and other objects that the young children handle shall be washed and
disinfected regularly and more often if the article becomes contaminated;
9. Rigorous cleaning programs for surfaces and items that are soiled with urine and
saliva shall be undertaken;
10. Soiled personal clothing shall be placed in a sealed bag and sent home with the
child for washing.
Staff Immunisations
Milkwood Steiner School encourages all staff to maintain up to date immunisations for
diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, varicella (for those workers who
have not had chickenpox) and pertussis (whooping cough).
Child Immunisations
The parents/carers of children who attend Milkwood Steiner School are required to
provide up to date information about their child’s immunisations.
Parents/carers of
children who are not immunised are required to provide a letter stating the reason(s) their
child(ren) are not immunised. Parents/carers are strongly urged to keep their child’s
immunisations up to date.
Medical Exclusions
 Certain infectious conditions contracted by staff or students require the sufferer’s
exclusion from the school to prevent spread of the disease. These diseases and the
exclusion periods are listed at
http://www.education.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/638/InfectiousDiseasesE
xclusionsFromSchool.pdf

Staff will let administrative staff know immediately when a child is suspected of an
illness/infectious condition requiring exclusion. Administrative staff will then contact
the child’s parents/carer and discuss the situation. The child shall be isolated from
other children within the school until s/he is collected from school and then excluded
for the recommended period or until a written medical clearance is received
(whichever occurs first).

In cases where the parents/carers will not acknowledge the disease or condition, the
Educational Administrator shall exclude the child until a medical clearance is
received.

Staff are required to let the Educational Administrator know immediately if they
contract or suspect they have contracted a disease or condition requiring exclusion.

Members of the school community will be advised of the school’s policy on medical
exclusion from time to time in the school’s newsletter

Confidentiality or privacy of medical information about an infected person should be
observed at all times and in all situations.
Meliodosis
Meliodosis is a disease caused by bacteria. The bacteria live below the soil’s surface but
after heavy rainfall are found in surface water and mud and may become airborne. Heavy
winds can also cause the bacteria to become airborne.
The bacteria that cause meilodosis usually enter the body via cuts and sores in the skin
or via inhalation of dust or droplets and very rarely by ingestion of contaminated water.
People most at risk are those with conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, lung
disease and cancer and those on immunosuppressive therapy including steroids.
Children are at a lower risk for acquiring meliodosis compared with adults, however it is
still possible to acquire during the wet season.
1
Milkwood Steiner School aims to reduce the risk of meliodosis by adequate skin
protection and washing of parts that come in contact with high-risk areas.
2
As a reminder for parents, at the beginning of Term 1 and Term 3 Meliodosis Parent
Information (See Appendix) is published in the school weekly newsletter as a link
http://www.health.nt.gov.au/library/scripts/objectifyMedia.aspx?file=pdf/43/46.pdf or
PDF.
3
Children should avoid playing in muddy areas, wet sandpits or places where water
has pooled in greasy areas or where grassed areas are boggy. Sandpits which are
dry or dry enough to comfortably play in are low risk
4
All persons, including students, should wear shoes at all times, and stay indoors
during periods of heavy wind and rain.
5
Children who have any skin lesions should come to school with the lesions well
covered.
6
Children who come in contact with surface water and mud must wash with soap or
rinse well the affected areas.
7
Waterproof footwear must be worn when cleaning up after storms/ floods, and gloves
should be worn when handling soil or mud-soaked items. Masks or covering over the
nose and mouth when using high-pressure hoses may also offer some protection.
8
People who work with soil such as gardeners and building tradespeople should
always wear protective clothing, as healthy people can get the disease if they work in
or are exposed to muddy soil or water in pooled muddy areas.
Head Lice / Nits
Head lice are tiny animals which transfer easily from one person to another. While
occasional and infrequent episodes do not pose a health risk, recurrent or prolonged
attack may cause local skin and gland infection.
We recognise it is important to raise community awareness and encourage parents to
take responsibility for head lice.
It is parents and the school’s responsibility to manage a process that effectively controls
Head lice.
We provide information to all parents on references of control techniques and encourage
all families to become comfortable with a successful control technique that contributes to
prevention of large infestations.
Prevention campaigns
We recommend following Dept of Health Head Lice Advice (See Appendix) found at
http://www.health.nt.gov.au/library/scripts/objectifyMedia.aspx?file=pdf/10/99.pdf&siteID=
1&str_title=Head%20lice%20advice.pdf
This link and/or fact sheet is published in the school weekly newsletter in Week 1 and 2
of each term requesting parents to treat their children in both these weeks each term.
Management of a child identified to have Head Lice.
If a student has evidence of head lice, then the whole class should be checked. When
evidence of head lice is found in a class, a Head Lice Letter To Parents (See Appendix)
will be sent home with all children in that class. Children with active lice or eggs must be
properly treated before returning to school. The student's hair should again be checked
before he/she is allowed to re-join the class. If this procedure is followed, it may be
possible to control the infestation
Treatment recommended by authorities should be used – notably:
1. Use of the current recommended chemical as per Centre for Disease Control (CDC),
repeated in 7 days
2. Nit/comb as per CDC (more time consuming but it works without chemicals) involving
2nd daily treatments, continued till no live lice have been found for 10 days.
Management of an Outbreak
If more than 3 children are identified with active Head Lice in the one week then the
whole school, including teachers, and all family members will be advised to undertake
screening and / or treatment at home. The screen will then be repeated one week later.
10.
FIRE SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Policy
Milkwood Steiner School will at all times have a clear and current process for managing
fire risk and fire emergencies within the school.
Responsibilities
The School Board has a responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Fire
and Emergency Act and Regulations.
The Educational Administrator is responsible for implementation of those requirements
within the school on behalf of the School Board.
All staff are responsible for minimising fire hazard and responding in an emergency.
Fire Prevention and Safety
The Educational Administrator must ensure:
1. Alarms and other warning apparatus, exit lights, emergency lighting and firefighting equipment are maintained in accordance with relevant standards; and
2. There is no obstruction of designated fire exits or the path of travel to those exits;
3. Flammable or combustible material is not stored in, or in the vicinity of, stairways
or exits; and
4. Designated fire exits are:
i.
Fitted with locking devices that comply with the relevant Australian Standard
and any legislative requirements; and
ii. Not fitted with any non-compliant locking devices; an
iii. Any law provides for a maximum permissible number of persons that may be
in the building at any time – the number of persons in the building does not
exceed the maximum.
The Educational Administrator shall ensure that the school complies with its obligation (if
any) to make and maintain a firebreak along its boundary
The Educational Administrator and staff will ensure that:
1. Stacks or piles of items of a flammable or combustible nature which are in the
open air are:
a. Not more than 2 m high;
b. Built on a base not more than 2 m wide;
c. Accessible on all sides by means of a passageway at least 1 m wide; and
d. At least 4 m from any structure or from the school’s boundary.
2. Stacks or piles of items of a flammable or combustible nature that are inside
school buildings:
a. Are stored in bays less than 3 m in length or width; and
b. The top of the stack of material in each bay must be at least 75 cm below
the ceiling of the building;
c. There must be a clear passageway at least 1.5 m between each bay; and
d. Flammable or combustible material does not accumulate on the land in a
way that constitutes a danger by fire.
3. Electrical equipment is checked and maintained in accordance with this manual;
4. Gas bottles are correctly stored and bottles and fittings are checked and
maintained;
5. The kitchen flue is inspected at least twice annually and cleaned at least annually;
6. All staff must ensure that any fire hazards or critical defects in fire safety
installations to the Educational Administrator immediately upon detection.
Induction and Training
The Educational Administrator will appoint a chief fire warden and deputy fire warden (for
when the fire warden is not on site).
All staff will be given instruction/training on measures for the protection of staff and
students from fire emergencies no later than 30 days after commencing employment with
the school, and at least annually thereafter.
The instruction/training for staff will cover:
1. The fire drill and fire evacuation process;
2. The location and use of fire-fighting equipment in the school (See Appendix Fire
Extinguisher Training Guide).
3. The location of fire siren/warning bell and the method of use of it;
4. For staff who are nominated as fire wardens for the school:
5. How to conduct staff students volunteers and visitors to a place of safety in the
event of a fire; and
6. The methods of accounting for people and reporting to the person for the time
being in charge of the school.
The Educational Administrator will ensure that the school records on the Induction
Register, staff who have received Fire Procedures Inductions that sets out:

The information given to staff at induction and training (as above);

The name of the person giving the instruction and the date on which such
instruction was given on each occasion;

The names of the people to whom instruction was given and a description
of the kind of instruction given.
Practice fire evacuations (fire drills) shall be conducted each school term and will be
undertaken at different times and with different scenarios to ensure that the process does
not become stereotyped.
The Educational Administrator must ensure the requirements of AS 3745 (Planning for
emergencies in facilities) are complied with at the school.
Fire and Emergency Evacuation Plan
Each room above the fire extinguisher an Evacuation Plan (See appendix) is displayed
on the wall as well as a guide to act in the event of a Bush Fire or Building Fire. (See
Appendices Emergency Plan - Bush Fires and Emergency Plan - Building Fire). This
manual provides more in depth steps for training purposes.
The Chief Fire Warden will be notified as soon as possible of the threat of fire. In most
instances the Chief Fire Warden will raise the alarm to act. In urgent cases the first staff
member available will raise the alarm.
ALARM SOUNDS
“Fire Fire Fire”.
Bell and whistle rung constantly for 5 minutes and shout out
Evacuation of Children (Teachers)
1. Teachers must collect the class roll and gather children.
2. If recess or lunch is in progress and children are spread throughout the
playground, they are instructed to follow the direction of the Chief Fire Warden.
3. Teachers must close all doors and windows as they leave the classroom to
prevent the fire spreading.
4. Children are to file out of the classrooms under the supervision of
teachers/supervisors
5. Gather at the muster point and sit down. The muster point for bush fires is Class
5/6. The muster point for building fires is the bush block driveway.
6. The teacher must stay with the class he/she has evacuated.
7. The teacher must conduct a roll call.
8. Follow the direction of the Chief Fire Warden
Admin staff not engaged in supervising classes must:
1. Place a call forward on the school landline to the school mobile (if time
permits).
2. Check the following areas to ensure they are vacated and all windows and
doors are closed (without compromising their own safety):
1. Kindergartens including toilets and storerooms.
2. Office/ administration building and all internal doors
3. Boys and girls toilets.
4. Music Room
5. Library
6. All Classrooms
7. The BBQ gas is turned off
8. The admin staff must report to the Fire Warden immediately after these duties.
The fire warden (or delegate) is responsible to:
1. Call Fire Brigade 000
2. Give location and type of fire.
3. Collect:
3.1.
Their designated set of keys (that will give access to all main gates and
buildings and power boards including to the bush block roadside gate)
3.2. Visitors register
3.3. Contact File
3.4. Excursion First Aid Kit
3.5. Mobile Phone
3.6. NAS or computer back-ups (where time permits)
4. Account for any visitors
5. Supervise First Aid treatment as necessary
6. Ascertain that all buildings have been checked and cleared of students, parents,
visitors and teachers
7. Liaise between supervising teachers and Fire Brigade
8. Turn on all sprinkler systems
9. Ensure Fire Hoses and Extinguishers are available for use if necessary
10. Garden hoses are used to keep buildings and/or gas cylinders cool.
11.
MISSING CHILD
Policy
In the event of a child being taken by an unauthorised person or child inexplicably
disappearing (lost) from care, staff must take immediate action to get assistance.
Responsibilities
The Educational Administrator has overall responsibility for the management of any case
of a child missing from the school. All staff have a responsibility to act swiftly, calmly and
professionally in the event that such a situation occurs.
Procedure for Missing Child
The missing child (children) should be identified and the last known whereabouts
recorded. (The chances of finding a missing child safe are greatest if the child’s absence
is noted quickly);
In the event that a child disappears inexplicably from the school, the supervising staff
member shall immediately search the area for the missing child whilst ensuring
supervision of existing children continues;
If the missing child is not found immediately, the staff member shall notify the Educational
Administrator, or acting Educational Administrator;
The Educational Administrator shall then coordinate a rapid and comprehensive search
of the school grounds for the child;
In the event that the child is not located, the Police shall be notified by calling 000 and
working with police to find the child;
The child’s parents must be notified as soon as possible by the Educational Administrator
explaining what action has been instigated;
All details relating to the incident shall be noted in order to help as much as possible in
the investigation and search, including:
i.
Date time and location of disappearance;
ii.
Who was responsible for the care of the child at the time;
iii.
What was the child wearing;
iv.
Any distinguishing features;
v.
Circumstances surrounding disappearance;
vi.
Time the parents / other agencies were contacted;
An Incident Report Form must be completed by the Educational Administrator or by
another member of staff delegated by them.
Abductions
When a staff member believes that an unauthorised person is attempting to remove a
child from the school, the staff member should in the first instance try to engage the
person in conversation aimed upon ascertaining their purpose (the person may, for
example, be an unknown family member or be legally entitled to pick the child up from
school). In conversing with the unauthorised person, the staff member should try to direct
them to the Educational Administrator. If that is not possible, the staff member should
make every effort to ensure that the person is unsuccessful in removing the child,
however, they are not under any circumstances to respond physically to the person.
The staff member should use the Offender Description Form to note as many details as
possible about the unauthorised person including their physical features, particularly
distinguishing features such as scars, types of clothing and details, their height in
relationship to doorways or another fixed point in the building as well as details of any
vehicle used, including model, colour, registration number etc., and direction of travel.
The Educational Administrator or other appropriate staff member shall:
d. Immediately call the police on 000 and work with police to resolve the matter/
recover the child.
e. Shall then immediately call the parents, explain what has occurred and find out if
the unauthorised person is known to them or acting with their permission.
Dealing With Reactions
It is likely that the child’s parents, other parents and school staff will be frightened,
distressed, angry and anxious for the safety of other children
The Educational Administrator is responsible for managing these reactions and should
seek support for him/herself from members of the School Board and/or counsellors at the
earliest possible time.
Once supported personally, the Educational Administrator should arrange support
counselling and debriefing for those affected by the incident.
The Educational Administrator and all staff are expected to deal with reactions and
emotions empathetically.
Until the situation has been fully investigated by Police and management, no comment
will be made to the media or other members of the community;
12.
UNAUTHORISED PERSONS ON SITE
Policy
Milkwood Steiner School shall ensure that intruders (people who enter the school without
following visitor procedures) are not a safety hazard to the children and staff.
Procedure
Any member of staff who observes an individual in the area who appears not to have
signed the visitor’s register (including people who appear suspicious or out-of-place)
should approach the individual (if safe to do so), ask their name and the nature of their
business at the school and if safe to do so, escort the person to the office to sign in as a
visitor. Staff should inform the person of the visitor procedure future reference.
While determining the status of a visitor, staff must ensure that the students they are
supervising are safe, feeling secure where possible, and continuing to be engaged in
their current activities.
If the staff member believes an intruder poses a risk but are unable to persuade the
intruder to go with them to the office, staff should talk to the person in a low calming
reassuring voice whilst trying to gain the attention of a colleague to call the Educational
Administrator and/or police;
Staff shall inform the Educational Administrator of all intrusions as soon as possible
If the intruder becomes agitated or irrational or refuses to leave the building in a peaceful
manner, the Educational Administrator may call police.
While waiting for police to attend staff should try to calm the person by talking in a low
calming reassuring voice.
If the police are called and the person leaves or attempts to leave prior to the police
arriving, do not attempt to physically detain or restrain the person; let the police know and
give details of the direction the person took and their means of transport.
If an intruder is armed

Alert all staff members;

Contact the police immediately;

Give the police all the information regarding location of the intruder, a physical
and clothing description and the weapon(s) involved;

Advise the police of what you are doing to ensure the safety of the children
and

other staff members;

Remain on the line until the police advise you to hang up;

Monitor the location of the intruder until the police arrive;

Unless it is absolutely necessary to prevent harm to a child or staff member,
the

intruder should not be confronted;

If it is necessary to confront the intruder, take a colleague with you;

Determine who will initiate contact with the intruder and who will be the back
up person;

Both staff members should break off contact and leave when it is safe to do
so;

Every effort should be made to attempt to direct the intruder to the school
office or away from areas occupied by the children;

Use casual conversation or body language to calmly direct the situation;

If the intruder shows a weapon, assure him/her that it is not necessary for
him/her to consider using the weapon:

Back away slowly and leave the area;

Both of your hands should be up with your palms facing the intruder while
slowly backing away;

Remain calm; do not attempt to disarm the person.
Once the police arrive provide them with the following information:

Location of intruder;

Description of intruder;

Any known weapons;

Any statements made by the intruder;
Be prepared to keep media, parents and other community members out of the area. The
police will secure the building.
All other staff members and visitors should remain in their designated area/room with the
children unless otherwise directed;
Immediately after an intrusion in which police are called or where staff felt that the person
posed a risk to students or staff, an Incident/Near Miss Report Form must be completed
and the Educational Administrator must review security arrangements at the school.
The Educational Administrator is responsible for managing the reactions of staff and
students and should seek support for him/herself from members of the School Board
and/or counsellors at the earliest possible time.
Once supported personally, the Educational Administrator should arrange support
counselling and debriefing for those affected by the incident.
The Educational Administrator and all staff are expected to deal with reactions and
emotions empathetically.
Until the situation has been fully investigated by Police and the Educational
Administrator, no comment will be made to the media or any member of the community;
13.
BOMB THREAT
Policy
Milkwood Steiner School will react calmly and professionally in managing any bomb
threat to the school.
Reporting events
All staff and volunteers must report any notification or statement of any threat against the
school or staff, no matter how trivial it may appear.
If a bomb threat is received by telephone try to remain calm and let caller finish their
message.
Keep caller on line as long as possible and DO NOT HANG UP PHONE –
provider may be able to trace the call;
the phone
Use Bomb Threat Checklist to obtain as much information as possible about the bomb;

What is it? What does it look like?

When is the bomb going to explode? / When will the substance be
released?

Where did you put it? When did you put it there?

How will the bomb explode? / How will the substance be released?

Did you put it there? Why did you put it there?

What type of bomb is it? What is in the bomb?

What will make the bomb explode?

What kind of substance is in it? Is the substance a liquid, powder or gas?

How much of the substance is there?

How will the substance be released?
Do not discuss the call with other staff; complete the Bomb Threat Checklist and report
the threat immediately to the Educational Administrator or the most senior staff member
available;
The bomb threat should be immediately reported to police by calling 000.
The Educational Administrator will make an evaluation of the risk in consultation with
other senior staff and police. Every threat has to be treated as genuine until proven
otherwise. A telephone bomb threat may be assessed as:
b. Non-specific call – usually the caller will give very little information before
c. Terminating the call. - low risk – more common – should not be discounted
as a risk without further investigation;
d. Specific call – the caller gives specific information and, sometimes,
e. Reasons for the threat and the general location of the explosive device –
higher risk – less common.
The Educational Administrator’s evaluation of the of the bomb threat will be to

Take no further action

Search without evacuation

Evacuate and search, or

Evacuate without search
The decision to evacuate will normally be made by the Educational Administrator, in
consultation with the Police.
The Police may request that staff assist in the search for a suspicious object. The
Educational Administrator shall undertake a risk assessment to determine if a search by
staff is appropriate.
The safety of the children is paramount and supervision for
evacuated children shall be the first consideration.
If a search proceeds, staff should look for an object that “does not belong” in its present
location. Staff should therefore search in the area in which they are most familiar. Staff
shall undertake any search voluntarily and shall not be coerced in anyway. Mobile
phones should not be used during the search. If nothing is found, mark the area with
chalk or post-it stickers as “searched” or “clear”.
If a Suspect Item is found do not touch it or move it, or cover it, or disturb it in any way.
Immediately move persons in the area to safety. Contact the Educational Administrator
and Police and advise them of the exact location of the item, an exact description of the
item and any people unaccounted.
If no suspicious items are found, or if the threat is non-specific and deemed to be low
risk, the Educational Administrator in consultation with the Police shall issue an all clear
to return to the school. The Educational Administrator and senior staff shall visit each
room and check-in with staff and students.
The Educational Administrator shall inform parents about what has occurred and
distribute the advice as soon as practicable based on the specific circumstances.
14.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT SAFETY
Policy
Milkwood Steiner School proactively and effectively works to prevent or minimise
exposure to the hazards associated with electrical equipment or an electrical installation.
Procedure
This procedure covers all portable and fixed electrical equipment that is connected to the
mains electricity supply via a flexible lead and plug (eg appliances, extension leads,
power School Boards), and safety switches. In this relation to this procedure the
following are important reference documents:

Part 4.7 of the WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (NATIONAL UNIFORM
LEGISLATION) REGULATIONS 2011

Australian Standard AS3760.2001 (In service Inspection and Testing of
Electrical Equipment). Test Equipment
Staff and volunteers must check electrical equipment for any damage to the leads or
plugs before use and immediately report any hazards associated with electrical
equipment.
An Electrical Equipment Checklist (See Appendix) is prepared to assist annual
inspections.
All electrical equipment which can be connected to the mains electricity supply via a plug
is to be regularly inspected, electrically tested and tagged in accordance with the
regulations and the standard, unless it is connected to a circuit permanently fitted with an
approved Residual Current Device (RCD)
A register containing a list of all electrical equipment on site and the inspection and
testing details (Electrical Equipment Test Register) shall be kept and updated by
maintenance staff;
1. RCDs shall be installed at the mains electrical switchboard. If this is not practical,
portable safety switches shall be used. Safety Switches may only be used provided
that when tested, it trips immediately. All RCDs and safety switches shall be
inspected and tested in accordance with the standard and the regulations;
2. Only suitably competent persons will conduct testing, tagging and installation of safety
switches and electrical equipment. Only a qualified electrician will conduct electrical
repairs and installations
3. Where in-service inspection and testing identifies electrical equipment which fails to
comply with testing requirements, the equipment will be withdrawn from service
immediately and have a ‘do not use” label attached;
4. All new specified electrical equipment shall be referred to the Educational
Administrator for inclusion in the Electrical Equipment Test Register, and for testing
by a suitably competent person before use
5. Double adaptors shall not be used within the school. Appropriate power boards are to
be used. Flexible cords should be located in a position where they are not subject to
mechanical or any other damage and are out of reach of children.
6. When hiring or borrowing electrical equipment the risks must be assessed by the staff
member. The equipment must be given a visual and physical examination of the
cord, plug and equipment to ensure their integrity, i.e. no cuts, breaks, burns or
exposed wires. The equipment must also have been tested and tagged within 3
months prior to hiring/loaning.
15.
NATURAL DISASTERS AND SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS
(INCLUDING CYCLONES)
Policy
Milkwood Steiner School will proactively manage the hazards for staff and children that
are caused by severe weather events and natural disasters and shall commit to reestablishing normal operations and routine following such an event.
Definition
Natural disasters are an event involving the natural environment that have the potential
for widespread property damage and threatens human life. They include severe weather
events that the school are seasonally subject to including cyclone, bushfire, earthquake
and flood.
Events With Warning
Cyclone season is between October and May each year. At the beginning of the cyclone
season the Educational Administrator must utilise the Cyclone Checklist for EA (see
Appendix) to manage the threat of a cyclone. This includes appointing a Cyclone
Committee.
If there is a forecasted risk of a severe weather developing on a school day,
administration staff should regularly check the bureau of meteorology website
(http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nt) or calls the bureau (8952 1943) tune into to a local
radio station for warnings;
In the event that a severe weather warning is issued, the Educational Administrator shall
estimate the time before the school will come under the influence of the event and advise
all staff of the nature and timeframe of the event;
School operations status should be published on the school website;
If time allows, staff and cyclone committee personnel shall undertake the following:

All objects that could become hazards during high winds must be
anchored or moved indoors;

Doors and windows should be firmly locked;

Electrical power to the building must be switched off and all electrical
appliances switched off prior to leaving the building;

Documents, paper records and computer records shall be secured or
moved off-site to a secure location;

Any hazardous substances shall be relocated to a secure location to
minimize the risk of site contamination;

Any other measures which the Educational Administrator may decide to
take such as windows being re-enforced with suitable material such as
tape, timber or sheet metal, pouring water for drinking into clean
containers;
In the event of a severe event with a large amount of damage to the buildings and
surrounding area, the Educational Administrator shall:

Contact local emergency services agencies and seek advice on
appropriate response;

Attempt to re-establish basic services such as water, toilets, telephone
and electricity supply;

Conduct a risk assessment of damaged areas and implement
appropriate short-term control measures, such as exclusion areas and
glass clean up;

Brief children and staff as to potential electrical hazards;

Restrict water consumption to water that has been stored in containers;

Restrict children from playing in floodwaters or near places with drains;

Establish a safe passage from the buildings to either a car park or a
street near by (this can include predetermined evacuation routes);
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, normal operation of the school shall only be
undertaken when it is safe to do so;
The Educational Administrator with the school Workplace Health and Safety Officer
and/or maintenance staff will review all occasions where these procedures are enacted
and undertake a risk management process in relation to the event;
Cyclones Warnings Announced While School is Operating
If the warning is announced during school hours, the Educational Administrator will close
Milkwood until the warning has passed.
Parents will be contacted to collect their child(ren) from school within 2 hours, and if a
message is left, ask them to respond within 30 minutes (name the time) or the
emergency contact shall be notified to collect the child(ren). Emergency contacts will be
phoned if the parents do not respond to the phone call within 30 minutes. Children not
collected at school after 2 hours from announced collection time prior or in the event of
imminent cyclone impact, must be taken by a staff member to the closest emergency
shelter, Casuarina Senior College. The shelter will be informed of the child’s name,
contact details and address. A note will be left on the door of Milkwood explaining where
the child /ren is/are) .Staff who live furthest away or have children will be permitted to
leave first.
Events Without Warning
In the event of a natural disaster occurring with insufficient warning for the school to
cease operation then the Educational Administrator shall:

Advise Emergency Services of the status of the school and the seek
advice as to the appropriate response;

Determine if evacuation or lockdown procedure is required;

Actively reassure the staff and children;

Ensure that staff and children are kept away from windows and glass;

Monitor the situation and keep all staff informed as to the required
actions;

Ensure that any electrical devices that are not required are switched off
(Including lights)
No staff or children should go outside unless the Educational Administrator or a suitably
qualified person (such as a Police Officer or Emergency Services personnel) has given
the instruction;
Following the determination by the Educational Administrator that the event has passed
and if it is safe to do so, the staff shall visually examine the outside of the building and
grounds area to determine any immediate hazards;
Staff should:


Remain calm and ensure that the children are not unduly concerned;
Move the children into their rooms and check to ensure all children and
other staff are accounted for;

Pack up outdoor equipment if possible;

Secure any outdoor furniture that cannot be put into storage;

Pack up and secure play items and small equipment from outside;

If time and supervision numbers allow, staff shall be given the
opportunity to

Park vehicles under
tarpaulins/blankets;

Secure all external doors and windows and draw curtains and blinds;

Ensure that valuables, medications are packed and secure;

Ensure that adequate drinks are available for each person in each area;

Check that the First Aid kit is accessible;

Disconnect all electrical items, external TV/radio aerials and computer
modems.

Reassure the children and maintain a positive outlook;

Keep the children occupied with suitable activities;

Stay inside and shelter well clear of windows, doors and skylights;
solid
shelter
or
cover
with
firmly
tied

If the building starts to break up, shelter in the strongest part under a
mattress, doona, or a strong table or bench;

Keep informed as to the weather events progress, either through the
Educational Administrator or by listening to a portable radio;

Not use electrical equipment or landline telephones.
Any hazards identified shall be addressed using the process contained in the school’s
Risk Management Policy.
If minor external clean-up is required, the Educational
Administrator will direct the process. In the event that the external area has sustained
damage and/or is polluted by debris, the Educational Administrator will contact the
appropriate emergency services;
No child or staff member shall go outside until the Educational Administrator has given an
“all clear”;
Arrangements shall be made by the Educational Administrator to ensure that enough
staff are available to answer both telephone and in-person parent enquiries;
The Educational Administrator shall make arrangements for extended operating hours if
the event has likely caused road closures or public transport disruption;
Staff and children shall be de-briefed following the event; if required, the school shall
arrange for staff and/or children to access professional counselling services.
16.
SUN AND HEAT PROTECTION
Policy
1.
Milkwood Steiner School recognises that levels of ultra-violet radiation (UVA and
UVB) are particularly high in Darwin due to our location, clean air and high number
of hours of sunshine. Extremes of temperature are common in Darwin, particularly
between October and February. The school’s policy is that staff will protect
students and themselves from the dangers of UV radiation and dehydration.
2.
Ultra-violet radiation comes both from direct sunlight and ‘skylight’ and is also
reflected from surrounding surfaces such as water, sand, bare earth and hard
surface sports playing areas. High levels of radiation are received in unshaded
open areas such as ovals, even on cloudy days. Ultra-violet radiation peaks when
the sun is overhead. Radiation levels are highest between the hours of 1100 and
1500 (North Australian Standard Time); 60% of the day’s radiation occurs within
those four (4) hours
3.
Necessary outdoor activities should, whenever possible, be scheduled outside the
1100 to 1500 higher risk period, particularly between October and February. During
these hours staff and students should be discouraged from outdoor activities in
exposed positions. Where activity is unavoidable they should make use of available
natural or artificial shade and wear appropriate protective clothing and sunscreens.
4.
Activities over summer should allow for the provision of adequate shade against the
high ultra-violet radiation conditions. In particular outdoor events such as swimming
carnivals, sports days etc should be conducted where natural or erected shade is
available.
5.
Clothing should cover the shoulders and upper arms, and a hat should be worn that
shades the face, neck and ears. Most fabrics protect against sunburn, but a closely
woven material is preferred.
6.
Parents/carers must provide a hat for their child for outside activities. Hats should
be made from highly protective materials and have a brim or flap that is at least
eight to ten centimetres wide.
7.
All staff and children are required to wear hats outdoors during the school day.
Supervising staff will enforce a “No Hat, No Play” rule during lesson breaks and
outside activities.
8.
Chemical sunscreens contain light absorbent agents. Most SPF15+ sunscreens are
broad spectrum, protecting against both UVA and UVB radiation. Individuals may
have adverse reactions to some sunscreens and care is necessary in selecting a
suitable product for sensitive skins. Physical sunscreens such as zinc cream are
opaque and form a barrier which reflects ultra-violet radiation, preventing skin
contact.
9.
Parents/carers will be encouraged to apply sunscreen to their children before
school and the school will have sunscreen available for application on children
when required. Sunscreens are most effective if applied to clean skin 15 - 20
minutes before exposure to the sun. A barrier such as a tissue should be used
when applying sunscreen to groups of children to prevent cross-infection. Water
resistant sunscreen should be used for swimming or sporting activities likely to
cause sweating.
10. Staff will be mindful of the possibility of heat stress on hot days and will ensure
there is adequate supply of water on hand during school activities outside and off
site. Students must be actively encouraged to drink water regularly, on an
individual needs basis and before going outside.
References: PARCS Cluster & School Sport NT Sun Protection Policy
17.
MANUAL TASKS
Policy
1. Milkwood Steiner School ensures that manual task risks present in the workplace are
identified, assessed and controlled;
2. All staff shall assist in risk identification, assessment and control processes where
necessary;
3. A risk assessment shall be carried out for all manual task hazards that have a
significant degree of risk;
4. Workplace layout and equipment design shall be considered first when seeking to
minimise risks associated with manual tasks. Mechanical aids will also be used
wherever possible;
5. Sufficient supervision shall be provided to ensure the safety of workers when
performing manual handling tasks;
6. Where staff spend more than 3 hours per day at computer monitors (continuously for
typing and processing), work stations will comply with ergonomic standards;
7. Ergonomic chairs providing height and back adjustment and lumbar support shall be
provided to all workers performing screen-based work;
8. Screens will be free of glare, and document holders will be supplied where needed;
9. The Educational Administrator shall ensure all workers who perform screen-based
operations are trained in how to adjust their chairs and workstations for optimum
comfort, and the early reporting of overuse, strain and sprain injury symptoms.
18.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Policy
1.
Milkwood Steiner School recognises that construction activities pose a particular
risk to children due to the attraction of the activities and equipment often used.
2.
Wherever possible construction activities shall be undertaken when children are not
present at the site. If it is not possible, due to the scope or nature of the construction
activity, for the construction activity to be undertaken when children are absent,
then the children shall be isolated from the construction activity by fences, barriers
and locked doors and windows.
3.
Any quotation or tender process for construction activities shall abide the Contractor
Rules (See Appendix) including specification that,
a.
Wherever possible, the activity shall be undertaken outside normal service
operating hours;
b.
All work undertaken shall be to a minimum of the Australian Building Code;
4. Prior to any construction activity being undertaken, the Educational Administrator
shall ensure that a Risk Management assessment (see sub-policy 6) on all aspects
of the proposed activity is undertaken;
5. In relation to any construction project on the school site
a. The Educational Administrator or Front office staff shall conduct an
induction program with the contractor(s) prior to the commencement of any
work;
b. Site “housekeeping” shall be a major consideration at all times during the
project;
c. The Educational Administrator and staff shall monitor all activities to
ensure any hazards not identified in the initial risk management process are
assessed and controls put into place;
6. On completion of any construction activities, the site shall be thoroughly cleaned
and all debris removed;
7. Prior to the site becoming operational, a walk through inspection shall be conducted
by the Educational Administrator or delegate, together with any other person that is
deemed appropriate, to ensure that all hazards associated with the construction
activity have been eliminated;
8. The Educational Administrator or delegate shall undertake regular inspections of
the area for a three-month period after completion to ensure that no new hazards
become apparent.
19.
ASBESTOS
Policy
1. Milkwood Steiner School recognises that asbestos is a hazardous material that
poses a risk to health by inhalation if the asbestos fibres become airborne and
people are exposed to these airborne fibres. Exposure to asbestos fibres is
known to cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
2. The buildings at Milkwood Steiner School were built after use of Asbestos
Containing Materials (ACM) in buildings became unacceptable practice.
3. The School Board of Governors and the Educational Administrator have a duty of
care to investigate the premises for the presence or possible presence of ACM.
4. If asbestos is detected in the school at any time the hazard shall be managed in
compliance with the NT Worksafe Code of Practice for Managing and Controlling
Asbestos
in
the
Workplace.
http://www.worksafe.nt.gov.au/Publications/Code%20of%20Practice/how_to_man
age_control_asbestos_in_the_workplace_cop.pdf
20.
GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING
Policy
1. Milkwood Steiner School will maintain high standards of general tidiness to
eliminate or control hazards and unsafe working conditions associated with poor
housekeeping practices.
2. All staff are to regularly conduct housekeeping inspections of their work areas,
correcting or completing the and process;
3. All empty substance containers no longer required and other refuse is to be
removed from the work area and disposed of;
4. Equipment shall be put away in the correct location when not in use;
5. All driveways, passageways, stairways and exits shall be kept clear of
obstructions;
6. Access to equipment, electrical control panels, fire extinguishers or fire hoses shall
not be obstructed;
7. All materials shall be neatly stored and any items stacked shall be checked for
stability;
8. All rooms, work areas, play grounds and public areas shall be clean, neat and free
of unnecessary materials;
9. Access to emergency equipment (including fire extinguishers, first aid kits,
emergency showers etc.) is to be kept clear and free from obstruction at all times;
10. Floors shall be kept clean and free from spillages, leaks and drips;
11. Amenities are to be cleaned on a twice-weekly basis and ‘as needs’. Prior to the
start of each school year, there will be thorough clean of all buildings including
windows, air conditioner filters, inside of cupboards etc.
12. Users of amenities have a responsibility to keep the meal areas and toilets clean
and tidy.
(See Appendix Routine Maintenance and Inspections)
21.
SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT POLICY
1.
Milkwood Steiner School recognises the harm which smoking causes to children
staff contractors and visitors and has adopted a Smoke Free Environment Policy
2.
Smoking of any substance is not permitted within the school or within 10 meters of
the boundary of the school.
3.
All staff and volunteers shall actively support the Smoke Free Environment Policy.
4.
This Smoke Free policy applies to all school, facilities, buildings, vehicles, grounds
and school excursions/camps off the school premises.
5.
Staff will not smoke in front of, or in the sight of, children in their care and will
adhere to the Smoke Free Environment Policy;
6.
Staff and visitors will not promote cigarette smoking in the workplace.
7.
Staff who wish to smoke during work hours may do so outside the workplace and
in their scheduled lunch break, or approved breaks as long as smoking can not be
detected on them by the time they commence working with students or other staff
members.
8.
Volunteers and visitors to the school will not be permitted to smoke on the
premises and will adhere to the Smoke Free Environment Policy;
9.
Parents, family members or relatives of children enrolled at the school will not be
permitted to smoke on the premises and will adhere to the Smoke Free
Environment Policy;
10. The school will offer support to smokers to quit smoking.
22.
WORKPLACE HARRASMENT
Policy
1.
Milkwood Steiner School will proactively and effectively work to prevent or minimise
workplace harassment.
2.
This procedure applies to all staff and volunteers at the school. The procedure for
dealing with harassment (bullying) between students is covered in the school’s
Discipline Policy. The bullying policy is substantially the same as this policy but is
adapted to account for the age of the people affected by the policy (kindergarten
and primary school age children).
3.
Workplace harassment has detrimental effects on people and the business. It can
create an unsafe working environment, resulting in a loss of trained and talented
workers, the breakdown of teams and individual relationships, and reduced
efficiency. People who are harassed can become distressed, anxious, withdrawn,
depressed, and can lose self-esteem and self-confidence;
4.
Workplace harassment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any
circumstances;
5.
A staff member or volunteer who believes they are being harassed should contact
the Educational Administrator in the first instance.
Responsibility
Milkwood Steiner School requires all workers
1. To behave responsibly by complying with this policy and the school’s Code of
Conduct;
2. To not tolerate unacceptable behaviour;
3. To maintain privacy during investigations; and
4. To immediately report incidents of workplace harassment to the Educational
Administrator.
School management, which includes the School Board, is required to
1.
Personally demonstrate appropriate behaviour,
2.
Promote the workplace harassment prevention policy,
3.
Treat complaints seriously and
4. Ensure where a person lodges or is witness to a complaint, that this person is not
victimised.
What is workplace harassment
A person is subjected to ‘workplace harassment’ if the person is subjected to repeated
behaviour, other than behaviour amounting to sexual harassment, by a person,
including the person’s employer or a co-worker or group of co-workers of the person
that:

Is unwelcome and unsolicited; and

The person considers to be offensive, intimidating, humiliating or
threatening; and

A reasonable person would consider to be offensive, humiliating,
intimidating or threatening.
Examples of Workplace harrassment
Examples of behaviours that may be regarded as workplace harassment are:

Abusing a person loudly, usually when others are present;

Repeated threats of dismissal or other severe punishment for no reason;

Constant ridicule and being put down;

Leaving offensive messages on email or the telephone;

Sabotaging a person’s work, for example, by deliberately withholding or
supplying incorrect information, hiding documents or equipment, not
passing on messages and getting a person into trouble in other ways;

Maliciously excluding and isolating a person from workplace activities;

Persistent and unjustified criticisms, often about petty, irrelevant or
insignificant matters;

Humiliating a person through gestures, sarcasm, criticism and insults, often
in front of students, parents, management or other workers;

Spreading gossip or false, malicious rumours about a person with an intent
to cause the person harm.
Dealing with complaints
When the Educational Administrator receives a complaint of harassment they will deal
with the matter in accordance with the school’s Communication Policy;
Any reports of workplace harassment will be treated seriously and investigated promptly,
fairly and impartially;
A person making a complaint and/or who is a witness to workplace harassment must not
be victimised and any such person may make a complaint to the Educational
Administrator, which will be dealt with in the same manner as a harassment complaint.
Consequences of breach of policy
If a harassment complaint is found to be substantiated, the Educational Administrator will
take such disciplinary action as is open to them under the Fair Work Act (Cth) 2009,
including dismissal where appropriate. Disciplinary action will also be taken against a
person who has been found to have victimised a person who has made, or is a witness,
to a complaint;
Complaints of alleged workplace harassment found to be malicious, frivolous or based on
insufficient grounds may make the complainant liable for disciplinary action.
Legitimate and reasonable management actions and business processes, such
a. As, actions taken to transfer, demote, discipline, redeploy, retrench or
dismiss a
b. Worker are not considered to be workplace harassment, provided these
actions
c. Are conducted in a reasonable way.
Sexual harassment (and victimization for making a complaint about it) is prohibited
conduct under sections 22 & 23 of the Anti-Discrimination Act (NT). A complaint of
sexual harassment or victimisation received by the Educational Administrator may be
referred to the Anti-discrimination Commissioner.
23.
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Policy
Domestic Animals shall only be permitted on the school site in special circumstances.
Definition
Domesticated animal includes dogs, cats, domesticated rodents, caged birds, fish and
farm animals. Assistance animals are guide dogs and the like, animals trained to provide
assistance to people with special needs.
Process
Domesticated animals are not permitted at the Milkwood Steiner School in the school at
any time unless the animal is:

An assistance animal

A domesticated animals that belong to the school;

At the school for a farm visit or working dog promotional type event;

Allowed at the school by the Educational Administrator following a full risk
assessment.
If any person brings an unauthorised domestic animal into the school, that person shall
be advised of the policy and asked to remove the animal from the site immediately;
If a person who brings a domesticated animal into the school, refuses to leave, the
Educational Administrator or other senior staff member may call the police
In the event of a stray domesticated animal entering any part of the school:

The children shall be immediately isolated from the animal;

If it is safe to do so, a staff member shall attempt to herd the animal away
from the site;

If the animal cannot be safely removed from the site by staff actions, then
the Educational Administrator shall call the Animal Rangers at the Darwin
City Council on 8930 0600

The children shall at all times be supervised to ensure that no child has the
opportunity to approach the animal.
24.
WILDLIFE / SNAKE DRILL
Policy
1. Wildlife in general enhances the environment and the policy of Milkwood Steiner
School shall be to not interfere with the wildlife present in the school unless that
wildlife poses some risk to children or staff.
2. Wildlife that shall warrant intervention shall include:
a. Snakes:
e. Flies, mosquitos and similar insects;
b. Spiders;
f. Cockroaches;
c. Bees and wasps;
g. Rats and mice;
d. Biting ants
h. Poisonous plants
3. The school will manage these potential hazards by regular
a. Maintenance of buildings;
b. Professional pest control;
c. Inspections for infestations.
4. If an infestation of wildlife or poisonous plant is detected the school will contract
competent/licensed professionals to manage the removal of the hazard.
Snake Drill
Duty Teacher Actions (Snake bite or sighting)
1.
Child reports to duty teacher that a snake is sighted and/or has bitten a child.
2.
Teacher sends a student to notify office to call an ambulance, asking student
to return and confirm the office has taken notice.
3.
In case of bite, teacher administers pressure–immobilisation bandage (kept in
duty teachers bum bag) and splint to stricken limb to immobilise. It is important
the snake bite victim is immobilised to slow circulation. Do not wash wound as
residual venom may be necessary for snake identification. Mark location of
bite on the outside of the bandage.
4.
Reassure and keep student calm, adjust position for comfort. If necessary (eg
lying on hot ground) carry student to more comfortable place. Otherwise do
not move student. When further assistance reaches student, teacher re-joins
his/her class.
5.
A staff member stays with student at all times until ambulance arrives.
All Teachers Actions (Snake bite or sighting)
1.
Return to classroom with students of your class.
accounted for using class roll.
2.
Do not allow children to leave classroom until an office staff member has
checked that all students are ‘present and accounted for”, and that all-clear bell
has been rung.
Office staff actions (snake bite or sighting)
Check all present and
1. For snakebite, immediately ring 000 (Ambulance). Check an ambulance is available
for immediate dispatch.
2. Immediately send staff member to incident site (bite or sighting) to provide support
and assess situation.
3. Office to ring the snake catcher (Snake Call Out 1800 453 210 or Chris Peberdy,
Wildlife Wrangler, on 0409 326 307) to catch the snake and if possible monitor
location of snake.
4. Students will be assembled in classrooms by teachers. Office staff check that rolls
indicate “all present and accounted for” before students are released from
classrooms.
Actions by Educational Administrator (Snake bite)

Parents of child to be informed of snake bite at the earliest opportunity.

Notify NT Worksafe if bite victim is hospitalised as a result of incident.
25.
YOUNG WORKERS
Policy
Milkwood Steiner School recognise that young workers require a greater level of planning in
relation to risk management and are committed to making the school a safe place for our
young workers. The term young workers include overseas exchange students on work
placement at the school, as well as people under the age of 18 who are employed by the
school.
Responsibility
The Educational Administrator is responsible for:
1. The co-ordination of young workers and all staff members are responsible for
providing information, help, management and supervision for any young workers in
the school.
2. Providing a safe and healthy working environment for young workers;
Process
Young workers must feel confident to ask for help if they are having difficulty with a task;
The Educational Administrator must ensure that young workers receive encouragement and
support from all members of the staff.
Young workers must be considered when all forms of risk assessment and Workplace
Health and Safety management are implemented or reviewed and in particular:
a. a young worker’s physical capability for doing manual labour;
b. any medical needs when doing activities (e.g. severe allergies with outdoor
activities);
c. capability and reliably particularly in unusual circumstances;
d. the need for supervision by a staff member at all times
Young workers at the school shall hold an ochre card and shall be properly inducted into the
position included being advised of all workplace health and safety requirements and
supports.
26.
CASH HANDLING
Policy
Milkwood Steiner School recognises that an excessive amount of cash held on the school
premises raises the risk of security to staff and property. It is the policy of this school that
no cash in excess of the prescribed amount, including petty cash, will remain on the
premises overnight.
Process
1. The Business Manager will prescribe the maximum amount of cash that should be
held at the school. Staff will do the school’s banking on any day outside of the
regular banking days where the amounts held exceed the prescribed amount.
2. The safest practice when transporting cash to the bank is as follows:
a. Staff shall carry a charged mobile phone at all times;
b. The cash shall be carried in an unremarkable bag;
c. Different routes shall be taken at random;
d. The timing of the trip shall be varied;
e. Where possible, different staff members shall from time to time
undertake the trip;
f. Car doors shall be locked for the length of the trip;
g. Where large amounts are to be transported, two staff members shall
undertake the trip;
h. Staff members shall be alert to suspicious persons loitering in the area;
3. In the event of the staff member being followed in their vehicle, they shall drive
directly to the closest Police Station and upon arrival call 000;
4. In the event of a person approaching the staff member and demanding the money,
the staff member shall not resist in any way whatsoever and shall immediately
comply with the request;
5. In the event of a robbery, the staff member shall
a. At all times attempt to ensure their own safety;
b. Immediately call police on 000
c. Be given full support by the school, including access to professional
counselling and support services following the robbery.
d. Utilise the Offender Description Form (See Appendix)
27.
KEY SECURITY
POLICY
1. Milkwood Steiner School keeps registers of keys and keeps keys in locked cabinets.
2. Front Office staff are responsible for maintaining the key registers and account for keys
at least once per semester.
3. Each key has an ID tag that states:
i. The key number
ii. The key description
iii. The school postal address
4. Keys are issued to members, staff or contractors for whom the school holds a current
criminal history check.
5. Keys are issued to satisfy school operations and should be returned when the operation
for which the person is responsible is complete.
6. Individuals who borrow or a responsible to hold keys are responsible to return them with
tags to the office and follow the protocol outlined on the register details.
7. The MSSA Chairperson, and the Fire Warden are each issued a set of keys from the
Long Term Key Register that provide access to essential Building and Grounds:
i. Main gate
ii. Bush block gate
iii. Classrooms
iv. Bi-fold doors
v. Library
vi. Disabled Toilet
vii. Office
viii. Fuse boxes
8. There are 3 key registers:
i. Key Register - Stock
ii. Key Register - Short Term Loan
iii. Key Register - Long Term Loan
9. Key Register - Stock contains the following information (see Appendix):
i. Key #
ii. ID Tag description
iii. Total # of Keys owned by the school
iv. # of Keys in Short Term Loan Register
v. # of Keys in Long Term Loan Register
vi. Checked In Term 1
vii. Checked in Term 2
viii. Checked in Term 3
ix. Checked in Term 4
x. Comments
10. Short Term Register contains the following information (see Appendix):
i. Date borrowed
ii. Time borrowed
iii. Key #
iv. ID Description
v. Borrowers Name
vi. Borrowers Phone Number
vii. Reason for Borrowing
viii. Borrowers Signature
ix. Date returned
x. Time returned
xi. Returners Signature
11. Long Term Key Register contains the following information (see Appendix):
i. Date borrowed
ii. Key #
iii. ID Description
iv. Borrowers Name
v. Borrowers Phone Number
vi. Job Title
vii. Borrowers Signature
viii. Date returned
ix. Returners Signature
12. Keys for short term loan are defined by borrowing for 36 hours or less and include
building or gate access keys given to members volunteering on weekends, filing cabinet
keys for administration, cash box keys etc. One of each key is kept in the Key Cabinet.
13. Keys for long term borrowing are defined by borrowing for more than 36 hours and
include building or filing cabinet access keys given to staff or board members (include
master set) for regular or restricted access. These keys are kept in a box containing
sections that is labelled with the key # and number of keys stored in each section. A
section is reserved for each master set while in staff transition.
14. To account for keys, front office staff check the long and short term registers against the
actual keys present in the cabinet and box then check this against the Key Stock
Register where they are accounted for with a signature and date.
28.
LADDERS AND WORK PLATFORMS
Policy
1. It is the policy of Milkwood Steiner School that activities using ladders and work
platforms shall be undertaken when children are not present. If this is not possible,
due to the scope or nature of the activity, for the activity to be undertaken when
children are absent, then the children shall be isolated from the activity (e.g. removed
to another area) for the duration of the activity. If children are in a position to observe
activities using a ladder and/or work platform within the school, then such children
should be suitably warned about the dangers of running around when ladders are in
use
2. The person using the ladder and/or platform must ensure that all hazards relating to
their use must be identified and addressed to ensure such risks are minimized and
effectively managed as much as possible. The person using a ladder must ensure
that it is

secured firmly when in use, either at or near to the top (e.g. clamping the top
of the ladder to the roof) or; at or near to the bottom (e.g. tying the bottom of
the ladder to pegs secured in the ground or someone holding the ladder);

only used for the purpose for which it is designed;

free of dangerous insects and spiders in the outer and the inner workings of
the ladder;
3. Only suitable work platforms must be used (stepladders etc). Improvised work
platforms shall not be used (e.g. chairs or tables) unless in circumstances where
there is no other option available and then only with assistance (e.g. at least one
person to provide support);
4. The work platform being used should not exceed the height of the required task (use
adjustable settings if possible);
5. The ladder/s and/or work platform/s that are owned by Milkwood Steiner School
should:

only be used outdoors if there are no severe weather warnings that may pose
a risk for any person or persons who use the ladder (lightning strikes, high
winds, hailstones, cyclonic weather systems );

be cleaned, serviced and maintained so that they are always in a safe working
condition (this includes ladders and work platforms that are not in regular use
by the school); and

Be stored safely and correctly in a clean and well-maintained area.
6. In the event of a ladder or work platform being damaged in such a way that it is not
safe or suitable for use then it should be repaired as quickly as possible. The
damaged ladder or work platform should be isolated and marked with a suitable ‘Do
Not Use’ sign and a general caution should be delivered to all staff by the
Educational Administrator (written, emailed or verbal);
7. Risk assessments on the use of the ladder/s and/or work platform/s should be
carried out annually with regular re-evaluation of the practices. Refer to the NT
Worksafe website.
29.
1.
2.
3.
4.
APPENDICES A - Z
Accident Plan
Asbestos Register (Within OHSW Inspections and Schedule Register)
Bomb Threat Checklist
Building and Ground Routine Maintenance Schedule (Within OHSW Inspections and
Schedule Register)
5. Cyclone Checklist for EA
6. Electrical Equipment Register (Within OHSW Inspections and Schedule Registers)
7. Electrical Inspection Checklist
8. Emergency Evacuation Plan
9. Emergency Plan - Building Fire
10. Emergency Plan - Bush Fire
11. Evacuation Plan
12. Fire Extinguisher Training Guide
13. First Aid Kit Contents
14. Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods Register(Within OHSW Inspections
and Schedule Register)
15. Head Lice Advice from Dept of Health
16. Head Lice Letter to Parents
17. Health Care Plan Template
18. Housekeeping Checklists (Within OHSW Inspections and Schedule Register)
19. Incident Register (Include First Aid)
20. Incident Report Form
21. Induction Register
22. Key Register - Long Term Loan
23. Key Register - Short Term Loan
24. Key Register - Stock
25. Maintenance Register (Within OHSW Inspections and Schedule Register)
26. Maintenance_hazard / risk assessment report form
27. Meliodosis Parent Information
28. Milkwood Contractor Rules
29. NT Worksafe Incident Notification Form
30. Offender Description Form
31. OHSW Inspection Checklist - Bi-annual
32. OHSW Inspection Checklist - Weekly
33. Playground Inspection Checklist- Bi-annual
34. Safe Work Australia Information for Volunteers
35. Student Arrival and Early Departures Register
36. Visitor Register

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Milkwood Steiner School Occupational Health, Safety &amp; Wellbeing (OHSW) Policy &amp; Manual

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Milkwood Steiner School Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing (OHSW) Policy & Manual