ST PETERS MAITLAND

DIOCESE OF MAITLAND NEWCASTLE

9 F R E E C H U RC H S T M A I T L A N D 2 3 2 0

Workplace Health
and Safety Policy
APRIL 2014
Document Number
Responsible Offi cer
Effective Date
Superseded Documents
Review Date

1
PRINCIPAL
1st April 2014
Occupational Health and Safety Policy
2013
2016
Due to the nature of WH&S it is
closely linked to many other policies
and procedures. Including:
Risk Management Policy

Associated Documents

Excursion Policy
Working Alone Procedures
Staff Supervision Procedures

TU ES CHRISTIS

WH&S POLICY 2016

INTEGRITY

PAGE 1 OF 27

WH&S POLICY
CONTENTS
1.
Rationale..............................................................................
............................3
2.
Aims
.3
3.
Implementation
..4
4.
Budget
5
5.
Evaluation
5
Support Documents
WHSMS.
..
.6
Associated Letters and Notes..
.7

WH&S POLICY 2016

PAGE 2 OF 27

1 RATIONALE
Schools are valued as special places where staff, students, parents
and visitors have a right to a safe and supportive environment. A
healthy & safe workplace needs everyones involvement &
commitment to achieve this goal. This WH&S policy contains a
general organisation commitment to a workplace free from injury
and illness and sets out management & employee commitments to
make it happen.

AIMS

The aim of this Policy is to establish a framework for St Peters

Campus and the employees, students, contractors, and other
persons with a legal right to be on premises controlled or managed
by the Diocesan School System, to comply with the obligations and
requirements of the Work Health & Safety Act 2011, Work Health &
Safety Regulation 2011 and all other relevant Codes of Practice or
Standards. This Policy is a statement of commitment to Work Health
and Safety and sets out how the Workplace Health and Safety needs
of the school will be met.
At All Saints College St Peters Campus we aim to:

Ensure the safety and well being of people within the

workplace.

Provide a healthy and safe workplace for students, staff,

volunteers and visitors.

Provide a process of consultation to ensure safety in the

school environment.

Establish effective processes for Workplace Health & Safety.

Promote, maintain and improve practices.

Recognise and repair hazards.

Support and value the human rights and cultural heritage of

our employees, students, contractors, visitors and volunteers.
Cultural sensitivity is a requirement in all aspects of our
activities

3 IMPLEMENTATION
WH&S POLICY 2016

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3.1 Element One Policy

The St Peters WH&S policy is based on the WH&S Act 2011.

To support the policy, St Peters will adopt the Maitland

Newcastle Diocese Schools WHSMS framework, where
applicable.

3.2 Element Two - Responsibilities

The WH&S Act 2011 acknowledges that there a number of people
making up any workplace and all have responsibility for workplace
health and safety.
Person conducting a Business or undertaking (PCBU)
Ensure health and safety of workers and others so far as is
reasonably practicable.
This duty is discharged through

Maintenance of safe work environment

Maintaining safe plant, structures and safety systems of work

Providing adequate facilities for the welfare of workers

Ensuring that staff are adequately informed, trained and

supervised.

Reasonably practicable has four elements

what the person concerned knows, or ought reasonably to

know

the likelihood of the hazard or the risk concerned occurring,

the degree of harm that might result from the hazard or the
risk

the hazard or the risk, ways of eliminating or minimising the

risk and the availability and suitability of ways to eliminate or
minimise the risk.

Officers
Must exercise due diligence to ensure that the PCBU complies with
WHSA duties. Due diligence includes taking reasonable steps:

WH&S POLICY 2016

PAGE 4 OF 27

to acquire and keep up-to-date knowledge of work health and

safety matters,

to gain an understanding of the nature of the operations of the

business and generally of the hazards and risks associated
with those operations,

to ensure that the person conducting the business or

undertaking has available for use, and uses, appropriate
resources and processes to eliminate or minimise risks to
health and safety from work carried out as part of the conduct
of the business or undertaking,

to ensure that the person conducting the business or

undertaking has appropriate processes for receiving and
considering information regarding incidents, hazards and risks
and responding in a timely way to that information,

to ensure that the person conducting the business or

undertaking has, and implements, processes for complying
with any duty or obligation of the PCBU

Workers
Owe a duty of care to:

Exercise reasonable care for their own health and safety

Take reasonable care that their acts or omissions do not affect

the health and safety of other persons

Comply with reasonable instructions given by the PCBU

regarding the WH&S act.

Comply with policies and procedures relating to health and

safety.

This may be demonstrated through but is not limited to the

following.

Attend scheduled WH&S training specific to their workload as

identified by the PCBU.

To the extent of his/her control or influence over working

conditions and methods, accept responsibility for working
safely and rendering the work area safe when leaving it.

Make proper use of all appropriate safeguards, safety devices

and personal protective equipment.

WH&S POLICY 2016

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Ensure that the students in his/her care make proper use of all
appropriate safeguards, safety devices and personal
protective equipment.

Follow agreed safe working practices and rules.

Complete a Hazard Notification Form if they identify an area of

concern.

Perform a formal risk assessment of all activities outside the

school environment and use their professional judgement in
determining the need for a risk assessment for school based
activities.

Health and Safety Representatives

The powers and functions of a health and safety representative are:

represent the workers in matters relating to work health and

safety,

monitor the measures taken by the PCBU or that persons

representative in compliance with this Act in relation to
workers

investigate complaints from members relating to work health

and safety

inquire into anything that appears to be a risk to the health or

safety of workers, arising from the conduct of the PCBU

In exercising a power or performing a function, the health and safety

representative may:

inspect the workplace or any part of the workplace at which a

worker works

accompany an inspector during an inspection of the workplace

or part of the workplace at which a worker works,

with the consent of a worker that the health and safety

representative represents, be present at an interview
concerning work health and safety and the worker.

request the establishment of a health and safety committee

The health and safety representative is not entitled to have access

to any personal or medical information concerning a worker without
the workers consent
Activities of the HSR include

WH&S POLICY 2016

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ensuring that the WH&S Training Action Plan is maintained

ensuring that procedures are in place to notify, recognise and

eliminate any unsafe practices or workplace design issues eg.
Hazard Notification

reviewing and regularly updating Critical Incident Plans

reviewing and practising emergency management procedures

responding to requests from members of staff;

providing requests for action to the Principal in writing;

in the case of an emergency or immediate threat to

employees health and safety, informing the Principal who will
take immediate steps to rectify the situation;

issuing provisional improvement notices (PIN)

directing unsafe work to cease

WH&S POLICY 2016

PAGE 7 OF 27

3.3 Element Three - Consultation

St Peters adopts a Consultative Committee of Representatives

from Support Staff and Teaching Staff for consultation on
Workplace Health & Safety.
Consultation arrangements are in place to ensure employee
views are considered when WHS issues are discussed

HSR have attended the five day WorkCover Consultation

Course

WHS Noticeboard is in prominent position and all relevant

information (as listed in the Consultation and Communication
Procedure) is displayed and available

All employees are aware of their responsibilities, as listed

under each of the WHSMS procedures, when procedures are
implemented

An agreed WHS issue resolution process is displayed and

implemented in the workplace

3.4 Element Four - Training

Maintain a Staff Training Action Plan that specifically records

training in the areas of Evacuation and Lockdown, CRP, First
Aid, Manual Handling, Anaphylaxis, OnGuard, Emergency
Care, Risk Assessment, Asthma, Chemical Safety, Staff
Supervision, New Staff Induction and policy and updates.

3.5 Element Five - Procedures

Maintaining a Safe School Environment:

Entrances, administration and parking areas are clearly

defined and signed

All staff are expected to wear some form of identification eg.

Name badge.

All visitors are to be directed via the Main Office to sign in and
be given an identification tag.

Parents have access to both teachers and students via the

office. Teacher appointments with parents, where possible, are
prearranged.

WH&S POLICY 2016

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All visitors are directed to the Main Office where the purpose
of their visit will be identified, they will be issued with an
identification name tag and they will be directed to the
appropriate staff member for assistance.

Visitors are to sign in visitors book with arrival and departure

times noted

Staff are to query visitors if they do not have an identification

name tag

All tradespeople are directed to the Main Office, they will be

issued with a identification tag and the Groundsman will be
contacted.

Parents are encouraged to make appointments to see

teachers

Concerns/complaints expressed by parents are addressed

promptly

Issues of any kind are addressed seriously and firmly

Risk assessment and management is ongoing and proactively

dealt with

The OHS is an active Committee

Evacuation procedures
evaluated regularly

Parents are regularly reminded to use correct pick up points

for students in the afternoon.

All volunteer helpers complete Child Protection screening

forms

and

critical

incident

plans

are

3.6 Element Six - Contractor Management

employ, and contract when necessary, the services of

competent and skilled persons who are sufficiently trained,
instructed, and informed to meet their obligations under the
policy

The school will maintain an approved contractor checklist that

includes the Organisation, type of service provided, license or
certificate Number, Contractor Public Liability Number and
Expiry Date and WorkCover Policy.

WH&S POLICY 2016

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All contractors must complete a contractor induction that

includes an overview of safety information brochure to be read
an understood, provision by the contractor of Job Safety
Analysis, emergency procedures, hazard and incident
reporting procedures, First Aid personnel and facilities, Use of
PPE, Security and Access arrangements, Hazardous
Substances kept on site and Prohibited Persons Declaration.

Contractors must ensure that the plant hired, purchased or

leased for use at our school meets or exceeds the relevant
health and safety standard

Contractors are required to submit a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

that is approved by the school before they undertake any work
on site.

3.7 Element Seven Performance Indicators

All Hazard Notification Forms, when completed, are saved in

the WH&S Folder located with the Senior School Officer,

3.8 Element Eight - Risk Management

The purpose of any risk assessment is to enable decisions to

be made about control measures that may be required to
protect people in the school work environment from risks to
their health.

Identify, and assess all existing or foreseeable workplace

hazards, then eliminate the hazard, or, develop strategies to
control risks arising from a hazard that cannot be eliminated
for practical reasons

encourage employees to report any suspected workplace

hazard, and suspected work related injury or illness affecting
themselves or others, at the earliest opportunity, without
prejudice to any employee

The control measures, in sequence in which they should be

implemented, are elimination, substitution, mitigation,
isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls and
safe work practices and personal protective equipment.

Risk Assessment records should be kept for thirty years if they

indicate a need for monitoring and/or health surveillance or

WH&S POLICY 2016

PAGE 10 OF 27

five years if they dont. Induction and training records should

be kept for five years.

3.9 Element Nine Inspection and Testing

Maintain a Maintenance of Essential Services Action Plan that

specifically records Internal Site Audit, Internal Site Inspection,
External Safety Inspection, External Building Inspection,
Electrical Tagging and Testing, Emergency Lighting Inspection,
Fire Extinguishers and Hydrants, Fire Booster Valves, Tree
Inspections, Pest Control, Pit Services, Lifts Inspections and Air
Conditioner Servicing

Maintain a Planned Maintenance Schedule that specifically

catalogues all areas of the school and the cycle for planned
maintenance to each resource.

3.10Element Ten Incident Reporting

conduct an investigation of all incidents, and circumstances,

that may either expose any person to the risk of injury or
illness, or result in injury or illness

3.11Element Eleven Injury & Claims Management

St Peters follows the Return to Work Program as outlined in

the CSO (Return to Work Policy January 2008) policy. This is a
comprehensive program from early notification through to
return to normal duties.

An Injury management Pack is available for staff injured at

work.

St Peters provides for the welfare of our staff and students,

and for all injured employees prior to their return to work, in
the development of their return to work plans, and in the
rehabilitation process following their return to work

3.12Element Twelve Document Control

All activities off the school site require an attached Risk

Assessment (available in forms area) attached.

Biannually
the
HSR
provide
all
staff
classroom/office/store checklist and forwarded

WH&S POLICY 2016

with
a
to OHS

PAGE 11 OF 27

Committee.
Committee
evaluates
all
maintenance/OHS issues and act upon them.

lists

for

Accident Notification forms are to be completed for ALL

injuries sustained during any school activity by both Staff and
Students. These are given directly, when completed, to the
Principals Secretary.

Maintain an appropriate workplace incident/injury reporting

system that will provide our workplace with information to
prevent future incidents and work related injury or illness.

4 BUDGET
The Principal in conjunction with the WH&S Committee determine
the WH&S budget. The budget based on level of Risk Management
to provide a safer and healthy working place. The budget will be
developed in accordance with resources available from both within
the school and the Catholic Schools Office.

5 EVALUATION
This Policy will be evaluated in 2016 unless changes in the CSO
Policy or circumstances require it to be reviewed earlier.

WH&S POLICY 2016

PAGE 12 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element One

Policy
GOAL

KPI

1.1
WHS Policies are reviewed every
3 years or as need arises.

1.1.1
Staff representatives are involved in
policy development.

POLICY

Element

STRATEGIES
Review existing policy in light of new WH&S Act 2011

Develop a WHSMS in accordance with Diocesan recommendations

2013-2014
Present final policy to staff.
Policy is available to all staff and included in relevant WH&S training for
all relevant personnel.

WH&S POLICY 2016

TIMELINE

OVERSIGHT

Date
Completed

WHS Committee
Principal+
HSR

March 2014

WHS Committee
Principal+
HSR
WHS Committee

March 2014

Principal

25th March 2014

March 2014

PAGE 13 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element Two

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

Element

GOAL
2.1
To educate staff of their
responsibilities under the WH&S
Act and School WH&S Policy

WH&S POLICY 2016

KPI

STRATEGIES

TIMELINE

Include responsibilities for PCBU, Officers, HSR and Workers in the

WH&S Policy

Educate staff on their responsibilities under the new act

OVERSIGHT

Date
Completed

Principal

March 2014

Principal

25th March 2014

10th April 2014

Principal

March 2014

2013-2014

Incorporate changes to legislation into the New Staff Induction Booklet

for WH&S

PAGE 14 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element Three

Consultation

CONSULTATION

Element

GOAL
3.1
To allow for training for WHS
Health and Safety
Representatives to improve the
knowledge base of staff at our
school.
3.2
To have regular WHS meetings to
allow the management and
maintenance of WHS within the
school and report to staff.

KPI

STRATEGIES

3.1.1
A trained representative will help
operate St Peters WHSMS.

Allocate release time to allow 5 day training of an WHS representative

3.2.1
WHS meetings will be held each
fortnightly

Schedule regular WH&S Meetings

TIMELINE

3.3.1
All staff members contribute and
maintain the smooth running of WHS
within the school.

Provide release for WH&S Representatives

Ongoing

Publish WHS Minutes

WHS issues will be raised at staff meetings
WH&S Weekly titbits on WISER

WH&S POLICY 2016

Date
Completed

Principal

2012

Ongoing

Maintain WH&S Meeting minutes

3.3
All staff members are aware of
WHS progress within the school.

OVERSIGHT

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

Principal

Yearly

WH&S Secretary

Fortnightly

WH&S Secretary

Fortnightly

WH&S Committee

Fortnightly

WH&S Committee

Weekly

PAGE 15 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element Four

Training
Date Completed
Element

GOAL

KPI

STRATEGIES

TIMELINE OVERSIGHT
2014

TRAINING

4.1
Develop a
cycle for
WH&S
Training

4.1.1
Appropriate
training
sessions are
held to
ensure staff
are
knowledgea
ble and
skilled in
handling
WHS
matters and
a calendar
is
maintained

Evacuation / Lock Down Procedures from

classrooms and playground

CPR Training
First Aid Certificates
Manual Handling
Anaphylaxis Training
OnGuard Training
Asthma Friendly Schools
Emergency Care

WH&S POLICY 2016

2016

Principal
1 each term

Annual
Selected
staff
Every 3
years
Every 3
years
Every 3
years
Every 3
years
Every 3
years

Risk Assessment/WH&S
Forms/Contractor and JSA

Every 3
years

Chem Safety

Every 3
years

New Staff Induction

Annual

Staff Supervision

Annual

Update staff on WH&S Act 2011 and

School Policy

2015

Every three
years

Principal
Mick Dellit
Julie Lambley
Principal
Principal
Principal
Principal
Principal
Principal

25/3/14 Mick Blake

Principal
Principal

Term One Program

Principal

First Staff Meeting and

Staff Email 28/1/14
25/3/14 Mick Blake

Principal

PAGE 16 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element Five

Procedures

PROCEDURES

Element

GOAL

KPI

5.1
Maintain and review
Emergency Management
Procedures

5.1.1
School has clear procedures for how
to handle emergency situations

Update of signage and printed instructions pertaining to Evacuation and

Lockdown

5.1.2
All staff are competent and confident
about the emergency drills and
procedures

Practice each of the four drills once per year in accordance with Training
Register

5.1.3
Emergency/Critical Incident
procedures
5.2.1
Contractors are working in
accordance with WS&S Act 2011

Regular updates of Critical Incident procedures to reflect personal

changes

5.2
Maintain and review Contractor
and Visitor Procedures

WH&S POLICY 2016

STRATEGIES

Date
Completed

TIMELINE

OVERSIGHT

Semester One
2014

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

As required

Assistant Principal
Welfare

As Required

WH&S Committee

2013

WH&S Committee

2013

Update Contractor/Visitor/Parent Sign in procedures

2013

Update Contractor registration and declarations

2013

Develop Contractor Job Safety Analysis JSA (Safe work methods)

procedures

2013

WH&S Committee

2013

Train staff on Contractor and Visitor Procedures

2014

Principal

25th March 2014

PAGE 17 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element Six

Contractor Management

CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT

Element

GOAL

KPI

6.1
Develop Approved Contractor
Checklist

6.1
Contractor list based on
performance standards, pricing and
ability to provide appropriate
licensing and liability cover

6.2
Maintain and review Contractor
and Visitor Procedures

6.2
Contractors are working in
accordance with WS&S Act 2011

WH&S POLICY 2016

STRATEGIES

TIMELINE

Prospective Contractors need to complete Approved Contractors

Checklist and Contractor Induction form

OVERSIGHT

Date
Completed

WH&S Committee
Ongoing

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

2013

WH&S Committee

2013

2013

WH&S Committee

2013

2014

Principal

25th March 2014

Update Contractor/Visitor/Parent Sign in procedures

2013

Update Contractor registration and declarations

2013

Develop Contractor Job Safety Analysis JSA (Safe work methods)

procedures
Train staff on Contractor and Visitor Procedures

PAGE 18 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element Seven

Element

GOAL

KPI

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Performance Indicators
6.1
Develop multi-dimensional system
(using Swiss Cheese Model) to
monitor workplace health and
safety

6.1
Contractor list based on
performance standards, pricing and
ability to provide appropriate
licensing and liability cover

WH&S POLICY 2016

STRATEGIES
Introduce Injury Register and periodically review to determine patterns.
Where patterns exist address through Risk Assessments and or WH&S
Forms

Embed culture of staff completing WH&S Maintenance Forms as evidence

by increase in submitted forms

TIMELINE

OVERSIGHT

Date
Completed

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

PAGE 19 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element Eight Risk

Element

GOAL

RISK MANAGEMENT

Management
8.1
All staff assess hazards, identify
risks and put measures in place to
control any hazard found.

8.2
Staff Undergo training in Risk
Assessment

WH&S POLICY 2016

KPI
8.1.1
Documentation of all WHS related
incidents is recorded and filed.

8.2
Staff complete Risk Assessments for
all activities undertaken at school

TIMELINE

OVERSIGHT

Date
Completed

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

Embed culture of staff completing WH&S Maintenance Forms as evidence

by increase in submitted forms

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

Staff training for Risk Assessment. Staff required to complete Risk

Assessments for all Excursions and ensure that all staff participating in the
event view the Risk Assessment.

Every Three
years (annually
for new staff)

Principal

STRATEGIES
Introduce Injury Register and periodically review to determine patterns.
Where patterns exist address through Risk Assessments and or WH&S
Forms

PAGE 20 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element Nine Inspection

and Testing

INSPECTION & TESTING

Element

GOAL

KPI

5.3
Develop
procedures to
record for
Essential
Services
Maintenance

5.3.1
Register to
identify when
Essential
Services are
checked

STRATEGIES
Internal Area Audit
Internal Site Inspection
External Safety Inspection
External Building Inspection
Practical Equipment and area
Electrical Tagging and Testing
Emergency Lighting Inspection
Fire Extinguisher
Fire Hydrant
Fire Booster Valve
Tree Inspection
Pest Control
Service Pits
Air Conditioning
Lifts

WH&S POLICY 2016

MANAGEMENT OF THE RISK

Area audit of all areas in the school to be completed
by relevant staff each semester.
OH&S Committee to complete a site inspection each
semester
External Contractor to do an assessment of risk and
hazard on the school site every three years
External Contractor to do an Inspection of structure
and integrity of all buildings every three years
External Contractor to do an inspection every three
years
Electrical Testing and Tagging of new electrical
equipment annually
All exit signs and batteries are checked and serviced
twice per year
All Fire Extinguishers are checked and serviced
twice per year
All hose, reel and cradles are checked and serviced
twice per year
Backflow prevention device inspected annually
All Trees on site are inspected by a qualified aborist
twice per year
All food preparation areas sprayed for vermin twice
per year, all other internal areas as required
Trade Waste discharge grease pits every 3 years
Units serviced annually
Bi Annual maintenance & safety inspection.

OVERSIGHT

2014

Date Completed
2015

2016

WH&S Committee
WH&S Committee
AW Workwise
49485455
Geoff Tomlinson
#R69823 (0421131894)
OnGuard
Contract LecSafe
Contract Guardian
Safety Solutions
Contract Guardian
Safety Solutions
Contract Guardian
Safety Solutions
Contract Guardian
Safety Solutions
Contract Coastwide
Contracting
Contract Pestezz
Contract Transpacific
Industrial
Contact Coolrite/East
Coast Air
Contract
Schindler Lifts

PAGE 21 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element Ten Incident

Reporting

INCIDENT REPORTING

Element

GOAL
10.1
To formally report all WHS
incidents, including near misses.

WH&S POLICY 2016

KPI
10.1.1
Incident reports are maintained and
any trends analysed and reported
on.

STRATEGIES
Introduce Injury Register and periodically review to determine patterns.
Where patterns exist address through Risk Assessments and or WH&S
Forms

Embed culture of staff completing WH&S Maintenance Forms as evidence

by increase in submitted forms

TIMELINE

OVERSIGHT

Date
Completed

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

PAGE 22 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element Eleven Injury &

Claims Management

MANAGEMENTINJURY & CLAIMS

Element

GOAL
11.1
To formally report all WHS
incidents, including near misses.

KPI
11.1.1
Incident reports are maintained and
any trends analysed and reported
on.

STRATEGIES
Introduce Injury Register and periodically review to determine patterns.
Where patterns exist address through Risk Assessments and or WH&S
Forms

Embed culture of staff completing WH&S Maintenance Forms as evidence

by increase in submitted forms

11.2
Ensure staff are aware of
procedures relating to injury and
return to work

WH&S POLICY 2016

11.2.1
Staff can identify support
mechanisms and procedures if they
sustain an injury

Staff are trained in process to follow if they are injured including return to
work process and procedures.

TIMELINE

OVERSIGHT

Date
Completed

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

Ongoing

Principal

Ongoing

PAGE 23 OF 27

St Peters Maitland

WHSMS

Improvement Plan : Element Twelve

Element

GOAL

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Document Control
12.2
To periodically update WHS Policy
documents unless changes in the
CSO Policy or circumstances
require it to be reviewed earlier.

WH&S POLICY 2016

KPI
12.2.1
All policies will be based on current
best practice

STRATEGIES

TIMELINE

OVERSIGHT

Date
Completed

Update policy and procedures when improvements are identified through

school processes, CSO directives and other means

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

Ongoing

WH&S Committee

Ongoing

Discuss updates that are made to policies with the staff at staff meetings

PAGE 24 OF 27

WH&S POLICY 2016

PAGE 25 OF 27

All Saints College, St Peters Campus

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

COMMITTEE CONSTITUTION
AIMS AND SCOPE:
It shall be the aim of the Workplace and Health Committee to perform the functions, implement the
procedures and exercise the powers as set down in the Workplace Health and Safety Act (2011). It will
provide to the best of its ability a work environment that would be deemed healthy and safe to all parties
who move onto our work places. This would include the Principal, the Staff, parents, students, visitors and
contractors.

MEMBERSHIP:
The committee should be made up of the Principal as the employers representative and two employees
shall be elected by staff to be Health and Safety Representatives (HSR).

ELECTION:
Election of employer representatives shall take place by secret ballot under the preferential system of
voting. The successful nominees shall hold the position for four years. If one of the elected members is not
able to complete their term of office, a person (s) may be appointed by the remaining committee members
to the vacant office for the balance of the predecessors term.

CHAIRPERSON:
The employees representatives on an Workplace Health and Safety Committee shall elect one of their
members to be chairperson and convenor of the committee forthwith after the establishment of the
committee and thereafter as the occasion requires.

MEETINGS:
The committee shall meet at least once every school term. The chairperson may call a meeting at any
time. He/she shall circulate agenda to all members of the committee prior to any meeting.

MINUTES:
Minutes of each meeting are to be kept by a designated member of the committee. A copy of these will be
displayed at the place of work in prominent places where employees may read them.

AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION:
On acceptance of the ASC, St Peters Campus Workplace Health and Safety Committee Constitution,
amendment can only be made when presented by the committee to the employees, and after debate, it is
accepted with a majority of 85% of the vote.

WH&S POLICY 2016

WHS Consultation Statement

Caring for the physical and psychological wellbeing of people

Consultation
Arrangement

Functions of the
Committee

All Saints College St Peters Campus (WHS Consultation Statement)

School Commitment
St Peters is committed to protecting the health and safety of all employees. Injury and illness is
needless, costly and preventable. The school will consult employees in implementing safety
practices and systems that will ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees. Employee
involvement at all levels is critical for ensuring a safe workplace.
An WHS Committee has been established to promote safety and health in the workplace.
WHS Committee
The WHS Committee shall consist of 2 employees representatives, a management
representative and other appropriate personnel.
The workgroup for the WHS Committee is all employees who work for St Peters Campus, 9
Freechurch Street, Maitland 2320.
The employee members of the WHS Committee are the 2 Health and Safety Representatives.
The management representative is Michael Blake (Principal).
The WHS Committee will assist with the development and monitoring of safe work practices and
systems, and discuss issues that affect the health, safety and welfare of all employees and
students at St Peters. The Executive will respond to WHS Committee recommendations within
a timeframe agreed by the Committee, set according to the particular issues and its complexity.
How Employees will be Consulted about WHS

How Employees
will be
When an WHS issue is raised either by the Leadership Team, an employee or the WHS
Committee, the management representative will consult members of their workgroup. The
Consulted

Establishment
of Consultation
Arrangements
Review of
Consultation
Arrangements
Signing of
Statement on
behalf of St
Peters and its
employees

management representative will also feed back to their workgroup, the outcomes of the WHS
Committee meetings.
Employees should draw to the attention of their faculty coordinator or any member of the WHS
Committee, through the correct forms which can be located under the staff pigeon holes, any
health and safety concerns that they have about the workplace so the issue can be promptly
addressed.
Establishment of Consultation Arrangements
St Peters discussed establishing consultation arrangements with its employees in February
2013. After general discussion as a staff and provision of information from the Workcover
Consultation Code of Practice, it was agreed to establish a WHS Committee.
Review of Consultation Arrangements
It has been agreed by St Peters School Executive and their employees that these WHS
consultation arrangements will be monitored and reviewed on an on-going basis to ensure that
consultation with all employees is effective and that all safety issues are being addressed.

Signed:
Michael Blake, Principal
Date:

WH&S POLICY 2016

April 2014

Signed:
Chairperson of WHS Committee
Date:

April 2014