Enhancing safety - ITD practical workshops
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 5, 19 July 2024, page 16.
As QTU WHS Organiser, I had the opportunity to work-shadow the team from the Department of Education’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) Assurance Program – ITD focus.
Queensland state schools are set to benefit from a proactive initiative designed to boost safety and wellbeing in industrial technology and design (ITD) environments. The assurance program is a comprehensive approach to ensuring safer, more effective classrooms and workshops.
A closer look
The HSW Assurance Program, currently being delivered to ITD practical workshops, is not just about ticking boxes. It is a process that involves personalised site visits, expert assessments, and actionable feedback. The goal is simple: to create safer, more supportive environments for students and staff in ITD classrooms.
Each school involved in the program receives a visit from a team of two qualified assessors. These visits are far from generic; they are tailored to the unique needs of each school. Assessors conduct detailed equipment reviews, unstructured walk-throughs, and comprehensive safety inspections, focusing on everything from housekeeping to chemical management. By avoiding rankings or ratings, the program zeroes in on meaningful improvements.
Expert teams
The program boasts a team of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds, including HSW, injury management, ISO 45001 auditing, and ITD education experience. These experts delve into each school’s profile, review pre-visit documentation, and engage with staff to gain a thorough understanding of the school’s specific context and needs.
To cover all bases, the program splits its focus into two streams: work exploration and practical workshop inspection. This dual approach ensures that both procedural and physical aspects of safety are reviewed. Assessors identify gaps between procedures and practice, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and promoting best practices.
Immediate feedback and ongoing support
One of the great features of the program is its commitment to timely feedback. Schools receive immediate insights during a wrap-up meeting. A detailed report follows within two weeks, providing a roadmap for ongoing improvements. This ensures that schools are not left in the dark but are supported every step of the way.
The program thrives on feedback from participating schools. This feedback is crucial for driving continuous improvements and fostering a culture of growth and excellence. By staying hands-on and responsive, the program addresses both school-level and system-level ITD workspace concerns, ensuring that safety standards evolve in line with real-world needs.
Enforceable undertaking
The program is also bolstered by the department’s Enforceable Undertaking, which underscores a commitment to promoting and prioritising health, safety, and wellbeing in our schools and workplaces. This undertaking enables the department to make significant improvements beyond the minimum legal standards, benefiting staff, students, and the wider educational community.
Why should schools get involved?
Participation in the HSW Assurance Program is a proactive step towards enhancing safety in schools and workplaces. The program’s data-driven approach helps identify trends and emerging risks, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making. Moreover, by ensuring compliance with legislative and departmental requirements, the program showcases and promotes quality initiatives across the system.
The HSW Assurance Program is a vital initiative for Queensland state schools. By participating, schools not only enhance their safety standards, but also contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that ITD classrooms are safe, supportive, and conducive to learning.
The highly professional team are doing their bit in ensuring safe workspaces. Allistair Smith, who is on QTU State Council representing the Lockyer Branch, is the team’s Education Officer Special Duties, Safety, Wellbeing and Capability.