Work Health and Safety (WHS) Policy

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Policy

WEA Sydney is committed to providing a safe, healthy and supportive environment for all staff, tutors, trainers, students, volunteers and visitors. We recognise that a safe workplace and learning environment supports wellbeing, effective teaching and learning, and the successful delivery of our programs.

This policy outlines WEA Sydney’s approach to managing health and safety risks in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and relevant legislation.

Scope
This policy applies to:

• staff and managers
• trainers, tutors and contractors
• volunteers
• students and course participants
• Council and Board members
• visitors to WEA Sydney facilities

It applies to all WEA Sydney activities including:

• classrooms and training environments
• office spaces
• online learning environments
• events or activities conducted by WEA Sydney

Our Commitment
WEA Sydney will take reasonable steps to:

• provide safe premises and learning environments
• identify and manage potential hazards and risks
• provide appropriate information, instruction and supervision
• maintain safe equipment and facilities
• promote health, safety and wellbeing
• consult with staff and relevant stakeholders on WHS matters
• comply with all relevant work health and safety legislation

Health and Safety Governance
WEA Sydney maintains a Health and Safety Reviews to support the implementation of safe work practices. This includes:

• assisting in identifying risks and improving safety procedures
• promoting safe work practices
• providing advice and recommendations to organisational leadership

Responsibilities
WEA Sydney (as the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking - PCBU) will:

• provide a safe work and learning environment
• maintain safe systems of work
• ensure safe use, handling and storage of equipment and materials
• provide information, training and supervision where required
• maintain safe access and emergency procedures
• respond to hazards and incidents appropriately

Staff, Trainers and Tutors must:

• take reasonable care of their own health and safety
• take reasonable care of the safety of others
• follow WHS procedures and training
• report hazards, incidents or unsafe behaviour
• cooperate with WHS initiatives

Students and visitors are expected to:

• behave in ways that support a safe environment
• follow instructions provided by staff or tutors
• report hazards or incidents where possible

Hazard Identification and Risk Management
WEA Sydney actively identifies and manages potential risks including:

• environmental hazards
• equipment safety risks
• emergency situations
• health risks within learning environments

Staff and students are encouraged to report hazards or near-miss incidents so that risks can be addressed.

Incident and Accident Reporting
All accidents, injuries, incidents or near-miss events should be reported as soon as possible. WEA Sydney will:

• record incidents appropriately
• investigate where necessary
• implement measures to prevent recurrence

Incident records will be maintained in accordance with legal requirements.

Emergency Procedures
Emergency procedures are in place to support the safe evacuation of WEA facilities. In an emergency:

• follow instructions from staff or emergency wardens
• exit the building via designated emergency exits
• proceed to the designated assembly point
• do not use lifts during evacuation

Emergency services should be contacted immediately where required.

First Aid
WEA Sydney maintains accessible first aid kits and trained first aid personnel where required. First aid assistance may be provided for minor injuries while emergency services will be contacted for serious incidents.

Health and Wellbeing
WEA Sydney recognises that workplace health includes both physical and psychological wellbeing. The organisation supports wellbeing by:

• maintaining respectful workplace practices
• promoting safe and supportive learning environments
• responding to inappropriate or abusive behaviour

Bullying, harassment or abusive conduct is not tolerated.

Smoke-Free Environment
WEA Sydney facilities are smoke-free environments. Smoking is not permitted within buildings or designated WEA learning spaces.

Injury Management and Return to Work
Where a work-related injury occurs, WEA Sydney will support injured workers through:

• appropriate reporting and workers compensation processes
• access to medical and rehabilitation services
• return-to-work arrangements where appropriate

Policy Review
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
• relevant WHS regulations
• ASQA Standards for Registered Training Organisations (2025)