WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY

The safety of students and team members is of paramount importance in all activities conducted by ACWE. ACWE observes WHS legislation.

Under the work health and safety (WHS) laws, effective from 1 January 2012, the term ’employers’ was replaced by ‘persons conducting a business or undertaking’ (PCBU) and ’employees’ was replaced by ‘workers’. This also includes students within a workplace.

A PCBU conducts a business or undertaking alone or with others. The business or undertaking can operate for profit or not-for-profit. The definition of a PCBU focuses on the work arrangements and the relationships to carry out the work. In addition to employers, a PCBU can be a corporation, an association, a partnership or sole trader.

ACWE will inform students regarding WHS issues associated with their learning at the beginning of their course. This will include information regarding emergency exits and evacuation procedures from the building in which the training is being conducted.

Students have a duty of care and what is considered as ‘reasonably practicable’ to follow instructions for safe working practices, to work and behave in ways which are safe and without endangering the health and safety of yourself, others and/or damage to ACWE’s property.

Any accidents or damaged equipment must be reported immediately to an ACWE team member. Students requiring counselling or support are to discuss matters with their Trainer/Facilitator/Assessor in the first instance. The Trainer/Facilitator/ Assessor will assist wherever possible. However, in the event further action is required or professional counselling appears necessary, they will refer the student to one of the Directors who will access appropriate personnel or recommend the services of an appropriate external organisation. Where counselling by external organisations incurs professional fees, payment of these fees will be the responsibility of the student