Education

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Education

Hazards

Hazard 1
Classroom and office ergonomics
Provide appropriate workstations. This includes home offices or off-site work areas. For example:

height-adjustable chairs

computers with height-adjustable monitors

adequate lighting

desk and foot space

mouse pad area

docking station for laptops.
Hazard 2
Handling people
Room layout and design must support employee safety. For example,

mechanical lifting aids

location of desks

multiple exits.

Implement duress/assistance plans and ensure that staff know how to seek assistance.

Risk (re)assessment of students should occur at least annually and be linked to behaviour management plans.
Hazard 3
Lifting and carrying
Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment. For example:

dollies

height-adjustable trolleys

wheeled equipment.

Ensure mechanical aids and equipment are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Develop and implement appropriate policies and procedures to reduce the risks of the industry and communicate them to all staff.

Ensure employees and contractors receive a site induction and ongoing training (for example, about how to use any risk controls).

Train employees and contractors in the selection and use of any mechanical aids and equipment and safe handling methods. For example:

repetitive stacking work should be carried out between shoulder and mid-thigh height

large or awkward objects should be transported on dollies.

Store frequently used heavy objects at waist level.

Design and position shelves for easy access.

School camps and outdoor activities require OHS planning to minimise the risk of injury For example, provide appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure it’s used correctly.
Hazard 4
Psychosocial
Psychosocial hazards are factors in the design or management of work that increase the risk of psychological or physical harm. Examples include:

work-related violence

work-related fatigue

workplace bullying

work-related gendered violence including sexual harassment

violent or traumatic events

remote and isolated work

high and low job demands

low job control

poor support.

Ensure systems are in place to identify, assess and control risks to psychological health in consultation with workers, contractors and any HSRs. Systems should include processes for regularly reviewing and revising risk control measures to ensure effectiveness.

Consider the design and management of work. For example:

Are employee and contractor tasks appropriate for skill level and experience?

Do workers have adequate training, resources and support?

Is workload allocated to ensure it is reasonable and appropriate to skillset?

Do workers have clear roles and reporting lines?

Ensure systems are in place for workers to report psychosocial hazards and risks. Workers should be confident their concerns will be addressed in a fair and timely manner.

Provide workers with adequate support. For example, supervisory support, peer support and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
Hazard 5
Slips trips and falls
Ensure flooring is level and in good condition.

Ensure spills are cleaned up immediately.

Regularly tidy and remove clutter so it does not accumulate.

Ensure all stairs and steps have handrails.

Provide adequate lighting for work areas and walkways.
Hazard 6
Working with machinery
Ensure all machinery complies with the Australian Standard for machine guarding.

Use lock-out/tag-out systems when cleaning or maintaining high risk equipment. For example, bench saws and drills in technology rooms.

Ensure students are adequately supervised when working directly with or near machinery.

'If you are injured at work' poster

Employers must display an 'if you are injured at work' poster in every workplace. You can download and print a poster in English as well as Arabic, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, Greek, Italian, Macedonian, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.

Download a poster

Latest updates

Thursday 24 September 2026

The Department of Education has been convicted and fined $150,000 after a student had three fingers severed during a jewellery design class at Beechworth Secondary College.

Friday 27 February 2026

Inspiring stories of strength, innovation and leadership were the theme of the 2025 WorkSafe Awards last night.

Friday 28 November 2025

WorkSafe has charged the Department of Education after a student was injured during a class at Beechworth Secondary College in February 2024.

Education

The new Bullying Guide for Employers is now available.

OHS responsibilities and duties

Consultation

Health and safety representatives (HSRs)

You might also need

Insurance, claims and recovery

Psychological health

Employer obligations

Workplace resources

Understand WorkSafe

Injury hotspots

Education

Hazards

Classroom and office ergonomics

Handling people

Lifting and carrying

Psychosocial

Slips trips and falls

Working with machinery

'If you are injured at work' poster

Don't cross

the line

Latest updates

$150,000 fine after student's fingers severed by guillotine

Victoria’s health and safety heroes honoured

Charges after student guillotine injury

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