OHS in Schools

admin • August 25, 2025

School Education is an industry with specific OHS challenges. In fact, The Department of Education has been flagged as one of the highest risk government employers and the Government sector has been announced as one of 5 key industries of focus for WorkSafe in reducing workplace harm. Government-health-safety-strategic-approach-2025-08.pdf


OHS Law requires that educational institutions of all types adhere with their legal obligations – and this includes schools.

Schools are not just places of learning—they are workplaces for staff and environments where students spend much of their time. Ensuring safety and well-being through Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is not only a legal requirement, but is also essential for fostering a positive workplace culture.


The employer has a duty to provide a safe workplace to its’ employees, and also to the students and members of the public.

Part of meeting safety obligations means effectively consulting with their employees on matters relating to safety. The best way for safety matters to be effectively communicated is through proper consultation arrangements. This includes:

·        The establishment of Designated Work Groups (DWG)

·        Electing Health and Safety Representatives

·        The establishment of Health and Safety Committees


Don’t forget that effective consultation is a legal requirement under The OHS Act and that employers are required to set up DWGs if requested by a worker. They are also required to assist with how HSR’s will be elected for each DWG. If an HSR then asks for an HSC to be established, the employer has 3 months to do so. (For more information, see Part 7 of the OHS Act.) Also, don’t forget that HSRs have a right to attend HSR training at a provider of their choice! HSR Training Courses | BeSafe | Regional Victoria


Key OHS Risks in schools may include:

·        Hazardous manual handling

·        Work-related stress, violence, harassment and bullying

·        Slips, trips and falls

·        Plant and equipment

·        Hazardous substances and dangerous goods

·        Additional risks associated with school excursions and camps


While there are specific hazards and risks in the school workplace which need to be addressed, all of the usual obligations and duties under the OHS Act apply.

WorkSafe Victoria has some guidance material relating to OHS in Schools which can be found at:

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in schools: A practical guide for school leaders | WorkSafe Victoria

Additional resources can also be found here: Education Websites & information - OHS Reps

As always, BeSafe Victoria are happy to help – so give us a call and we can help to point you in the right direction: HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria

Refresher courses available

By admin • October 19, 2026
At BeSafe Victoria, we offer four different HSR Refresher OHS Training Courses. All of them are WorkSafe approved courses. Here is what you can expect from the 4 topics… These WorkSafe-approved HSR refresher OHS training courses aim to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to raise, and contribute to the resolution of, health and safety issues arising from exposure to 4 different groups of hazards: Plant During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: The legislative framework and the role of HSRs Designated work groups and HSR powers Risk Management How to apply the risk management cycle to risks associated with Plant Issue resolution procedures Provisional Improvement Notices Psychological Health During this program you will refresh and update your knowledge by: Understanding psychological health Identifying psychosocial hazards Knowing legal duties Understanding HSR roles and powers Applying risk management processes Assessing psychosocial risks Controlling and reducing risks Resolving workplace issues Using prevention plans and supports Gendered violence During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: HSR rights and powers under the OHS Act Gendered violence definitions and workplace examples How to identify these hazards and risks in the workplace How to address work-related gendered violence as a health and safety issue Aggression or Violence During this program you will refresh your knowledge of: The risks associated with work-related aggression and violence How to identify, prevent and control these hazards The legislative framework, legal duties and requirements Understand HSR roles and powers Risk Management Incident Investigations Audience: Although HSRs are the primary audience, managers, supervisors, health and safety committee members and anyone with an interest in health and safety may also benefit from attending this course. NB: Under the OHS Act 2004 (section 67), all elected HSRs and deputy HSRs, after completing an initial course of training, have an entitlement for each year they hold office to attend a WorkSafe-approved HSR refresher OHS training course. An employer, if requested, must allow the HSR/Deputy HSR to attend on paid time, pay the cost of the course and any other associated costs. Section 67 also allows HSRs to choose the course, in consultation with their employer. Fees: $370pp + GST Enquiries: At BeSafe, we deliver training throughout Victoria. We so list our courses on our website, but we can also book in courses on demand in any location and we can even come and deliver a course on-site at your workplace. Just get in touch: 0467 002 060 info@besafevictoria.com.au www.besafevictoria.com.au HSR Training Courses | BeSafe | Regional Victoria

HSR Conference Program Announced!

By admin • October 6, 2026
We are excited that the program has been released for the 2026 HSR Conference! The event is held across the state, with the Melbourne presentations being live streamed to four regional centres. This includes Bendigo, Morwell, Wangaratta and Ballarat. BeSafe is super excited to be hosting the Ballarat event! The conference is on Tuesday 27 th October and will kick off at 8.30am and run through to 2.45pm. It’s completely free and catered for, but you must register to attend at: VTHC HSR Conference 2026 Don’t forget that HSR’s have an entitlement to attend this course, as it is WorkSafe Victoria approved under Section 69. Numbers are limited, so register as soon as possible so you don’t miss out!  Here is what to expect on the day: The Conference topic “Extreme Weather, Extreme Risk: The Future of Occupational Health and Safety”: How extreme weather is changing workplace health and safety, the new risks workers face, and how HSRs can use their rights and powers to prevent harm. The Program 7.45- 8.30am Arrive and register 8.30 – 10am SESSION 1 Opening speakers: VTHC Secretary Luke Hilakari, WorkSafe Minister Steve Dimopoulos MP and WorkSafe CEO Cathy Henderson Presentation: Extreme Heat: combined presentation between HSRs and Dr Andrew Ireland 10:00am - 10:30am Morning tea 10:30am - 11:15am SESSION 2 Presentation: Climate-driven natural disasters: combined presentation between HSRs and Dr Andrew Watkins Q&A 11:25am - 12:15pm BREAKOUT SESSION 1: Debrief and reflections 12:15pm – 1:15pm Lunch 1:15pm – 2:45pm BREAKOUT SESSION 2: Myth busters, problem solving and campaigns activities 2:45pm Conference evaluation and certificate collection For more information, take a look at: H&S Month 2026: Victorian HSR Conference | WorkSafe Victoria HSR conference 2026 - OHS Reps